Francis Kamewor Tetteh, John Mensah and Kwame Owusu Kwateng
Integrating green (sustainable) practices in logistics management play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to a circular economy, realizing its sustainability potential…
Abstract
Purpose
Integrating green (sustainable) practices in logistics management play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to a circular economy, realizing its sustainability potential and position in the net zero emission target by 2050. Over the past decade, this integration has attracted significant attention in both academic and industrial discourse. Despite the increasing recognition of the benefits of green logistics practices (GLPs), only a few firms have implemented green-oriented or sustainable logistics practices; hence, a comprehensive understanding of what could drive its implementation as well as how and when firms can benefit from GLPs is of key importance for theory, policy and practice. Drawing on dual theoretical lenses, this study investigated how supply chain ethical leadership (SCEL) could stimulate green logistics practices by building green core competencies (GCC) under varying conditions of corporate green culture (CGC).
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated model motivated by social learning and contingency theories was tested using responses from 208 managers of logistics firms in Ghana. SPSS 23 and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) were used for data analyses.
Findings
Both SCEL and GCC significantly influenced GLPs. The findings also showed that GLPs significantly enhanced carbon-neutral supply chain performance (CNSCP). The results further showed that GCC mediates the SCEL–GLPs link. We also found that the effect of SCEL on GLPs was amplified at a high level of CGC.
Practical implications
This study offers fresh insight into how managers can leverage SCEL to support GLP and when they can also combine green competence and green culture to achieve enhanced benefits in the form of carbon-neutral SCP. This further implies that building ethical leadership and competencies alone may not be sufficient to drive superior emission reduction and subsequent sustainability; rather, cultivating a green-oriented culture that values sustainable logistics is crucial to fully realize the potential of ethical leadership and competencies in enabling the implementation of GLPs and subsequently enhancing carbon-neutral SCP.
Originality/value
The novelty of the present study lies in the integration of social learning and contingency theories to unearth the mechanism and conditional roles of green competence and green culture in optimizing the SCEL–GLPs–GLP relationship. The study is also among the few attempts to shed light on how firms can leverage GLPs to enhance carbon-neutral supply chain performance, which is rare.
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Nana Amma Anokye, John Victor Mensah, Harriet Muriel Dzifa Potakey, Janet Serwah Boateng, David Wellington Essaw and Emmanuel Yamoah Tenkorang
Globally, rapid urbanisation characterised by increasing demand for housing and infrastructure needs has resulted in sand mining. In Ghana, sand mining can create or destroy the…
Abstract
Purpose
Globally, rapid urbanisation characterised by increasing demand for housing and infrastructure needs has resulted in sand mining. In Ghana, sand mining can create or destroy the livelihoods of people in urban and rural areas. This paper examines the interaction between sand mining and land-based livelihood security in Awutu Senya District (ASD) and Awutu Senya East Municipality (ASEM).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on pragmatism philosophy, the study used a mixed methods approach to collect quantitative data and qualitative data from 431 household heads, ten core staff of the Assemblies, five traditional leaders, two tipper truck drivers' associations and ten farmer groups. Statistical Product and Service Solutions, version 21 and NVivo 12 facilitated quantitative data analysis and qualitative data analysis, respectively.
Findings
The study revealed that sand mining had different consequences on land-based livelihood security. Some block makers and truck drivers acknowledged positive effects of sand mining on their livelihoods while the majority of the household respondents and other key informants claimed that sand mining had negative effects on their livelihoods.
Research limitations/implications
This paper focuses on two selected local government areas in Ghana. Therefore, the results may be generalised on the country with caution because local government areas have different characteristics. Further research is needed to contact the customers of sand in Accra.
Originality/value
This study provides new insight into the connections between sand mining and people's livelihood security in two local government areas. It also introduces a novel idea of collaboration among stakeholders to address negative effects associated with unsustainable sand mining.
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John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Freeman Christian Gborse, Ernest Sogah and Barbara Deladem Mensah
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of financial development on the Doing Business and capital flight contagion. And further, this study determines the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of financial development on the Doing Business and capital flight contagion. And further, this study determines the threshold beyond which financial development reduces capital flight.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-step system generalized methods of moment empirical model with linear interaction between Doing Business and financial development was estimated. This study used data on 26 countries over 12 years (2004–2015).
Findings
The main results indicated that, although Doing Business had a significant positive effect on capital flight, the interactive term had a significant adverse effect on capital flight. This outcome suggests that to reduce capital flight, a well-reformed and efficient business environment should be embedded with an efficient, stable and well-developed financial sector. In addition, the authors found only South Africa has a robust financial framework beyond the threshold of 0.383, whereas Congo, Rep., Rwanda, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Congo, Dem. Rep. had the weakest financial system and sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Research limitations/implications
This study recommends that policymakers should initiate policies that would enhance financial development.
Originality/value
This study’s main contributions are that the authors estimated the threshold beyond which financial development helps the business environment reduce the rate of capital flight. Further, the authors have shown that financial development is a catalyst to propel the deterioration powers of the business environment against capital flight. Also, the authors have estimated the long-run effect of the variables of interest on capital flight.
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John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor and Charles Adjasi
This paper examined the interactive role of Political Cycles on the relationship between Fiscal Policy and Capital Flight in Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examined the interactive role of Political Cycles on the relationship between Fiscal Policy and Capital Flight in Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-step System Generalized Methods of Moment empirical estimator was employed. This study used data on 40 African countries from 2009 to 2018.
Findings
The findings revealed that the interaction between political structures and fiscal policy is positive and significant, indicating that fiscal policies during election periods or different regimes would increase capital flight. The study found that political cycles positively affect capital flight, indicating that election periods and possible government changes promote capital flight activities. The tension and volatile atmosphere characterizing election periods in most African countries cause investors to use all alternatives, including illegal systems, to fly funds to a potentially stable economy.
Practical implications
This study recommends that government and policymakers maintain fiscal discipline during election years and enact pragmatic policies to ensure the continuity of critical fiscal policies to promote business climate and economic stability, especially when there is a change in government.
Originality/value
This study contributes to capital flight literature in two forms. One, the study, to the best knowledge of the authors, is the first to proxy tax with corporate tax (a sound proxy for tax within the business space). Also, this study is the first to empirically show that elections worsen the effect of fiscal policy on capital flight in Africa.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2024-0130
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Ernest Sogah, John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor and Freeman Christian Gborse
The aim of the quantity study is to investigate the cost of living and food security nexus in Ghana. Time series secondary quarterly data from 2012Q1 to 2018Q4 were examined.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the quantity study is to investigate the cost of living and food security nexus in Ghana. Time series secondary quarterly data from 2012Q1 to 2018Q4 were examined.
Design/methodology/approach
The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) to cointegration bound test was employed for the econometrics analysis. Time series secondary quarterly data from 2012Q1 to 2018Q4 were examined. Food security data based on the Global Food Security Index score were employed.
Findings
The result revealed that the variables are cointegrated in the long run. The study also revealed that the cost of living worsens food security in Ghana both in the short run and the long run. This could imply that people may not have enough money to afford adequate and nutritious food, which can lead to food insecurity. As the cost of living increases, people may have to spend more of their income on basic necessities such as housing, healthcare and transportation, leaving less money for food. This can result in people choosing cheaper and less nutritious options, or even skipping meals, which can have negative impacts on their health and well-being.
Practical implications
For policy implications, it is recommended that effort should be made by the Ministry of Finance Ghana, financial analysts and other economic agents to stabilize prices of goods and services in the country.
Originality/value
The study is among the few to have investigated the nexus between the cost of living and food security in non-Western economy using the secondary data.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2023-0309
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John Kweku Mensah Mawutor, Freeman Christian Gborse, Richard Agbanyo and Ernest Sogah
The purpose of this study is to test the modulating role and threshold of governance quality in the cost of living–energy poverty nexus.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to test the modulating role and threshold of governance quality in the cost of living–energy poverty nexus.
Design/methodology/approach
Two-step System Generalized Methods of Moment empirical model with linear interaction between cost of living and governance quality was estimated. This study used data on 40 African countries over 20 years (2000–2019).
Findings
The paper shows that the conditional effect of inflation on energy poverty is negative. Thus, governance quality acts as a moderator on the relationship between inflation and energy poverty beyond a threshold. The study's principal practical implication is that governance quality reverses inflation's positive unconditional effect on energy poverty, and governance quality may be improved beyond specific policy-defined thresholds to achieve the desired goal of lowering energy poverty. Nonetheless, governance quality at initial stages would not drive the needed reduction in energy poverty unless it goes beyond the threshold of 0.03, 0.02 and 0.07.
Research limitations/implications
This study recommends that policymakers should initiate policies that would ensure increased access to clean energy.
Originality/value
This study's main contributions are that the authors estimated the threshold beyond which governance quality reverses the adverse impact of inflation on energy poverty. Further, the authors have shown that governance quality is a catalyst to reduce energy poverty.
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Anthony Egyir Aikins, John Victor Mensah and Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme
Internal audit is an essential component of the accountability structure in Ghana's local government system. Favourable conditions are required for its operation to assist…
Abstract
Purpose
Internal audit is an essential component of the accountability structure in Ghana's local government system. Favourable conditions are required for its operation to assist management bodies to fulfil their responsibilities efficiently and effectively. Using Internal Control-Integrated Framework, this paper investigates the conditions under which internal auditing is carried out in four selected local governments in the Central Region of Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on interpretivism and qualitative approach, purposive sampling technique was used to select 14 key informants at various levels of governance for primary data by the use of key informant interview guide. The data were analysed using pattern matching and content analysis based on themes.
Findings
The findings of the study indicate that internal auditors faced unfavourable conditions including intimidation, threats and administrative interference in the course of performing their duties.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is based on qualitative data from four selected local governments in the Central Region of Ghana. Hence these findings are specific to the local governments, internal auditors and management bodies in the country to benefit from them. The implication of the findings is closely related to the efforts to realise the ultimate goal of the recent government reforms and the need for further reforms to enhance independence, objectivity, effectiveness and efficiency.
Practical implications
This study helps management of local governments in finding out conditions under which internal auditing operates. This helps to enhance favourable conditions and minimise the unfavourable conditions for the purpose of efficient and effective utilisation of resources towards improvement of service delivery of local government system to meet the needs of the people.
Social implications
The study contributes to the understanding and application of Internal Control-Integrated Framework to local government system in the Central Region. It also uses the agency theory to explain the conditions under which internal auditing is carried out in the selected local government institutions.
Originality/value
This study provides new insight into the conditions of carrying out internal auditing in local governments and raises awareness of stakeholders on the need to enhance service delivery to the people. It also introduces a novel idea of placing all internal auditors under a newly established Internal Audit Class to advance independence and objectivity.
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Francis Kamewor Tetteh, Kwame Owusu Kwateng and John Mensah
With limited empirical evidence, prior studies have proposed that green practices can be leveraged to enhance carbon neutrality. This study draws on the contingent natural…
Abstract
Purpose
With limited empirical evidence, prior studies have proposed that green practices can be leveraged to enhance carbon neutrality. This study draws on the contingent natural resource-based view (NRBV) to theorize and validate how pressure from supply chain (SC) stakeholders could amplify the effect of green logistics practices (GLPs) on carbon-neutral supply chain performance (CNSCP) among firms in developing countries. Specifically, this study contends that high levels of supply chain pressures (SCPs) (customers and suppliers) amplify the influence of GLPs on CNSCP.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated model was tested using survey data gathered from 208 managers of logistics firms in Ghana. SPSS 23 and structural equation modeling were used for the data analyses.
Findings
Findings showed that all five dimensions of GLPs (transportation, warehousing, packaging and distribution, logistics information sharing and sustainable waste management) significantly enhance CNSCP. This study also found varying interactive effects of SCPs (customers and suppliers) on the link between GLPs (green transportation, green packaging and distribution) and CNSCP, such that different practices exert varying interactive effects at varying levels of SCPs.
Practical implications
This study offers fresh insights into how managers can leverage GLPs to achieve enhanced benefits in the form of CNSCP. The outcome of this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the GLPs-CNSCP link while shedding light on how firms can manage SCP to drive enhanced carbon-neutral performance through GLPs.
Social implications
This study contributes to policymakers in enhancing the decarbonization of global SCs through sustainable logistics practices.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to theorize and empirically validate the influence of GLPs on CNSCP. This study identified five practices and demonstrated how these practices uniquely drive CNSCP, as opposed to previous studies that examined GLPs from a one-dimensional perspective. This study also expands the borders of sustainable logistics literature by theorizing and empirically validating SCPs (customers and suppliers) as necessary conditions to amplify the benefits of GLPs. In essence, the novelty of the present study lies in the integration of NRBV and stakeholder theories to unearth the mechanism for optimizing the GLP-CNSCP relationship, which is rare in the sustainable logistics literature.
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Ernest Sogah, John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Isaac Ofoeda and Freeman Christian Gborse
The impact of government expenditure on economic performance has been a topic of discussion at both the sectoral and aggregate national levels. Despite its theoretical importance…
Abstract
Purpose
The impact of government expenditure on economic performance has been a topic of discussion at both the sectoral and aggregate national levels. Despite its theoretical importance, evidence from literature indicates that this relationship has not been universally accepted across different countries and sectors. Given the significance of agriculture in African economies, particularly in Ghana, and the role of government in this sector, this study examines the impact of government expenditure on agricultural productivity in Ghana from 2000Q1 to 2022Q4.
Design/methodology/approach
Specification of the model was done based on the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) cointegration bound test approach.
Findings
The results revealed that the studied variables cointegrated in the long run. Government expenditure was found to induce agriculture production both for the long run and short run within the period of the study, implying that government expenditure matters in inducing agriculture productivity in Ghana.
Originality/value
The study employed the ARDL methodology to investigate government expenditure and agriculture production contagion in Ghana, which has been specifically overlooked by previous studies. It is suggested that the Government of Ghana as well as others in similar environment should increase investment into the agriculture to boost the productivity of the sector.
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John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Ernest Sogah and Freeman Christian Gborse
The main objective of the quantitative study is to ascertain the relationship between the circular economy (CE) and carbon emissions. And also, the study examines the threshold…
Abstract
Purpose
The main objective of the quantitative study is to ascertain the relationship between the circular economy (CE) and carbon emissions. And also, the study examines the threshold beyond which the quality of governance reduces carbon emissions.
Design/methodology/approach
The autoregressive distributed lag approach is employed for the econometrics analysis. The study employed quarterly data from 2006Q1 to 2017Q4 on Ghana.
Findings
The results indicated that, although the CE had a positive and significant effect on carbon emissions, the moderating term had an adverse and significant effect on carbon emissions. This result suggests that to mitigate carbon emissions, a robust and efficient quality of institutions should be sustained. Finally, the study also identified a quality of governance threshold of 1.155 beyond which a shift to a CE would result in a reduction in carbon emissions.
Research limitations/implications
The study recommends that policymakers should initiate policies that would enhance quality governance.
Originality/value
The main contributions of the study are that the paper ascertained the threshold beyond which quality of governance assists circular economic practices to mitigate carbon emissions. Also, the study revealed that quality of governance is a catalyst to promote circular economic practices in reducing carbon emissions. Finally, the study ascertains the long-run effect of the variables of interest on carbon emissions.