Ayman Issa, Ahmad Sahyouni and Miroslav Mateev
This empirical research investigates the impact of board nationality diversity on the efficiency of banks. Additionally, our analysis examines the interacting impact of women's…
Abstract
Purpose
This empirical research investigates the impact of board nationality diversity on the efficiency of banks. Additionally, our analysis examines the interacting impact of women's representation on bank boards in the correlation between nationality diversity on board and bank efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
This research utilizes a dataset comprising banks operating in the MENA countries over an eight-year period. We apply diverse statistical methodologies, with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) being the primary econometric analysis, alongside several robustness tests.
Findings
The research results offer important insights into the importance of board nationality diversity, as well as its interaction with the inclusion of women on boards. The findings indicate that having foreign directors on bank boards enhances efficiency. Furthermore, they suggest that increased women representation on boards improves the positive correlation between presence of foreign directors in boardrooms and efficiency of banks, thereby mitigating agency problems and enhancing governance practices.
Practical implications
These results carry substantial implications for legislators across the MENA countries. Advocating for diversity policies within banks to encourage the inclusion of foreign directors on their boards could lead to efficiency enhancements. Furthermore, policymakers might explore the implementation of quotas or directives to bolster gender heterogeneity within board appointments, ultimately fostering improved bank efficiency and bolstering competitiveness within the region.
Originality/value
This study breaks new ground by investigating how board nationality diversity affects efficiency of banking sector in the MENA countries. It stands out for examining the moderating role of women representation on boards, offering novel insights into how these factors interact.
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Mohammad A.A. Zaid and Ayman Issa
Despite the acknowledged significance of the relationship between audit fees and corporate philanthropic initiatives, the existing literature has not yet reached the desired level…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the acknowledged significance of the relationship between audit fees and corporate philanthropic initiatives, the existing literature has not yet reached the desired level of providing explicit evidence on how this relationship can be moderated by board gender diversity. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing debate by using a panel data set comprising 905 Chinese listed firms over a five-year period from 2015 to 2019.
Design/methodology/approach
To generate solid findings and overcome the potential endogeneity bias, various econometric estimators, namely, ordinary least squares, two-step generalized method of moments, robust two-stage least squares and subsample analysis, have been carefully used. More interestingly, the study’s results remain consistent across different estimation methods.
Findings
The results reveal a statistically significant positive link between audit fees and corporate charitable giving. More interestingly, this connection strengthens with a higher representation of women directors on the board, particularly when there are three or more female directors. Furthermore, the results suggest that nonstate-owned firms exhibit greater motivation to participate in charitable giving initiatives compared to state-owned counterparts.
Practical implications
Stakeholders from various groups should attentively recognize the importance of gender-diverse boards as a dynamic factor impacting the association between audit fees and corporate charitable giving.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the crushing majority of the preceding research has not delved deeply into the critical role of board gender diversity in the relationship between audit fees and corporate charitable donations. Hence, this study provides a profound understanding of how audit fees predict corporate philanthropic initiatives.
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Ayman Issa, Ahmad Sahyouni and Miroslav Mateev
This paper aims to examine how the diversity of educational levels within bank boards influences the efficiency and stability of banks operating in the Middle East and North…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine how the diversity of educational levels within bank boards influences the efficiency and stability of banks operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Unlike previous studies, this analysis also investigates the role of board gender diversity in moderating the relationship between board educational level diversity and bank efficiency and financial stability in MENA.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, a sample of 77 banks in the MENA region spanning the years 2011 to 2018 is used. The relationship between the presence of highly educated directors on the board, bank efficiency and stability is assessed using the ordinary least squares method. Additionally, the authors use the Generalized Method of Moments technique to correct endogeneity problem.
Findings
This study establishes a positive association between the presence of directors with advanced educational backgrounds on bank boards and bank efficiency and stability. Furthermore, the inclusion of women on the board strengthens this relationship.
Practical implications
These findings have important implications for policymakers and regulators in the MENA region, suggesting that promoting diversity policies that encourage the participation of highly educated directors on bank boards can contribute to enhanced efficiency and financial stability. Policymakers may also consider implementing quotas or guidelines to improve gender diversity in board appointments, thereby fostering bank performance in the region.
Originality/value
This study stands out for its innovation and distinctiveness, as it delves into the connection between board educational level diversity and bank efficiency in the MENA region. Notably, it surpasses previous research by investigating the moderating role of board gender diversity, thus offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between these two facets of board diversity. This contribution enriches the existing literature by providing novel perspectives on board composition dynamics and its influence on bank efficiency and stability.
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Ayman Issa and Mohammad In’airat
This study aims to investigate the relationship between female leaders at board and executive levels and e-waste reduction in firms listed on the FTSE All-Share Index.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between female leaders at board and executive levels and e-waste reduction in firms listed on the FTSE All-Share Index.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a sample of nonfinancial firms listed in the FTSE All-Share Index between 2004 and 2021, comprising 2,523 firm observations. The primary technique used is ordinary least squares, with subsample analysis and the two-stage least squares method used to address endogeneity concerns.
Findings
This study suggests that the presence of female directors and executives can bring a more comprehensive and diverse approach to e-waste management, which can contribute to improved e-waste reduction initiatives. However, the study also highlights that the impact of female leadership on e-waste reduction may vary based on factors such as the size of the firm and the industry’s carbon footprint.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this research have noteworthy implications for companies and policymakers alike. By placing importance on gender diversity, companies can reap the benefits of diverse perspectives and approaches when addressing environmental challenges. Policymakers, on the other hand, can contribute to positive environmental outcomes by advocating for gender diversity in corporate leadership.
Originality/value
The novelty of this research stems from its discovery that having female directors and executives in a firm leads to a broader and more varied approach to managing e-waste, ultimately enhancing efforts to reduce it. This underscores the significance of gender diversity in advancing sustainable practices within organizations. The study highlights the distinct viewpoints and experiences that women offer when tackling environmental issues in the corporate sphere.
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This study aims to examine the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. Additionally, it explores potential moderating variables, such as…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. Additionally, it explores potential moderating variables, such as corporate social responsible (CSR) strategy and corporate governance practices, that may strengthen the link between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis is conducted using 1,740 firm-year observations from UK firms listed on the FTSE 350. Data on carbon emissions and firm-specific characteristics are obtained from the Refinitiv Eikon database for the period 2011–2020. Various econometric techniques, including ordinary least squares and system generalized method of moments, are used to examine the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. Additionally, alternative samples are used to further explore this relationship.
Findings
The author observes a significantly positive association between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance in this study. Additionally, the significance of this relationship is found to be present specifically after the announcement of the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, a channel analysis reveals that moderating factors like CSR strategy and corporate governance quality influence this relationship.
Practical implications
The study underscores the importance of carbon reduction initiatives for sustainable business growth and financial performance. Managers can use these insights to prioritize investments in sustainable practices. Policymakers should consider implementing supportive regulations to incentivize companies to adopt carbon reduction strategies.
Originality/value
This study adds value to the existing body of literature by empirically examining the moderating role of CSR strategy and best corporate governance practices in the relationship between carbon reduction initiatives and financial performance. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how these factors interact and influence the outcomes.
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Ayman Issa and Mohammad In'airat
The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between a company’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and its actual carbon performance. Additionally, the study…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between a company’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and its actual carbon performance. Additionally, the study investigates how female decision-makers may influence this relationship as moderators.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a data set consisting of 1,258 observations from companies listed on the STOXX Europe 600 index between 2009 and 2021. The study applies the ordinary least squares technique to investigate the connection between carbon reduction initiatives and actual carbon performance, taking into account the potential impact of board and executive gender diversity. To ensure the reliability of the findings, subsample analysis and a two-step generalized method of moments technique were used.
Findings
The results show a significant negative association between a firm’s commitment to environmental initiatives and its carbon emission intensity. Furthermore, the study explores the moderating effect of board and executive gender diversity on this relationship and finds that gender diversity has a significant negative impact on the relationship between emissions reduction initiatives and carbon emissions.
Practical implications
The study has practical implications for corporate sustainability efforts. It highlights the importance of implementing carbon reduction initiatives to effectively mitigate carbon emissions. This emphasizes the need for sustainable business strategies that prioritize environmental initiatives. Additionally, the study underscores the positive impact of gender diversity in leadership positions on carbon reduction efforts. Policymakers and organizations can leverage these findings to promote gender diversity and enhance sustainability practices.
Social implications
It provides evidence-based insights for policymakers to develop specific policies and action plans in priority areas such as climate change and emissions reduction. It also highlights the positive influence of gender diversity in corporate leadership on environmental initiatives, promoting inclusivity and equality in sustainability practices.
Originality/value
This study brings originality by investigating the direct impact of a company’s carbon reduction initiatives on its carbon performance. It also explores the moderating effect of board and executive gender diversity on this relationship. The study provides evidence-based insights for policymakers and applies neo-institutional theory to analyze the interplay between carbon reduction initiatives, carbon emissions and gender diversity in executive and board positions.
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Mohammad A.A. Zaid, Ayman Issa and Ayman Wael Al-Khatib
Utilizing a multi-theoretical framework, this study aims to investigate the impact of board gender and nationality diversity on the extent of intellectual capital disclosure…
Abstract
Purpose
Utilizing a multi-theoretical framework, this study aims to investigate the impact of board gender and nationality diversity on the extent of intellectual capital disclosure. Additionally, it seeks to explore the moderating role of financial literacy among audit committee members on the aforementioned relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
To empirically test the study’s framework, a panel dataset of listed firms on the Palestine Stock Exchange (PEX) spanning 12 years (2010–2022) was utilized. To address potential endogeneity issues and ensure robust findings, a battery of econometric estimators was employed, including ordinary least squares (OLS), one-step system generalized method of moments (GMM), lagged independent variables and a sub-index model.
Findings
The study findings make a significant contribution to existing intellectual capital literature. Specifically, the results reveal that the positive influence of board gender and nationality diversity on the extent of corporate intellectual capital disclosure is stronger when there is a high proportion of audit committee financial literacy. Additionally, the study distinguishes between overall index and sub-index analyses. Interestingly, the findings from the sub-index analysis, focusing on structural capital, relational capital and human capital, are somewhat similar to the results of the full index analysis.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first empirical attempt to uncover the impact of financial literacy among audit committee members on the relationship between board diversity and intellectual capital disclosure.
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Mohammad A.A. Zaid, Ayman Issa, Fitim Deari, Ploypailin Kijkasiwat and Vijay Kumar
This study aims to respond to the latest research calls to precisely revisit the nexus between corporate green innovation (CGI) and financial decisions through deeply…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to respond to the latest research calls to precisely revisit the nexus between corporate green innovation (CGI) and financial decisions through deeply investigating the mediating effect of corporate environmental performance measured by the effectiveness of emission reduction.
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzes nonfinancial-listed firms on the Australian Securities Exchange from 2002 to 2019 using multiple regression analysis on a panel data set. Initially, different static panel data approaches were used. To account for the potential endogeneity issue and generate robust outcomes, the authors apply the one-step system generalized method of moment, two-stage least squares and lagged model approaches.
Findings
The results provide a clear indication that the practices of green innovation can favorably contribute to the level of environmental performance, which in turn affect the firm’s ability in opening the new financial doors and shape solid capital structure. In this context, the effective environmental performance fully mediates the nexus between CGI and capital structure of a firm. More importantly, the outcomes are robust and coherent across different estimation techniques.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in its utilization of mediation analysis to explore the relationship between CGI and a firm's financial structure. This approach distinguishes it from previous research by offering a thorough and nuanced understanding of how green innovation practices influence the financing decisions of a firm.
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Waled Younes E. Alazzabi, Hasri Mustafa and Mohamed Issa
This paper provides a theoretical foundation and conceptual framework to explain the interactions among risk management (RM), top management support (TMS), and internal audit…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper provides a theoretical foundation and conceptual framework to explain the interactions among risk management (RM), top management support (TMS), and internal audit activities (IAA) to achieve internal control quality (ICQ).
Design/methodology/approach
A review of the extant literature in RM, auditing and management control is conducted to develop and establish theoretical relationships.
Findings
In this work, interconnectedness among organisational factors is discussed by drawing on contingency theory to provide the theoretical logic and support the conceptual framework.
Research limitations/implications
Although this work illustrates the significance of the moderation effect of TMS and the mediation effect of IAA to link RM processes with the quality of internal controls, limitations exist, as the study is conceptual and lacks empirical evidence. The paper emphasises education and training on RM and internal audit to address emerging issues and arising challenges in RM and ICQ.
Originality/value
The paper extends the existing literature in the area of ICQ, which is discussed extensively in developed contexts. However, studies on ICQ in emerging economics, specifically the Middle East and North Africa region, which suffers from high levels of corruption, and asset misappropriation cases are limited. Hence, this work is important because it addresses under-researched issues in relation to ICQ in an attempt to develop a conceptual framework from the available and most effective organisational factors to attain better ICQ.
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Abdisalam M. Issa‐Salwe and Anthony Olden
The collapse of the Somali Democratic Republic in 1991 led to a world‐wide diaspora. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and analyse Somali web sites in an attempt to…
Abstract
Purpose
The collapse of the Somali Democratic Republic in 1991 led to a world‐wide diaspora. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and analyse Somali web sites in an attempt to demonstrate how they reflect the troubled history and politics of the homeland and continue to interest, involve, bring together and divide Somalis world‐wide.
Design/methodology/approach
Web sites were divided into categories, and a study of the community/political category was conducted. Visits were made to the Horn of Africa and elsewhere, and face‐to‐face interviews conducted. E‐mail contact was maintained with a number of Somali webmasters.
Findings
Community/political web sites was the most numerous category, with the majority being named after a geographical area associated with a group of clan lineages or sub‐lineages. They contain news, opinion pieces and other features in Somali and on some web sites in Somali and English. While web sites usually declare that the opinions in articles are those of the authors alone, they are unlikely to publicise views with which they are not in agreement.
Originality/value
The paper illustrates how web sites enable members of one diaspora community to keep in touch with a political situation at home that is exceptional, and to involve themselves in its controversies, should they wish to do so. It also shows how the web site has brought a new dimension to traditional methods of feuding.