Sabir Zaman, Shahid Irfan, Basharat Hussain, Muhammad Tahir Nawaz and Shazia Khalid
There is increased social discussion of the emerging issues of opioid use, health and well-being of young adults within contemporary Asian society. The purpose of this study is to…
Abstract
Purpose
There is increased social discussion of the emerging issues of opioid use, health and well-being of young adults within contemporary Asian society. The purpose of this study is to contribute new knowledge of opioid-using young adults through ethnographic perspectives of the five main cultures of Pakistan. Furthermore, it tried to explore the values of opioid users.
Design/methodology/approach
It is a qualitative study. Semi-structured interview and observation techniques were used to gain the participants’ information, in a non-judgmental environment. Observation and life focus history interview methodology were used for data collection. The sample consisted of 18 male opioid users (approximately three from each area including: Punjab, Khyber Pakhtoon Khah, Balochistan, Sindh, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir). An interview script was used in interviews after written informed consent. After the detailed interview and observation of non-verbal behaviours, the researchers analysed the data by using the content analysis of qualitative method.
Findings
The result showed that poor relationships, conflicts over property, lack of social support and family problems increased with the use of opioids by individuals. The individual’s mental health, such as hopelessness, curiosity, mistrust and lack of interest in social activities, was the major cause of opioid addiction. Moreover, peer influences and friends may also have played contributing roles in opioids use among men.
Research limitations/implications
The current study added to the understanding of the relationship of different environmental, behavioural and social factors involved in developing opioid use among young individuals. The homogeneity of the sample may have weakened the generalisability of the findings of the study as all participants in the study were male.
Practical implications
Clinicians and allied professionals have shown a great interest in early intervention with opioid users. At the same time, there is a lack of qualitative studies exploring the lived experiences of young opioid users. That is why this study was done, to empower counsellors.
Social implications
Opioids, including heroin, have strong addictive tendencies. They are easily available, particularly in unplanned urban areas of Pakistan. The present study tried to understand the lived experiences and beliefs of opioid users belonging to different cultures of Pakistan.
Originality/value
At the same time, there is a lack of qualitative studies exploring the lived experiences of adult opioid users. Therefore, this study presented 18 interview-based facts from the opioid users belonging to different areas of Pakistan residing in capital of Pakistan. The content of these vignettes was examined in the context of an ethnographic perspective, as it has a strong connection and contribution to drug abuse.
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Careen Angella Bailey, Javed Ghulam Hussain and Alexandros Psychogios
This paper aims to explore how narcissistic traits and personality influence entrepreneurial behaviour. In entrepreneurship and psychology, research has shown that narcissism and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how narcissistic traits and personality influence entrepreneurial behaviour. In entrepreneurship and psychology, research has shown that narcissism and personality have “productive” and “unproductive” influences on entrepreneurial activities. Therefore, this paper explores the entrepreneur from a social constructionist perspective by using the narrative from the emerging literature. The narrative focus is on narcissism, entrepreneurial personality and the intention to start a new venture, focusing on activities in the early stages of entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws upon the narcissism theory and the big five personality models. Using the conceptual model, the authors identify commonalities with entrepreneurial activities such as product and service development, market competitive strategies, marketing, networking, performance management, learning from failure and fund-raising activities. The conceptual framework demonstrates a connection between narcissism, the big five personality and entrepreneurial activities.
Findings
This study proposes an innovative conceptual framework for productive entrepreneurial behaviour. Productive traits of the grandiose narcissist are extraversion and openness to experience, which may have positive influences on the entrepreneurship process. Traits such as assertiveness, overconfidence and intellect have been found to be instrumental in resource acquisition activities. Findings also suggest that the grandiose narcissist will be high in openness to experience (intellect) and extraversion (excitement and social networking). The narcissist is most likely to choose an internal source of funding to protect their fragile ego and maintain control over their entities. Those with high extraversion and openness to experience may be more open to pursuing external sources of funding, as they are more inclined to have social networks and enjoy the external process. Though the study focuses on the “dark trait productivity” of narcissism, it is important not to overlook the damaging side of the narcissistic entrepreneur – “dark trait unproductivity”. The study also discusses the unproductive traits of narcissistic entrepreneurs, such as constantly chasing goals, deflecting and blaming the environment and others for failure, embarking on risky financial decisions, a lack of empathy in team dynamics and poor stakeholder management.
Originality/value
The influence of narcissism on entrepreneurial activities and its impact have gained traction among academia and practitioners. Yet, this is an insufficiently understood area of study and has not been explored in depth. Previous research has focused chiefly on entrepreneurial intentions in the context of entrepreneurship, and what influences the choice to start a business. There is limited research that bridges the gap between entrepreneurial finance and psychology–narcissism personality.
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Irfan Saleem and Muhammad Ashfaq
The purpose of this study is to provide a nuanced explanation of the linkage between entrepreneurial motivations, job attractiveness and growth of family-owned small and mid-sized…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a nuanced explanation of the linkage between entrepreneurial motivations, job attractiveness and growth of family-owned small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) using expectancy and institutional theories.
Design/methodology/approach
The data was collected from small family business owners and job seekers in the same companies during interview time using a simple random technique.
Findings
The study found that three EMs among small business owners play a pivotal role in family SME business growth in underdeveloped trade regions like China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. These firms are interested in investing in seaport-related commerce, restaurants or hotels and real estate business.
Practical implications
The government, small family business owners, universities and regional youth can use this applied research for their benefits alike.
Originality/value
The study contributes in multiple ways. First, the authors brought a unique context in the emerging economies context of an informal economy like Pakistan. Second, the authors have uniquely tested the moderating role of job attractiveness in the least developed regions. Finally, the authors have integrated family SMEs’ expectancy theory and institutional perspective.
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Muhammad Mujtaba Asad, Amjad Ali Rind, Zahid Hussain Khand, Irfan Ahmed Rind and Shahid Hussain Mughal
The purpose of this study was to find out the perception of prospective teachers and teacher educators regarding the curriculum ideologies. The student–teachers and teacher…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to find out the perception of prospective teachers and teacher educators regarding the curriculum ideologies. The student–teachers and teacher educators from a public university of Pakistan participated in the study.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study has employed quantitative approach and used descriptive survey research design. The data was collected through the convenience sampling techniques. The data was collected through a questionnaire developed by Schiro in 2008. The questionnaire consisting of six parts and each part contains four statements on the curriculum ideologies of Scholar Academy, Social efficacy learner centered and social reconstruction ideology. The population of study comprised of 200 Prospective teachers of education department of a public sector University of Sindh, Pakistan. The data was collected by using 4-point Likert scale. The likert scale was ranging from the first priority to least priority. The reliability statistics was computed through Cronbach alpha α = 0.763. The data was analyzed through Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23.0 and mean and percentages were computed in this study.
Findings
The findings of the study revealed that most of the prospective teachers as well faculty members are following the scholar academy ideology to align with national goals of curriculum. The prospective teachers and faculty members believe that knowledge should be transferred from the institutions to the learners rather than the knowledge can be disseminated from the other sources as per the new dimensions for updated curriculum.
Practical implications
The current study suggests curriculum ideology awareness programs should be given to prospective teachers and faculty members before their induction. The study also recommends that a survey study can be conducted from teachers and teacher educators before designing the national curriculum of Pakistan because majority of participants believed that knowledge can only be transferred from institutions.
Originality/value
This empirical study has given thoughtful insights to investigate the curriculum ideologies with new dimensions for those who are studying in teacher education courses and for their mentors. So, this study has contributed new knowledge in the context of Sindh, Pakistan specifically in the domain of curriculum ideologies and frameworks.
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Zubair Ali Shahid, Muhammad Irfan Tariq, Justin Paul, Syed Ali Naqvi and Leonie Hallo
The purpose of this paper is to analyze to what extent and in what ways signaling theory has been explored within the field of international marketing. This paper systematically…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze to what extent and in what ways signaling theory has been explored within the field of international marketing. This paper systematically reviews the use of signaling theory in the field of international marketing. Communication is a core aspect of the international marketing process. Research in this field has explored effective and unique ways of improving the communication flow to reduce the asymmetry of information between international consumers and the firm. This notion is adopted, enhanced and strengthened by signaling theory. Signaling theory has recently received the attention of international marketing scholars.
Design/methodology/approach
The systematic review methodology was applied for the purpose of identifying the relevant studies. We extracted academic articles over the last 23 years from the domain of international marketing that directly contribute to signaling theory based on 57 journal articles extracted through the systematic review process.
Findings
Based on systematic research the results reveal that the topic has grown and continues to expand within the broader international marketing field. We offer a theoretical conceptual framework to better understand signaling theory in the context of international marketing.
Originality/value
The authors map and critically evaluate the use of signaling theory in international marketing. Relevance of signaling theory in international marketing is growing and authors present an integrative framework that organizes the existing literature, and provides scholars to further expand on emerging themes of the domain. The paper offers some useful future research directions.
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Muhammad Irfan, Shahira Suman, Shiza Zainab, Javeria Shahid and Yumna Nayab
This study uncovers interdependent mechanisms triggered by excessive use of mobile phones which lower the performance of individuals in business organizations. The quantum of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study uncovers interdependent mechanisms triggered by excessive use of mobile phones which lower the performance of individuals in business organizations. The quantum of cognitive and attentional fluctuations caused by Nomophobia-induced impulsive use of mobile phone that degrades job performance is the focus of this study for suggesting realistic regulatory measures. Similarly, the threshold of allowable smartphone use was determined as a foundation to strike balance between adverse psycho-behavioral implications of blanket ban policy and the cognitive overload of unregulated mobile phone usage.
Design/methodology/approach
Adopting the quasi-experimental design, a sample of 159 individuals working in six different organizations was tested under dissimilar conditions using a variety of experimental interventions. Participants were subjected to different intensity of planned interruptions inciting responses through sets of short message services (SMS), messages on Whatsapp, X (formerly twitter), Instagram and emails. The main data obtained from the experiment comprised 636 test performances and 5,724 reactive responses on smartphones along with 642 video recordings as supplementary evidence.
Findings
The analysis of data revealed five underlying inter-related mechanisms impacting performance of individuals, i.e. slow-down of cognitive processing, increased temptation for peripheral activities/side scrolling, widened lag between focus and refocus, depletion of short-term working memory and reduced attention span. The strength of relationships between the mechanisms and intensity of Nomophobia significantly varied with the experimental interventions. Based on the identified mechanisms, organizations were suggested certain regulatory measures to minimize negative effects of Nomophobia-induced impulsive mobile phone usage.
Research limitations/implications
The study is based on a comparatively smaller sample size (total 159, 27 from each of the six organizations). Though sufficient, yet, the sample size could have been a little larger.
Practical implications
The blanket ban policy adopted by organizations for regulating use of mobile phone has been found to adversely affect performance more than the excessive use of mobile phone. Using mobile phone thrice an hour (1–2 min each) was found to have negligible effects on job performance. Allowing use of mobile phones at workplace (except in highly hazardous areas) can reduce stress, anxiety and depression caused by Nomophobia.
Social implications
To meeting social need, workers may not be denied the facility of mobile phone at workplace, except highly hazardous areas to allow them to remain connected and accessible. This study suggests viable measures to regulate use of mobile phones without depriving them of this vital facility.
Originality/value
The study is unique as it is based on experimental data, contrary to most of the studies relying on self-report methods of data collection. The mechanisms which degrade performance of workers due to excessive use of mobile phones (induced by Nomophobia) have not been explored and how the impact is propagated to the performance of workers is not known. This study has identified the five mechanisms and based on the mechanisms has suggested measures for the organizations to regulate the use of mobile phones in the organizations. This study has found that use of mobile phone thrice in an hour (1–2 min each) affects performance of individuals negligibly. Organizations adopting a blanket ban policy on use of mobile phone increase stress of workers (Nomophobia) that is more harmful for job performance.
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Shahid Nakib Bhuian, Sujeet Kumar Sharma, Irfan Butt and Zafar U. Ahmed
The purpose of this study is to examine the predictabilities of five intra-personal factors to predict pro-environmental consumer behavior (PECB) and the moderating role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the predictabilities of five intra-personal factors to predict pro-environmental consumer behavior (PECB) and the moderating role of religiosity in Oman.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses neural network to analyze the antecedents/antecedents × religiosity → PECB relationships by using a sample of 306 consumers from Oman.
Findings
This study finds that the most important predictors of PECB, according to the order of importance, are attitude × religiosity, knowledge, concern × religiosity, knowledge × religiosity, value, religiosity, attitude, concern and value × religiosity.
Research limitations/implications
The convenience sample from a single Islamic country limits the generalizability of the findings. Future studies should use probabilistic sampling techniques and multiple Islamic countries located in different geographical regions.
Practical implications
To promote PECB, businesses and policymakers should provide environmental education to expand knowledge and value, leverage ecological religious values in integrated marketing communications, make positive inducements to change attitude and concern enhancing interventions.
Social implications
As religiosity enhances PECB by moderating the impacts of environmental intra-personal factors on PECB, businesses and policymakers should find ways to use faith-based ecological messages in Islamic countries.
Originality/value
Determining the predictabilities of psychological factors and their interactions with religiosity to predict PECB in Islamic countries is necessary for promoting environmentally friendly products in Islamic countries and for reducing the ecological damage to the environment.
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Abdul Ghaffar, Fazila Islam, Syed Shahid Zaheer Zaidi and Tahir Islam
The purpose of this study is that researchers have widely explored and associated corporate social responsibility (CSR) with firm success. Measuring the relationship between CSR…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is that researchers have widely explored and associated corporate social responsibility (CSR) with firm success. Measuring the relationship between CSR, service quality, corporate reputation and brand preference by drawing on the stakeholder theory in developing countries remains a substantial research gap.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected using a survey method. The study was performed on 387 respondents who have undergone treatments in hospitals. The authors analysed the data using the Smart PLS 3.0 structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
The survey revealed that service quality and CSR are positively linked with corporate reputation, leading to brand preference in the health-care sector.
Research limitations/implications
The survey was performed in the context of the health-care industry; however, additional studies are necessary to extrapolate the findings to other fields, such as education and food. This research helps guide policymakers, administrators, health-care managers and researchers by highlighting the contribution and role of service quality, CSR and corporate reputation in achieving a hospital’s performance.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the CSR literature by introducing the concept of CSR. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study also extends research in the diverse literature by examining the relationship between CSR, service quality, corporate reputation and brand preference by illustrating the stakeholder theory in the context of the health-care sector.
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Muhammad Bilal Mustafa, Irfan Saleem and Mir Dost
This study aims to use dynamic capability theory to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and dynamic capabilities (DC) on the firm’s entrepreneurial performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to use dynamic capability theory to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and dynamic capabilities (DC) on the firm’s entrepreneurial performance through strategic entrepreneurship (SE).
Design/methodology/approach
To address the research objective, the authors obtained data from larger organisations operating in an emerging Pakistani economy.
Findings
Findings reveal that, in emerging markets, DC are essential elements that influence the organisation’s opportunity-seeking and advantage-seeking behaviours to ensure the firm’s entrepreneurial performance.
Research limitations/implications
The present study implies that training is needed for the managers and team leaders of emerging market corporates to think entrepreneurially by revising the strategic goals of the corporate.
Practical implications
SE-based executive training should also be compulsory for the top management teams, including the board of directors for larger firms.
Social implications
SE is a critically important business concept and should be taught in the emerging market’s business schools as a course at the graduate level.
Originality/value
This paper strengthens entrepreneurship literature by using a unique context of an emerging market and suggests a unique SE-based framework for the firms operating in emerging markets.
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The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify and highlight the challenges faced by the dual-career couples with one or multiple child/children in maintaining their…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify and highlight the challenges faced by the dual-career couples with one or multiple child/children in maintaining their work–family balance based on family systems theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The author purposely selected 26 families (52 participants) in Bangladesh where both husbands and wives work on a full-time basis having one or multiple child/children. The author used focus group discussion (FGD) technique to identify the challenges encountered by them.
Findings
After summarising the FGD results, the study identified several challenges faced by those dual-career couples, such as inability to differentiate between professional and family lives, lack of quality time for partners/children, challenges to raise children, lack of childcare centres and lack of professionalism of care workers; and tension and anxiety for their child/children while at offices.
Originality/value
The author expects the results of this qualitative study to be conductive as groundwork for upcoming research studies concerning dual-career couples with child/children. The author also hopes that such results will assist the human resource managers in efficiently crafting and executing some policies regarding dual-career couples with one or multiple child/children.