Shalini Srivastava and Swati Agarwal
This study investigates the association between workplace bullying and intention to leave. The study further attempts to understand the mediating and moderating roles of emotional…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the association between workplace bullying and intention to leave. The study further attempts to understand the mediating and moderating roles of emotional exhaustion and supervisory support respectively on workplace bullying and intention to leave relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Statistical tools like SPSS and PROCESS Hayes were used for the analysis. Techniques like CFA, regression, moderation mediation analysis were used.
Findings
Utilizing conservation of resources (COR) theory and a sample of 480 employees from hospitality sector in India, we found that WPB was positively related to intention to leave. We also found that supervisory support moderated the relationships between emotional exhaustion and intention to leave and emotional exhaustion acted as a mediator between workplace bullying and intention to leave.
Research limitations/implications
First, for the survey self-report questionnaire was employed; hence, it may be biased due to the social desirability effect. However, the researcher has stated that for workplace behavior like an intention to leave and supervisory support, the self-report survey is applicable (Bennett and Robinson, 2000). This study is limited in scope to measure cause-and-effect relationship because it is a cross-sectional study. Therefore, in correlation, the chronological order cannot be established as data were collected at the same time.
Practical implications
First, the result of the study established that workplace bullying can result in high intention to leave which will adversely affect the organization in the long term. Therefore, it is necessary that managers and businesses need to act to reduce workplace bullying. The managers in the organization should facilitate the friendly work environment and implement practices that are detrimental to bullying behaviors.
Social implications
Since workplace bullying not only affects the target but also the team’s success and organization and the society as a whole, the organization should think of exploring the impact of workplace bullying on team cohesiveness and organizational performance.
Originality/value
This study seeks to explore in more detail the problem of bullying in the hospitality sector in India. The impetus for the study was the growing concern that bullying is creating a lot of turmoil in the life of employees making them either face the situation by being emotionally strong or leave the organization.
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Saumen Majumdar, Swati Agarwal and Saibal Ghosh
Sudden and unannounced policy changes by the government that provide banks with windfall deposits creates a challenge in terms of resource deployment. In the process, there is an…
Abstract
Purpose
Sudden and unannounced policy changes by the government that provide banks with windfall deposits creates a challenge in terms of resource deployment. In the process, there is an impact on their risk and returns. Using data on domestic Indian commercial banks, this study aims to examine the impact of such an announcement – the 2016 demonetisation episode – on bank behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data on domestic Indian commercial banks during 2010–2020, the paper investigates the effect of a sudden and unannounced policy change on their risk and returns. Using the demonetisation undertaken in November 2016 as a natural experiment, the paper applies the difference-in-differences methodology to tease out the causal impact.
Findings
The findings reveal a decline in risk and an increase in returns of state-owned banks, consistent with a flight-to-safety. The response differed in terms of market and accounting measures and across state-owned banks with differing levels of capital and asset quality.
Originality/value
Although several aspects of the demonetisation episode have been well analysed, its impact on banks – the main conduits of the exercise – and in particular on their risk and returns, is an unaddressed area of research. Viewed from this standpoint, this is one of the early studies to undertake a comprehensive empirical analysis on this aspect.
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Swati Soni, Devika Trehan, Varun Chotia and Mohit Srivastava
The key learning objectives are as follows: analyze Mamaearth’s growth trajectory in the Indian market, illustrate the meaning of a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, analyze the…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The key learning objectives are as follows: analyze Mamaearth’s growth trajectory in the Indian market, illustrate the meaning of a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, analyze the importance of social media in building a D2C brand, analyze the challenges and advantages associated with a D2C brand, analyze growth and expansion options available with Mamaearth and evaluate the strategies for Indian start-ups in the beauty and personal care space.
Case overview/synopsis
In 2016, what began as a quest to find safe baby care products for the first-time parents Varun and Ghazal, turned into an entrepreneurial opportunity. The couple started Honasa Consumer Private Limited at Gurugram, which owned the brand Mamaearth. Conceived as a D2C brand for mothers opposed to harsh baby care products, it debuted with just six baby care products with exclusive online availability. For the brand to grow, it recreated the marketing mix to be perceived as a brand for all ages. The step successfully garnered a customer base of over 1.5 million consumers in 500 cities and a valuation of INR 1bn within four years of operations. In February 2021, Mamaearth became a brand with INR 5bn annualized revenue run rate and aspired to double it to INR 10bn by 2023. Though Mamaearth debuted as a D2C brand, after tapping around 10,000 retail stores, the Alaghs realized that many consumers still preferred transacting in the offline space. Alaghs decided to expand by acquiring a robust offline space in 100 smart cities in India. Would it be wise for Mamaearth to take forward their offline expansion plans? Alternatively, would an aggressive product innovation coupled with a more substantial online presence be a more sustainable proposition?
Complexity academic level
The case study is appropriate for Post Graduate Diploma in Management/Master of Business Administration level courses of second year in strategic brand management, digital marketing, integrated marketing communication and marketing strategy. The case stuudy may also be useful for prospective entrepreneurs planning to embark upon a D2C venture. The case study elaborates on the emergence, marketing and branding of Mamaearth. The case study helps students understand the meaning of a D2C brand and the growth options available in the Indian market for a D2C brand from the perspective of Mamaearth.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
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Swati Alok, Sudatta Banerjee and Navya Kumar
This study aims to identify demographic characteristics, personal attributes and attitudes and social support factors that adversely or favourably affect the likelihood of career…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify demographic characteristics, personal attributes and attitudes and social support factors that adversely or favourably affect the likelihood of career persistence amongst women workers of the Indian IT sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The research, grounded in the social cognitive career theory, analyses primary data collected from 850 women working in IT via a survey. Based on an original definition of career persistence, the sample was segregated into 427 persistent and 423 non-persistent women. Logistic regression was performed to test for the effect of various determinants on the likelihood of women being career persistent versus non-persistent.
Findings
Being married, having children, as well as high levels of belief in gender disadvantage and work–family conflict lowered the likelihood of career persistence amongst women. While being a manager, possessing high career identity, high occupational culture fit, positive psychological capital and family support boost the likelihood.
Originality/value
The study examines women's actual continuance in an IT career vis-à-vis exit from the workforce/IT field, rather than women's stated intent to persist/quit as previously investigated. It uses logistic regression to identify both hurdles and aids on the path of women's career persistence. The findings can help recognize women more likely to struggle, thus be a first step in targeted organizational interventions to plug a leaky talent pipeline.
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Swati Anand, Kushendra Mishra, Vishal Verma and Taruna Taruna
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global humanitarian challenge. This scourge has impacted people from all walks of life as well as every economic…
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global humanitarian challenge. This scourge has impacted people from all walks of life as well as every economic sector and activity, from travel to automotives, hotels to banking, and supply chain to retail. The pandemic has affected not only physical and mental health but also financial health. Studies have examined the pandemic's economic impact, but very few have examined its impact on personal finances. Efforts to contain the pandemic's spread, such as lockdowns, have resulted in suspended business operations throughout the world that have intensified joblessness. To prepare and protect people from such unforeseen situations, financial education and planning are necessary. We attempt to expand the evidence on this issue by applying a structural equation modelling approach to identify the mediating role of financial literacy programs in preparing and protecting household wealth against sudden worldwide setbacks. The research design is descriptive and exploratory using snowball sampling technique. The data was collected through an internet survey. In total, 400 survey responses were obtained. After testing the measurement model for key validity dimensions, the hypothesised causal relationships are examined in several path models. The results indicated that coronavirus awareness exerts a direct or indirect influence on the financial health of individuals through financial literacy. We conclude that financial literacy has a full mediating effect on the personal finance of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings not only contributed to the need and understanding of financial literacy but also have managerial implications. Financial literacy programs provide investment advice and suggestions which are actionable and also work to help individuals to come out stronger in terms of knowledge and skill set when the COVID-19 crisis passes.
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This paper aims to focus on how home-grown Indian companies explored the potential of Indian middle class and realized an opportunity to seize the market gap not catered by MNCs…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on how home-grown Indian companies explored the potential of Indian middle class and realized an opportunity to seize the market gap not catered by MNCs in India. Across three distinct business contexts, the authors describe the companies’ procedures of developing segment-specific offerings. Doing so, the authors outline novel strategies implemented by these companies to cater to specific needs of the segments.
Design/methodology/approach
Seizing Bandura’s (1986) framework that stresses on the role of cognitive, vicarious, self-reflective and self-regulatory processes, the authors develop a four-layered model of the Indian middle class consumers. Building upon this model, they took multiple case (three caselets) approach for illustrating the strategies of home-grown companies. The authors identify their potential to explore the unknown terrains of various market segments and rework with unique local solutions.
Findings
The study highlights the power of home-grown companies over MNCs in terms of better market understanding and realistic offerings best suited to their needs. Across the divergent business contexts the companies’ strategies have four features in common: customer targeting and developing; localization of business models, particularly services; relating the products to the Indian society; and ethnocentrism and pride.
Research limitations/implications
This study gives priority to a “thick” description of the proceedings without claiming causality. The authors limit this qualitative investigation to pinpointing congruence and contradictions to previous established results.
Practical implications
A key implication of this paper is the relevance of linking firm’s strategy to social-psychological development of customers in emerging economies component. This study provides critical insights for both managers and policymakers on the economic and social upswing as socially responsible and ethical practices are likely to gain public awareness.
Originality/value
The study’s originality springs from understanding the domestic company’s strategies when facing the pressure of (mainly Western) MNCs entering the emerging economies markets. While the latter takes advantage of economies of scale, country of origin effects and the powerful brands, the home-grown businesses are forced to develop divergent advantages and capabilities. Notably, earlier literature focused on changed demand pattern brought by MNCs in emerging economies and not on later part whereby, home-grown companies carve a space for themselves with specially designed improved products and innovative strategies.
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Swati Alok, Navya Kumar and Sudatta Banerjee
COVID-19 placed millions of employees under work-from-home/telework. Employers intend extending telework for the long-term, anticipating business benefits. But the benefits are…
Abstract
Purpose
COVID-19 placed millions of employees under work-from-home/telework. Employers intend extending telework for the long-term, anticipating business benefits. But the benefits are impacted by employees' well-being/ill-being, which is affected by the satisfaction of psychological needs. In turn, need satisfaction is influenced by employees' personal/job attributes. As work-from-home's blended environment disrupts routines, the satisfaction of the psychological need for structure or routines was examined in this study, along with the effect of personal/job attributes.
Design/methodology/approach
Cross-section primary data were collected from 500 teleworking information technology employees from India and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Vigour and exhaustion represented well-being and ill-being. Telework self-efficacy, standardised job, technology assistance and supervisor social support were the determinants or personal/job attributes. Need for structure satisfaction was the mediator.
Findings
Telework self-efficacy, technology assistance and supervisor social support were positively associated with structure satisfaction. In turn, structure satisfaction was related positively with vigour and negatively with exhaustion, and thus mediated between personal/job attributes and vigour/exhaustion. Standardised job did not affect vigour, exhaustion or structure satisfaction.
Originality/value
Need for structure is mostly studied as a trait, with implications of greater/lesser preference for structure examined. However, this work acknowledges structure as a basic ubiquitous need. Everyone needs some structure. Hence, need for structure is researched from the novel perspective of its satisfaction. This paper also uniquely combines job demands–resources model which identifies personal/job attributes, with concepts of epistemic which posit the need for structure.
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Swati Rohatgi and Navneet Gera
The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the role of predictors to women’s economic empowerment (WEE). Moreover, the mediating role of digital banking usage (DBU…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the role of predictors to women’s economic empowerment (WEE). Moreover, the mediating role of digital banking usage (DBU) between financial literacy (FL) and WEE is empirically tested. The study also examines the moderation effect of educational level (EL) and employment sector (ES) on WEE.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed-method approach, a comprehensive questionnaire was used to collect data of 482 women working in the formal ESs of Delhi-NCR. Partial least square structural equation modeling using SmartPLS-4 was used to test the explanatory and predictive power of the proposed model. This was followed by semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data from 14 respondents.
Findings
The results present the following important findings: first, DBU, FL, women’s agency (WA) and workplace human resource policies (HR) significantly impact WEE, whereas government support (GS) and FL significantly impact DBU; second, DBU significantly mediates the relationship between FL and WEE; and third, ES significantly moderates the relationship between DBU and WEE.
Practical implications
This research also shares significant findings for practitioners and organizations by holistically identifying factors affecting WEE. These findings apply to both the human resource department of the employment sectors and the management of the banking sector.
Originality/value
The present study adds value to the scarce literature on the impact of DBU on WEE and highlights the mediating role of DBU along with the moderation effect of EL and ES. The study model incorporates novel constructs that impact WEE and offers new insights to various stakeholders in enhancing WEE. In addition, qualitative method was used to complement the quantitative findings.
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Amit K. Verma, Narendra Kumar, Mandeep Singh and Ravi P. Agarwal
In this article, the authors consider the following nonlinear singular boundary value problem (SBVP) known as Lane–Emden equations, −u″(t)-(α/t) u′(t) = g(t, u), 0 < t < 1 where α…
Abstract
Purpose
In this article, the authors consider the following nonlinear singular boundary value problem (SBVP) known as Lane–Emden equations, −u″(t)-(α/t) u′(t) = g(t, u), 0 < t < 1 where α ≥ 1 subject to two-point and three-point boundary conditions. The authors propose to develop a novel method to solve the class of Lane–Emden equations.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors improve the modified variation iteration method (VIM) proposed in [JAAC, 9(4) 1242–1260 (2019)], which greatly accelerates the convergence and reduces the computational task.
Findings
The findings revealed that either exact or highly accurate approximate solutions of Lane–Emden equations can be computed with the proposed method.
Originality/value
Novel modification is made in the VIM that provides either exact or highly accurate approximate solutions of Lane-Emden equations, which does not exist in the literature.
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Santoshi Sengupta, Badri Bajaj, Aishwarya Singh, Swati Sharma, Parth Patel and Verma Prikshat
The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of authentic leadership on innovative work behavior among employees in the context of Indian startups that have gone global in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of authentic leadership on innovative work behavior among employees in the context of Indian startups that have gone global in the past one decade. The study also aimed to investigate the mediating effect of one organizational-level variable, i.e. organizational climate and one individual-level variable, i.e. readiness for change on the direct relationship between authentic leadership and innovative work behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used survey method with a sample of 261 employees working in Indian startups that have gone global in the past one decade. Authentic leadership, organizational climate, readiness for change and innovative work behavior were measured using standardized questionnaires.
Findings
Structural equation modeling revealed that authentic leadership had significant direct effect on innovative work behavior and this effect was mediated by readiness for change. However, organizational climate had no significant effect.
Practical implications
The findings of the study have important implications for startups that employ millennials as employees and have plans to go global. Millennials have very different characteristics in the workplace and they regard authenticity in the leader very highly. Since they are assertive and they question everything, it becomes imperative for founder-leaders to exhibit authenticity in their actions, words and thoughts.
Originality/value
This is the first study in the context of Indian startups that have gone global by taking important variables of authentic leadership, readiness for change and innovative work behavior.