Mustabshirha Gul, Md. Abul Kalam, Nurin Wahidah Mohd Zulkifli, Masjuki Hj. Hassan, Md. Mujtaba Abbas, Sumra Yousuf, Omar Sabah Al-Dahiree, Md. Kamaleldin Gaffar Abbas, Waqar Ahmed and Shahab Imran
The purpose of this study is to improve the tribological characteristics of cotton-biolubricant by adding nanoparticles at extreme pressure (EP) conditions in comparison with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to improve the tribological characteristics of cotton-biolubricant by adding nanoparticles at extreme pressure (EP) conditions in comparison with commercial lubricant SAE-40.
Design/methodology/approach
This research involved the synthesis of cotton-biolubricant by transesterification process and then the addition of nanoparticles in it to improve anti wear (AW)/EP tribological behavior. SAE-40 was studied as a reference commercial lubricant. AW/EP characteristics of all samples were estimated by the four-ball tribo-tester according to the American Society for Testing and Materials D2783 standard.
Findings
The addition of 1-Wt.% TiO2 and Al2O3 with oleic acid surfactant in cotton-biolubricant decreased wear scar diameter effectively and enhanced the lubricity, load-wear-index, weld-load and flash-temperature-parameters. This investigation revealed that cotton-biolubricant with TiO2 nano-particle additive is more effective and will help in developing new efficient biolubricant to replace petroleum-based lubricants.
Research limitations/implications
Cotton biolubricant with TiO2 nano-particles appeared as an optimistic solution for the global bio-lubricant market.
Originality/value
No one has not studied the cotton biolubricant with nanoparticles for internal combustion engine applications at high temperature and EP conditions.
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Rabia Imran and Tariq Mohammed Salih Atiya
The aim of the current research is to examine how job performance is affected by high-performance work system (HPWS) and human capital. Furthermore, the research focuses on…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the current research is to examine how job performance is affected by high-performance work system (HPWS) and human capital. Furthermore, the research focuses on exploring the mediating role played by human capital in HPWS and job performance relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from service sector employees. A sample of 400 respondents was selected from the chosen population using purposive sampling.
Findings
The results reveal that HPWS and human capital positively and significantly affect job performance. The impact of HPWS in creating human capital was also supported. The research also hypothesized mediating role played by human capital in HPWS and job performance relationship, and it was partially supported.
Originality/value
Recent literature is evident of the relationship between performance and HPWS; however, the mechanism between these variables is still unclear (Demirbag et al., 2014). There is a need of identifying the factors that strengthen this relationship. The current research is an attempt to fill this gap by examining the effect of HPWS on job performance. Furthermore, it explores the role played by human capital in strengthening the connection of HPWS and job performance.
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Yuvika Singh and Shivinder Phoolka
This study aims to explore the mediating role of employee work engagement in the relationship between training and creativity in the education sector in India.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the mediating role of employee work engagement in the relationship between training and creativity in the education sector in India.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample for this study consisted of 260 faculty members from 11 public universities in the Punjab region. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results of the study revealed that training has a significant direct and indirect effect on employee creativity through employee work engagement. The findings suggest that training can stimulate work engagement, highlighting the importance of fostering employee engagement for enhancing creativity.
Research limitations/implications
While the method used in this study may not facilitate direct generalizations, it offers valuable insights into prevalent discursive strategies found in numerous contemporary public organizations.
Practical implications
The findings offer insights for designing targeted training interventions to enhance work engagement and foster creativity among faculty members in the education sector.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing a gap in research on the interaction between training, work engagement and creativity. As there have been limited studies on this topic in the education sector in India, this research provides novel insights and extends the understanding of how these variables are related.
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Sumaia Farzana and Peerayuth Charoensukmongkol
This research study investigated the relationship between participative decision-making and innovative work behavior by considering the moderating role of power distance…
Abstract
Purpose
This research study investigated the relationship between participative decision-making and innovative work behavior by considering the moderating role of power distance orientation of individuals. Grounded in the approach-inhibition theory of power, the authors proposed that participative decision-making could mitigate perceived power gap and motivate individuals with high power distance orientation to engage more in innovative work behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 243 faculty members from 2 universities located at Dhaka, Bangladesh. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis.
Findings
The results from the model estimation showed that the positive relationship between participative decision-making and innovative work behavior was stronger among faculty members with high power distance orientation than those with low power distance orientation. The simple slope analysis also clarified the fact that faculty members with high power distance orientation could increase their innovative work behavior to be at the same level as that of faculty members with low power distance orientation when the members were involved highly in participative decision-making.
Practical implications
Participative decision-making is a management practice that should be implemented in order to motivate faculty members to actively engage in innovative work behavior. Particularly for faculty members who are sensitive towards the power status of other members in the workplace, this management practice is highly recommended to lessen the perceived social barrier that discourages these faculty members from engaging in innovative work behavior.
Originality/value
The authors' research advanced knowledge from prior studies by offering new theoretical insight into the role of empowerment practice that could motivate individuals with high power distance orientation to engage more in innovative practices.
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Mohammed Aboramadan, Khalid Abed Dahleez and Caterina Farao
Building on social exchange theory and relational leadership theory, this paper proposes a model of inclusive leadership in higher education institutions. Together with an attempt…
Abstract
Purpose
Building on social exchange theory and relational leadership theory, this paper proposes a model of inclusive leadership in higher education institutions. Together with an attempt to examine the impact of inclusive leadership on extra-role behaviors of academic staff, the paper aims to test the intervening mechanism of organizational learning among the aforementioned relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 227 academic staff working in the Palestinian higher education institutions. Partial least squares (PLS-SEM) analysis technique was utilized to examine the hypotheses.
Findings
The findings reveal that inclusive leadership exerts a positive effect on extra-role behaviors (organizational citizenship behaviors and innovative work behaviors) in the Palestinian higher education setting. Moreover, the findings show that organizational learning plays a significant mediating role among the relationships examined
Practical implications
Academic communities are increasingly diverse. This diversity requires a work environment in which employees take on additional work roles. In response to this diversity, managers of higher education institutions should be concerned about the roles and practices of inclusive leaders. In addition, higher education institutions need to be learning organizations since this would help to mitigate this diversity and create a working atmosphere characterized by continuous learning, collaboration and dialogue.
Originality/value
In higher education, most of the literature on inclusive academic leadership is mainly theoretical. Furthermore, organizational learning in higher education research is based on anecdotal perspectives (Dee and Leišyte, 2016). To this end, this paper is novel, as it is one of few studies to empirically investigate inclusive leadership and extra-role behaviors via organizational learning in a non-western academic context.
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Anup Kumar Saha and Imran Khan
This study examines how board characteristics influence air, water and renewable energy (AWR) disclosures in an emerging economy. It argues for the necessity of separating these…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines how board characteristics influence air, water and renewable energy (AWR) disclosures in an emerging economy. It argues for the necessity of separating these disclosures to address unique environmental impacts and stakeholder concerns.
Design/methodology/approach
Using longitudinal data from environmentally sensitive firms (2014–2022), a disclosure index based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework was developed to quantify AWR separately. To address potential statistical issues such as endogeneity and selection bias, the analysis employed a set of robust regression models, including the industry fixed effects (FE) model, a lagged model and a two-stage least squares (2SLS) model.
Findings
Board size and audit committees positively influence all AWR disclosures, while foreign directors significantly impact air and renewable energy disclosures. Board meetings negatively affect water disclosures. Surprisingly, board independence shows no significant impact, and gender diversity has no notable relationship. Post-amendment, firms increased AWR disclosures, though participation remains limited.
Research limitations/implications
Grounded in legitimacy theory, this study contributes to the literature by demonstrating how separating the unique characteristics of AWR disclosures offers stakeholders more precise insights into how firms manage specific environmental concerns. The findings are based on data from listed firms in Bangladesh and may not be generalisable to unlisted firms or other regions.
Practical implications
The study emphasises the importance of distinct AWR reporting, offering valuable insights for regulators and corporate boards to improve transparency and sustainability practices.
Social implications
Separating AWR disclosures provides stakeholders with clearer assessments of firms' environmental performance, promoting accountability and informed decision-making.
Originality/value
This study uniquely emphasises the need for disaggregating air, water and renewable energy disclosures in emerging economies. By focussing on each environmental issue separately, the research highlights how distinct disclosures offer clearer insights into how firms address specific environmental challenges, such as air pollution, water management and the transition to renewable energy sources. This disaggregation is essential for stakeholders – particularly regulators, investors and policymakers – to assess and respond to firms' sustainability efforts accurately.
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Taqdees Fatima, Shahab Alam Malik and Asma Shabbir
The purpose of this paper is to explain the patients’ views towards private healthcare service providers. The study focussed on hospital service quality and analysed the relative…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explain the patients’ views towards private healthcare service providers. The study focussed on hospital service quality and analysed the relative significance of quality measurements in anticipating the patients’ satisfaction and loyalty. The mediating role of patient satisfaction is assessed between quality of hospital healthcare services and patient loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
A total 611 patients (both indoor and outdoor) participated in a questionnaire survey from the six private hospitals of capital city, Islamabad, Pakistan. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, common method variance, reliability, correlation and regression in order to investigate customer perceived service quality and how the quality of services stimulates loyalty intentions towards private service suppliers.
Findings
Findings depict that private healthcare service providers are attempting to deliver well improved healthcare services to their customers. Results confirmed that better quality of healthcare services inclines to build satisfaction and loyalty among patients. The healthcare service quality aspects (i.e. physical environment, customer-friendly environment, responsiveness, communication, privacy and safety) are positively related with patient loyalty which is mediated through patient satisfaction.
Practical implications
Findings will help the hospital managers to articulate effective strategies in order to ensure superior quality of healthcare services to patients. The study will induce hospital management to deliver attentions towards the quality of private healthcare service systems and improvements towards the deficient healthcare services. Furthermore, the study will present a clear picture of patient’s behavioural attitudes; satisfaction and loyalty intentions towards the quality of healthcare services.
Originality/value
The study provides the views and perceptions of patients towards the quality of healthcare services. The healthcare service quality dimensions, i.e., physical environment, customer-friendly environment, responsiveness, communication, and privacy and safety were assessed. Hospital healthcare service quality was examined in order to find out its effect on patient satisfaction and patient loyalty.
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Belal Ali Ghaleb, Sumaia Ayesh Qaderi and Faozi A. Almaqtari
The global economy has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed greater responsibility on companies to fulfill their obligations to Corporate Social Responsibility…
Abstract
The global economy has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed greater responsibility on companies to fulfill their obligations to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) amid the crisis. This chapter investigates the role of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) attributes in improving a firm's CSR in the emerging economy of Jordan and how the COVID-19 pandemic modifies this relationship. Using a Jordanian sample of 655 firm-year observations during the 2014–2021 period, the research results show that older CEOs, well-educated CEOs, CEOs' remuneration, and CEOs' ownership positively correlate with CSR reporting. However, long-tenured CEOs are associated with lower CSR initiatives. The subsample analysis findings also validate the significance of CEO attributes in improving CSR practice during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the prepandemic period. These findings are beneficial for the regulatory setters to understand better whether CEO attributes are linked to engagement in CSR-related information. This research is among the limited number of studies that have explored how CEO attributes impact CSR reporting for the stakeholder's welfare. Moreover, it uniquely concentrated on contrasting the findings before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Muhammad Hamid Shahbaz and Shahab Alam Malik
The purpose of this study is to focus on Pakistan’s food manufacturing enterprises and explore the knowledge and implications of green innovation, green intellectual capital (GIC…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to focus on Pakistan’s food manufacturing enterprises and explore the knowledge and implications of green innovation, green intellectual capital (GIC) and green human resource management (GHRM) in achieving environmental performance and competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a quantitative approach, this research adopted a cross-sectional survey design to facilitate an objective and precise evaluation of the proposed relationships. The demographic comprised managers and supervisors from food manufacturing enterprises in Lahore, Pakistan. Through purposive sampling, 281 respondents were selected, ensuring representation from food enterprises.
Findings
This study explores that GIC is vital for implementing sustainable technologies in Pakistan’s food sectors. GIC and human resource management are identified as accelerators for green innovation, potentially providing an enhanced environmental performance and competitive edge.
Practical implications
By recognizing the potential of green practices as strategic resources, managers in the Pakistani food sector invest in fostering intangible resources and GIC. This approach leads to sustainable market dominance and efficient operations through continuous green innovation and effective stakeholder communication.
Originality/value
This research offers a consolidated view of the function of GIC in encouraging green innovations in Pakistan’s food enterprises, emphasizing the importance of GHRM procedures and sustainable business methods. This study also provides insights into the strategic management of green projects from a managerial perspective, emphasizing the need for alignment with company strategy and stakeholder communication.
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Shikuan Zhao, Ahmed Imran Hunjra, David Roubaud and Fuxian Zhu
In the context of macroeconomic fluctuations and uncertainty in policy changes, it is essential to understand how companies adapt their environmental strategies and marketing…
Abstract
Purpose
In the context of macroeconomic fluctuations and uncertainty in policy changes, it is essential to understand how companies adapt their environmental strategies and marketing tactics to ensure survival and growth. This study, therefore, examines the impact of perceived economic policy uncertainty on corporate greenwashing.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on panel data from listed companies on the Chinese A-share market between 2013 and 2022, this paper employs a high-dimensional fixed effects model to explore the impact of perceived economic policy uncertainty (PEPU) on corporate greenwashing behavior.
Findings
The results show that higher PEPU increases greenwashing, with agency costs and investor sentiment mediating the relationship. Corporate credit availability and managerial short-sightedness positively moderate this effect. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that non-state-owned enterprises in central and western regions, particularly those with weak environmental regulation and high pollution, are most impacted by PEPU.
Practical implications
This paper provides practical guidance for how to avoid the phenomenon of green reshuffle in economic and environmental policies and encourages enterprises to take more real and effective environmental protection measures.
Originality/value
These findings highlight the importance of considering corporate responses to policy uncertainty when formulating economic and environmental policies. They provide valuable insights for emerging economies in fostering genuine corporate environmental behavior and promoting sustainable development.