Md Sahnewaz Sanu and Shabana Anjum
The purpose of the research is to identify the major constraints to the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in a less-developed region of an emerging economy and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the research is to identify the major constraints to the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in a less-developed region of an emerging economy and how these constraints are affected by owner/manager's attributes and firm-specific characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
To fulfill the objectives, a structured questionnaire is used to gather data from 200 randomly selected MSMEs located in Cachar district of Assam, India. The study applies factor analysis to categorize various perceived constraints into resolute sets of problem variables or factors. Then, the summated scales are regressed on the predictors related to owner-manager's attributes and firm characteristics to validate the hypotheses.
Findings
The results demonstrate that the broad factors constraining the development of MSMEs in Cachar district are as follows: (1) financial issues, (2) infrastructure problems, (3) labor and management issues, (4) market problems and (5) input problems. Furthermore, the findings confirm that firm growth, size, age, sector, location, innovation activity, owner-manager's gender, age and level of education significantly affect the identified constraints.
Research limitations/implications
Although the research is limited to the Cachar district of India, the findings are relevant for other similar districts of India and less-developed regions of emerging economies. However, the study needs to be replicated in other regions of India as well as in other emerging economies for cross-validation and to determine the generalizability of the results.
Originality/value
To the authors' knowledge, no studies linking the constraints faced by MSMEs to owner/manager's attributes and firm-specific characteristics are carried out in the north-eastern region of India. The study also extends the limited researches on the influence of owner-manager's attributes and firm characteristics on the constraints to the growth of MSMEs by incorporating additional predictors.
Details
Keywords
Samah Mohammed Hassis, Mohammed Azzam Othman and Yahya Saleh
This study aims at investigating the impact of total quality management (TQM) on corporate sustainability (CS) by mediating the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims at investigating the impact of total quality management (TQM) on corporate sustainability (CS) by mediating the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed research approach was adopted by conducting interviews and a survey. A survey was used as a quantitative tool for data collection from 67 respondents at different managerial levels. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for analysis.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that customer focus and human resource management (HRM) were the most effective practices. Structural analysis revealed that TQM had a significant impact on CSR and CS. Furthermore, CSR partially mediates the relationship between TQM and CS.
Research limitations/implications
The study has developed a conceptual framework to provide policymakers with guidelines on integrating TQM practices and CSR activities into their strategy.
Originality/value
This research bridges the gap between TQM and the three pillars of CS, especially in manufacturing enterprises in a developing country context. This research also supports the TQM advocate's argument that effective TQM deployment can dramatically improve organizational performance. Additionally, this study verifies the CS model based on the triple bottom line (TBL) theory and stakeholder theory by assessing the conceptual model's robustness using a mixed-method research methodology, which has never been done before from a Palestinian perspective.
Details
Keywords
In the past hundred years, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has seen a remarkable development with various notions of “what is the right thing to do” for the…
Abstract
Purpose
In the past hundred years, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has seen a remarkable development with various notions of “what is the right thing to do” for the corporations in that era. This paper aims to highlight the journey of CSR staring from an “abstract concept” in the early twentieth century to a well-recognised and “expected business practice” in the present.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a meta-analysis of the relevant CSR literature and finds 12 common themes emerging in different periods. This is presented in a chronological order starting from early 1920 to the present day for ease of understanding. The literature chosen is intentionally broad as not to miss a clear view of the times and the themes in CSR discourse.
Findings
The concept of CSR was viewed as a “social obligation” in the earlier literature (1920s-1960s), as the businesses were thought to operate for the well-being of a community and not for the prosperity of the sole owner(s). A little later, in the 1960s and 1970s, only adoption of socially responsible activities and practices, which were voluntary and beyond legal obligation, were deemed CSR. The 1980s saw businesses trying to find a rational and financially quantifiable justification for adopting activities that were socially responsible, thus the emphasis of “corporate social performance”. The 1990s shifted the impetus on “reporting, transparency and accountability” with numerous reporting requirements. The 2000s sought a win-win situation through the development of “creating shared value” as a result of adopting CSR initiatives. The concept of CSR became an “accepted and expected business practice” in the decade of 2000, with various governments, global entities and organisations issuing their own understanding and definitions of CSR.
Originality/value
This research paper provides an account of the evolution in the concept of CSR in the past century which has seen numerous changes in the manner businesses conduct their operations. The identified themes are reflective of the journey of CSR. This is an informative paper which is very topical in today’s climate of stakeholder scrutiny of business’ working.
Details
Keywords
Computer technology in libraries has revolutionised the concept of rapid and accurate information services. In Pakistan, though, computer technology is new and is being…
Abstract
Computer technology in libraries has revolutionised the concept of rapid and accurate information services. In Pakistan, though, computer technology is new and is being successfully introduced in all types of libraries and information centres. This article reviews the literature on the use of computers in Pakistan’s libraries. The literature includes monographs, journal articles, reports, etc. published inside and outside Pakistan, discussing information technology, specific library applications, the activities of individual libraries and automation education. The need for library automation and the problems faced by Pakistani professionals in this respect are also discussed.
Details
Keywords
Md Karim Rabiul, Md Mahmudul Alam and Rashed Al Karim
Using conservation of resources (CoR) theory, this study investigates the role of emotional energy as a mediating mechanism in the relationship between workplace ostracism and…
Abstract
Purpose
Using conservation of resources (CoR) theory, this study investigates the role of emotional energy as a mediating mechanism in the relationship between workplace ostracism and employees' service-oriented behaviour, as well as the moderating result of workload on the relationship between emotional energy and service-oriented behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
The opinions of 554 customer-contact employees working in Bangladesh are collected via convenience sampling. Partial least squares structural equation modelling is performed to test the model.
Findings
Workplace ostracism and emotional energy are negatively related. Emotional energy is positively associated with service-oriented behaviour and mediates the link between ostracism and service-oriented behaviour. Workload significantly and negatively moderates the association between emotional energy and service-oriented behaviour.
Practical implications
Hoteliers need to improve employees' emotional energy, distribute workload appropriately and fairly and implement effective strategies to minimise workplace ostracism.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to the CoR theory by explaining the mediating role of emotional energy and moderating role of workload in the Bangladeshi hospitality industry.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Adnan Khurshid, Abdullah Mohammad Alhidari and Saima Tabassum
This study aims to develop a valid and reliable scale for measuring an integrated total quality and socially responsible management (TQSR-M) model, which affects business…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a valid and reliable scale for measuring an integrated total quality and socially responsible management (TQSR-M) model, which affects business excellence.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a questionnaire in two phases (first for scale development and second for scale validation purpose) from managers employed in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) listed companies. The structural equation modeling technique (SEM) was used to develop and validate the measurement and structural model.
Findings
This study confirmed the empirical validation of the eight distinct dimensions (top management, strategic planning management, human resource management, supplier management, customer management, social/community management and environmental management) of TQSR-M. Moreover, the validation of the TQSR-M model is further confirmed by testing the relationship between TQSR-M and the hypothetically associated business performance variables through SEM.
Research limitations/implications
The measurement scale helps companies assess the TQSR-M model related to business excellence. It assists managers in identifying the factors for implementing total quality management (TQM) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in their organization for developing TQM and CSR plans, policies and strategies.
Social implications
This study confirmed that combined TQM-CSR approaches are potential sources of achieving business excellence, sustainable competitive advantages and improving the quality of life of the workforce, local communities and the environment in particular and even of society in general.
Originality/value
Despite such studies exploring the association between TQM and CSR, it remains unclear how the integration of both the concepts develops. Academics and managers lack a tool to measure TQM-CSR together. Therefore, this study integrates both distinct areas of TQM and CSR into a single comprehensive model by developing a measurement scale.
Details
Keywords
Asmita Asmita, Anuja Akhouri, Gurmeet Singh and Mosab I. Tabash
The review paper aims to understand the development of workplace ostracism as a field in organizational studies from 2000 to the present. The study provides a comprehensive…
Abstract
Purpose
The review paper aims to understand the development of workplace ostracism as a field in organizational studies from 2000 to the present. The study provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of the domain by exploring its antecedents, consequences, underlying mechanisms and buffering mechanisms.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study analyses 134 published peer-reviewed empirical and non-empirical articles retrieved from the Scopus database. A systematic literature review and bibliometric analyses (using VOS viewer) have been used to gain insights into the development and trends within the field. Bibliometric analyses involved science mapping techniques such as co-citation analysis, co-occurrence of keywords and bibliographic coupling. Combining these three techniques, the study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the workplace ostracism research domain's historical, current and future landscape.
Findings
In the present study, through descriptive analyses, the authors uncovered publishing trends, productive journals, countries and industries that contribute to this research field. The systematic review enabled the showcasing of the current landscape of workplace ostracism. The bibliometric analyses shed light on major authors, influential articles, prominent journals and significant keywords in workplace ostracism.
Originality/value
This study enriches the existing literature by offering a comprehensive research framework for workplace ostracism. It goes beyond that by presenting significant bibliographic insights by applying bibliometric analyses. Furthermore, this study identifies and emphasizes future research directions using the theory, characteristics, construct and methodologies framework, aiming to expand the knowledge base and understanding of this topic.