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1 – 10 of 11Muhammad Zafar Yaqub, Saeed Badghish, Rana Muhammad Shahid Yaqub, Imran Ali and Noor Sahar Ali
This study aims to integrate and extend leading contemporary underpinning frameworks such as the Stimulus Organism Response (S-O-R) model, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to integrate and extend leading contemporary underpinning frameworks such as the Stimulus Organism Response (S-O-R) model, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to assess the determinants of M-commerce usage during COVID-19 times. Besides direct effects, the study examines the mediating role of behavioral intention in affecting the relationship between a few external stimuli, internal states (of the organism) and M-commerce usage (the response). The study has also examined the moderating role of habitual behavior in the relationship between behavioral intention and M-commerce usage.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered from 312 customers through an online survey using a structured questionnaire. PLS-based SEM, using Smart PLS 4.0, was employed to calibrate the measurement and structural models.
Findings
The study found that stimuli like social influence, perceived ease of use and perceived value substantially affected M-commerce usage. Behavioral intention has been found to mediate these cause-and-effect relationships partially or fully among the subject constructs. Additionally, a significant negative but weak moderating impact of habit (or habitual behavior) on the relationship between behavioral intentions and M-commerce usage has been corroborated.
Originality/value
Several studies have investigated the factors influencing the adoption and continued usage of M-commerce services while appealing to diverse theoretical frameworks. However, more research has yet to be expended to arrive at an integrated explanation grounded in these theoretical frameworks to examine the dynamics of M-commerce usage in tempestuous times like the COVID-19 outbreak. The most significant (counterintuitive) findings have been suppressing the effects of otherwise crucial elements like perceived security and habit in prompting M-commerce usage in the face of the socio-psychological pressures stemming from COVID-19 restrictions and consumers' lack of digital readiness. The study's outcomes offer several theoretical and practical implications for researchers, managers, practitioners, businesses and policymakers to develop effective strategies to mature M-commerce usage among the masses, especially during unusual times like COVID-19.
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Muhammad Ijaz Khan, Muhammad Riaz, Khaled Abd El-Aziz, M. Sana Ullah Sahar, Mumtaz Ahmed Qaisrani and Hafiz Tauqeer Ali
The study highlights our findings, including the confirmation of phase stability through XRD analysis, the characterization of optical properties revealing high absorption and…
Abstract
Purpose
The study highlights our findings, including the confirmation of phase stability through XRD analysis, the characterization of optical properties revealing high absorption and conductivity and the analysis of mechanical stability through elastic constants. Additionally, we present detailed results on the band gap, EELS analysis and the suitability of SrZrO3 perovskite oxides for next-generation optoelectronic devices.
Design/methodology/approach
Cubic SrZrO3 perovskite oxides were designed within the framework of density functional theory (DFT) via the CASTEP code under varying stress conditions (0–100 GPa), aiming to explore the key properties for diverse applications. The phase stability was confirmed by XRD analysis. From 0 to 40 GPa, there is an increase in the band gap from 3.330 to 3.615 eV, while it narrows from 3.493 to 3.155 eV beyond 60 GPa. The optical characteristics revealed high absorption, superior conductivity and a lower loss function. Significantly, the elastic constants (C11, C12 and C44) satisfy the Born-stability criterion, ensuring the mechanical stability of the compound. Additionally, the Poisson’s ratio, Pugh ratio (B/G), Frantsevich ratio, Cauchy pressure (PC) and anisotropy factor ensured both ductile and anisotropic characteristics. Higher values of Young’s modulus and shear modulus signify a superior ability to withstand longitudinal stresses. In the EELS analysis, distinctive energy-loss peaks resulting from absorption and emission correlated with diverse electronic transitions and energy levels associated with Sr, Zr and O atoms are used to probe the precise exploration of the electronic and optical characteristics of materials with a high degree of accuracy. Based on these findings, the designed SrZrO3 perovskite oxides are particularly suitable for applications in various optoelectronic devices.
Findings
CASTEP codes were utilized to design the cubic SrZrO3 perovskite under varying stress conditions ranging from 0 to 100 GPa. The phase stability was confirmed through XRD analysis. A distinctive trend in the band gap was observed: an increase from 3.330 eV to 3.615 eV as the stress increased from 0 to 40 GPa and a decrease from 3.493 to 3.155 above 60 GPa. A higher absorption and conductivity and a lower loss function were found for the optical properties. The mechanical stability was ensured by elastic constants (C11, C12, and C44) satisfying the Born-stability criteria. Additionally, the Poisson’s ratio, Pugh’s ratio (B/G), Frantsevich ratio, Cauchy pressure (PC) and anisotropy factor were used to verify the ductility and anisotropy of the materials. Higher values of Young’s modulus and shear modulus indicate a superior ability to withstand longitudinal stresses. EELS analysis revealed distinctive energy-loss peaks associated with Sr, Zr and O atoms, enabling precise exploration of the electronic and optical characteristics with a high degree of accuracy. As expected, the designed SrZrO3 perovskite oxides exhibit favorable properties, making them particularly suitable for next-generation optoelectronic devices.
Originality/value
In this study, we utilized DFT within the CASTEP code framework to investigate the properties of cubic SrZrO3 perovskite oxides under varying stress conditions ranging from 0 to 100 GPa. Our research aimed to explore the key properties of SrZrO3 for diverse applications, particularly in optoelectronic devices.
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Muhammad Abas, Tufail Habib and Sahar Noor
This study aims to investigate the fabrication of solid ankle foot orthoses (SAFOs) using fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing technology. It emphasizes cost-effective 3D…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the fabrication of solid ankle foot orthoses (SAFOs) using fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing technology. It emphasizes cost-effective 3D scanning with the Kinect sensor and conducts a comparative analysis of SAFO durability with varying thicknesses and materials, including polylactic acid (PLA) and carbon fiber-reinforced (PLA-C), to address research gaps from prior studies.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the methodology comprises key components: data capture using a cost-effective Microsoft Kinect® Xbox 360 scanner to obtain precise leg dimensions for SAFOs. SAFOs are designed using CAD tools with varying thicknesses (3, 4, and 5 mm) while maintaining consistent geometry, allowing controlled thickness impact investigation. Fabrication uses PLA and PLA-C materials via FDM 3D printing, providing insights into material suitability. Mechanical analysis uses dual finite element analysis to assess force–displacement curves and fracture behavior, which were validated through experimental testing.
Findings
The results indicate that the precision of the scanned leg dimensions, compared to actual anthropometric data, exhibits a deviation of less than 5%, confirming the accuracy of the cost-effective scanning approach. Additionally, the research identifies optimal thicknesses for SAFOs, recommending a 4 and 5 mm thickness for PLA-C-based SAFOs and an only 5 mm thickness for PLA-based SAFOs. This optimization enhances the overall performance and effectiveness of these orthotic solutions.
Originality/value
This study’s innovation lies in its holistic approach, combining low-cost 3D scanning, 3D printing and computational simulations to optimize SAFO materials and thickness. These findings advance the creation of cost-effective and efficient orthotic solutions.
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Noor e Sahar, Dahlia Zawawi, Nor Siah Jaharuddin and Munir A. Abbasi
This study aims to use stewardship theory to investigate the effect of responsible leadership (RL) on organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment (OCBE) through the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to use stewardship theory to investigate the effect of responsible leadership (RL) on organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment (OCBE) through the mediatory role of environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR).
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from a sample of 224 individuals employed in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. The study used partial least squares structural equation modelling to estimate the relationships within the model.
Findings
The findings indicate that RL positively impacts OCBE, and ECSR is a partial mediator that mediates the relationship between RL and OCBE.
Practical implications
This research offers novel perspectives for organisational leaders, highlighting the significance of RL quality for instilling OCBE among the employees of manufacturing sectors. Organisational leaders must prioritise ECSR in their CSR initiatives.
Originality/value
This study’s novelty lies in confirming the mediating role of ECSR to drive the positive impact of RL on OCBE through stewardship theory.
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Munir A. Abbasi, Azlan Amran, Noor e Sahar and Chia Yon Lim
This study aims to investigate the effects of both internal and external corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) on organizational workplace deviant behaviours (OWDB) by using…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects of both internal and external corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) on organizational workplace deviant behaviours (OWDB) by using social cognitive theory. The study also explores the role of moral disengagement as a mediator in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from a sample of 321 individuals employed in the textile industry of Pakistan. The study used partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to estimate the relationships within the model.
Findings
The findings indicate that both internal and external CSI have a positive impact on moral disengagement. Secondly, moral disengagement drives OWDB positively. Thirdly, moral disengagement is a significant mediator that mediates between both internal and external CSI and OWDB positively.
Practical implications
This research offers novel perspectives to organizational leaders, highlighting the significance of addressing CSI in conjunction with sustainability endeavours. It is imperative for business managers to prioritize the morality of their employees.
Originality/value
This study’s novelty lies in its confirmation of the mediating role of moral disengagement in the relationship between internal and external CSI and OWDB.
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Munir A. Abbasi, Azlan Amran and Noor e Sahar
Drawing on expectancy violation theory, this study aims to assess the impact of corporate environmental irresponsibility (CEI) on workplace deviant behaviors (WDB) of Generation Z…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on expectancy violation theory, this study aims to assess the impact of corporate environmental irresponsibility (CEI) on workplace deviant behaviors (WDB) of Generation Z and Millennials through the mediation of moral outrage.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from 328 nonmanagerial employees working in the refinery, petroleum and power distribution companies who have been convicted for committing environmental irresponsibility by a court of law. Multigroup analysis (MGA) was used to estimate the hypothesized relationships.
Findings
Results revealed that CEI affects WDBs positively. Moreover, the MGA results demonstrated that the deviant behavior of Generation Z in response to environmental irresponsibility is higher than of the Millennials.
Research limitations/implications
Theoretically, the findings implicate that harming the environment will cost organizational performance through deviant behaviors.
Practical implications
This study provides a new lens for the executive management that eliminating social irresponsibility is more important than incurring sustainability initiatives, especially from the new generation’s perspective.
Originality/value
The originality of this study is that it confirmed the impact of CEI on employees’ deviant behaviors; and extended the scope of expectancy violation theory to the field of human resources.
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Sahar Rana, Ishfaq Ahmed and Gulnaz Shahzadi
Despite growing interest in workplace spirituality (WPS) and its impact on employee behaviors, there is a dearth of literature discussing an underlying mechanism of how it affects…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite growing interest in workplace spirituality (WPS) and its impact on employee behaviors, there is a dearth of literature discussing an underlying mechanism of how it affects adaptive performance. Against this backdrop, this study aims to develop and test a comprehensive model that examined the effects of WPS on adaptive performance through serial mediation of job satisfaction and emotional labor strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a multi-stage sampling technique, the data is collected from 390 faculty members of the higher education institutions in two-time lags.
Findings
The findings indicate that spirituality practices at the workplace help to increase the adaptive performance of employees through serial mediation of job satisfaction and emotional labor strategies.
Research limitations/implications
This study offers important implications to researchers as well as practitioners and highlights the significance of WPS in increasing the adaptive performance of employees.
Originality/value
This research is among the initial attempts to assess the impact of WPS on adaptive performance through serial mediation.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore how cultural orientations influence Emirati women’s career development. Drawing on the cultural theories of Hofstede (1980, 2001) and House…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how cultural orientations influence Emirati women’s career development. Drawing on the cultural theories of Hofstede (1980, 2001) and House et al. (2004), the authors investigated the cultural orientations of a sample of 19 women in the United Arab Emirates.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews were conducted to collect life history data about women’s early lives, education and employment.
Findings
The findings identify three themes that influenced the participant’s careers: family influence on careers, individual-level attitudes toward education for careers, and workplace career development.
Research limitations/implications
Limited by the small sample of 19 female national participants that implies further international study is required to extend this research.
Practical implications
The business application is that social values, beliefs and norms can be leveraged for women’s career success.
Social implications
Policymakers are guided on key factors that influence Emirati women’s careers from a cultural perspective.
Originality/value
The study makes a unique theoretical contribution in a model that shows: cultural dimensions are interrelated, cultural values and practices are interdependent, and cultural orientations vary between women and men.
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Khurram Shahzad, Rizwan Ali and Ramiz Ur Rehman
This study aims to examine the nexus of corporate governance with firms' financial risk-taking behavior under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures in the context…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the nexus of corporate governance with firms' financial risk-taking behavior under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures in the context of non-financial listed firms of an emerging economy.
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the relationship between corporate governance as evaluated by an index and several financial risks, including idiosyncratic, default and systematic risks. The connection of corporate governance with financial risks is also studied while considering the moderation of CSR disclosures. The data are collected from 2014 to 2018 of 73 top 100-index listed non-financial firms of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Panel regression fixed effect and 2-step generalized method of moments techniques are applied to confirm the hypothesis along with the diagnostic tests to confirm that all outcomes of models must be authentic and reliable.
Findings
The study’s findings confirm that enhancing the overall corporate governance measures resulted in an augment in the firm’s risk due to weak control and regulations prevailing in emerging economies. Moreover, CSR disclosures enhance stakeholder information, lessen information asymmetry about management policies and mitigate the risk associated with operational uncertainties.
Practical implications
This study has a practical implementation to policymakers that effective monitoring and controlling measures facilitate the corporate management for minimizing the financial risks. Further, the study’s findings shed light that implementing corporate governance measures is not enough to mitigate financial risks until supervisory measures in the form of CSR disclosures are not taken to analyse corporate governance effectiveness.
Originality/value
This paper enhances the key findings in the literature by examining the role of corporate governance measures with respect to firms’ financial risks considering the moderating role of CSR disclosures. Furthermore, this research adds to the body of knowledge regarding the implementation of monitoring measures that assist in the mitigation of firms’ financial risks hence firm value.
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This study aims to investigate the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in reducing employees’ negative emotions. Based on social information processing, a new conceptual…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in reducing employees’ negative emotions. Based on social information processing, a new conceptual framework was developed and tested in the Indian context.
Design/methodology/approach
Cross-sectional design was used in the study. A total of 240 managers of financial institutions were surveyed through a self-administered questionnaire, and the responses were collected using a convenience sampling technique.
Findings
The findings indicated that CSR induces compassion and reduces employees’ negative emotions. Contrary to expectations, compassion did not emerge as a mediator in the relationship between CSR and negative emotions.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to the literature by scrutinizing the persuading influence of CSR on employees’ negative emotions directly and indirectly through compassion. Furthermore, this study also tested the moderating effects of positive emotion in the relationship between CSR and negative emotions. The linkage between CSR and negative emotions was established by introducing the social information processing mechanism, adding another novelty to the literature.
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