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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Connie Zheng, Shazia Nauman and Nida Usman Jahangir
This study explores the under-researched phenomenon of workplace bullying against women in male-dominated Pakistani society, highlighting its severe impacts and bridging the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the under-researched phenomenon of workplace bullying against women in male-dominated Pakistani society, highlighting its severe impacts and bridging the research gap on intersectional effects of gender and cultural dynamics in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed-method research approach, we conducted two-wave surveys with 308 female workers in Pakistan's educational and health sectors. Data analysis examined relationships between workplace bullying and job outcomes like productivity and satisfaction, complemented by insights from in-depth interviews with 18 female workers.
Findings
The study reveals that workplace bullying significantly undermines job productivity, increases emotional exhaustion mediated by job anxiety and decreases job satisfaction among female workers. Bullying persists due to weak institutions and inadequate law enforcement, with perceived social support found to be an insignificant moderator.
Practical implications
The study findings underscore the economic implications of workplace bullying, as it drives female workforce attrition, hindering economic development. The study recommends conflict resolution strategies, effective HR policies, national law enforcement and supportive social networks to combat bullying and create a conducive work environment.
Social implications
This study aligns with the UN's SDG goals #5 (gender equality) and #8 (decent work and economic growth), addressing pertinent issues related to workplace bullying in pursuit of these global objectives.
Originality/value
This study represents a unique attempt to address the intersectional dynamics of gender and culture concerning workplace bullying in Pakistan.
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The case is designed to exemplify the following microeconomics concepts:▪ factors affecting demand and supply;▪ movement along the demand and supply curves;▪ shifts in the demand…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The case is designed to exemplify the following microeconomics concepts:
▪ factors affecting demand and supply;
▪ movement along the demand and supply curves;
▪ shifts in the demand and supply curves;
▪ price elasticity of demand and supply in the short run;
▪ the cross-price elasticity of demand;
▪ regulated markets; and
▪ government import policies.
Case overview/synopsis
Dr Sania Rizvi, an agricultural economist and head of the task force committee on rising food prices, was heading the meeting, focusing on the unprecedented increase in food items generally, mainly the trek in tomato prices. Sania, who had ten years of experience in food supply chain dynamics and market analysis, adopted a thorough approach by considering all the elements influencing tomato prices. This included analyzing issues related to production at the farm level, logistical difficulties, market demand and import policies. The year 2022 brought with it exceptional circumstances of massive monsoon floods, affecting the supply and demand factors in the tomato market. This led to sharp hikes in prices, actual and artificial supply shortages and changes in consumer demand because of expectations of future supply shortages. The massive floods during the monsoon season destroyed standing tomato crops and damaged transport infrastructure, creating a supply shortage. Surviving tomato crops were hoarded by profiteers in hopes of driving prices higher. The Government of Pakistan relaxed restrictions and taxes on tomato imports from Iran and Afghanistan to ease the situation. Moreover, the lack of temperature-controlled storage environments for perishable products, such as tomatoes, presented a significant challenge for the tomato supply chain, particularly in times of crisis, such as the one witnessed in 2022 in Pakistan. Sania’s report was anticipated to play a crucial role in formulating initiatives to alleviate the burden on consumers and establish long-term stability in the market.
Complexity academic level
Undergraduate and graduate-level programs.
This case is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a management program focusing on microeconomics. In particular, the theme covered is supply and demand and elasticity analysis. It can also be used in agricultural economics, public policy, supply chain management, and executive training to familiarize participants with these concepts.
Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 10: Public Sector Management.
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Muhammad Qamar Zia, Muhammad Sufyan Ramish, Iram Mushtaq, Syeda Tayyaba Fasih and Muhammad Naveed
This study aims to theoretically discuss and empirically test the mediating mechanism of psychological distress and the moderating effects of Islamic work ethics (IWE) in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to theoretically discuss and empirically test the mediating mechanism of psychological distress and the moderating effects of Islamic work ethics (IWE) in the relationship between despotic leadership and adaptive performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-wave survey was used to gather the data from middle managers and their supervisors of construction firms in Pakistan. The final sample consisted of 304 respondents and data analysis was performed through SEM analysis.
Findings
Despotic leadership enhances employees’ psychological distress which results in a negative impact on adaptive performance. In addition, IWE played a buffering role in mitigating the harmful impacts of despotic leadership on adaptive performance.
Originality/value
The study is among the pioneers that have investigated how despotic leadership impacts employees’ adaptive performance via the underlying mechanism of psychological distress through the conservation of resources and social exchange theory lens.