The Journal of Business (JoB) is a peer-reviewed journal with the focus on research articles and case studies in all academic fields of business discipline. The scope of the journal covers the broad range of areas related to business studies including interdisciplinary topics and newly developing areas of business. Submissions comprise research articles – both theoretical and empirical, case studies and reviews of the literature. See the detailed scope. The journal is published bimonthly by LAR, a not-for-profit organization based in Beaverton (US) and Toronto (Canada). Interested authors are strongly encouraged to submit their quality articles for review and publication. All articles judged suitable for consideration will be reviewed in a double-blind peer review process.
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Impact of Tax Incentives on Tax Revenue, GDP, and Foreign Direct Investment: A Study on the Bangladesh Economy
Background: Tax incentives play a significant role in fostering investment, industrial growth, and job creation. The study examines their impact on Bangladesh’s economic growth, highlighting the facilities and major drawbacks for sustainable growth. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of tax incentives on tax revenue, economic growth, and foreign direct investment in Bangladesh, utilizing the Neoclassical Growth Model. Methodology: The study collected data from secondary sources. The collected data cover a period of 10 years from 2014 to 2023. The data was analyzed to test the relationship between independent variables of tax revenue, economic growth, and foreign direct investment and the dependent variable of tax incentives. Findings: The result of tax revenue is positive and insignificantly associated with tax incentives. Additionally, GDP is positive and significantly influenced by tax incentives. On the other hand, FDI inflows are negative and insignificantly associated with tax incentives. Implications: The study's findings will help the government and policymakers serve the interests of investors, including both foreign and local, and understand how they benefit from tax incentives.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Saifuddin Khan, ACCA, Rumel Ahmed , Sajib Hossain Aoyan , Md. Akhirul Islam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The effect of corporate association and Brand trust on Brand loyalty: the mediating role of Brand attachment
Aim/Purpose –The study sought to determine the impact of corporate affiliation and brand trust on brand loyalty in the setting of the luxury apparel sector, which is mediated through brand attachment. The brand resonance theory is utilized to observe the connection. Design/methodology/approach –The research collected cross-sectional information from 245 shoppers who bought luxury brands. The partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was directed in this investigation. Findings –The findings confirm all of the predictions and demonstrate how important brand attachment is in fostering consumer loyalty for businesses in the apparel sector. Corporate affiliation and brand trust have a positive impact on brand attachment and loyalty. The study also found an important intermediate role of brand attachment that bring about the link between customers’ brand trust, perceived association, and brand loyalty. Research implications/limitations –The results of the paper are critical for high-end brands that desire to grow and be counted in the fashion industry by providing marketers with a guide to managing their branding tactics. Originality/value/contribution –By developing a theoretical model that captures the impact of the brand trust and corporate association strategy on brand attachment and loyalty, this study expands on prior studies
Copyright (c) 2024 Md. Anamul Hoque https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors influence Corporate Cash Holdings - Empirical Evidence From Textile Industry of Bangladesh
Cash holdings are immaterial in a world of efficient capital markets because corporations may readily raise cash to finance lucrative investment projects at low transaction costs. This paper investigates the factors determining corporate cash holdings in Bangladesh's textile sector. The study used a longitudinal cross-sectional panel data set of 53 Bangladeshi textile companies from 2012 to 2021, analyzed using multiple discriminant regression. The findings imply that corporate cash holding is influenced by firm-level (i.e., profitability, capital expenditure, fund flow from operation, net working capital, growth opportunity, leverage, dividend, firm age, and firm size) and macroeconomic factors (i.e., GDP, inflation). From an academic standpoint, this paper adds to our understanding of the cash holding level in emerging markets like Bangladesh. The study's findings may have significant practical implications for creditors, governments, regulators, and other stakeholders to create reliable credence about a company’s financial condition.
corporate cash holdings, profitability, net working capital
Copyright (c) 2025 Maksuda Begum https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How Does Global Energy Prices Drive Food Prices in South Asia? Empirical Evidence from Panel NARDL Estimations
The paper aims to investigate the asymmetric relationship between global energy price (oil and coal) and regional food price in South Asia. Using monthly panel data of 5 South Asian countries from January, 2000 - June, 2021; a nonlinear ARDL estimation is conducted for both short and long run. The results suggest that short run changes in oil and coal price do not affect food prices in South Asia. However, a 1% increase in international oil price increases food price by 1.72% -2.45% and a 1% increase in international coal price increases food price by 0.64-0.76% in the long run. Interestingly, a fall in international oil and coal prices do not reduce food price in South Asia. Rather, A 1% decrease in international oil price increases food price by 1.32% - 2.47% and a 1% decrease in international coal price increases food price by 0.67%-0.85%.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mahnaz Aftabi Atique https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of external debt on foreign direct investments in Zimbabwe
Using the framework of capital market and fitness theory, the study assessed the impact of external debt on foreign direct investment in Zimbabwe for the period 1980 to 2016. An Autoregressive Distributed Lag estimation technique was used on the annual data for the period 1980 to 2016 as it suits well small sample size. The results revealed that there is both a short-run and long-run relationship between external debt and foreign direct investment. The findings of the study also revealed that external debt positively impacts foreign direct investment inflows. The study concluded that the existence of debt overhang, as a consequence of the accumulation of past external debt stocks, negatively impacts foreign direct investment inflows. The study recommended that the government of Zimbabwe should intensively invest in economic growth-enhancing activities in the agricultural sector, infrastructure sector, education sector, healthcare sector, and technology, and foster a politically conducive environment.
Copyright (c) 2024 Dr S Muwando, Aaron Nzou https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Redefining Balance: A Fresh Take on Unfair Prejudice Remedy in UK Corporate Law
Ownership structures in companies can be broadly categorized into majority shareholders, who wield substantial control due to significant share ownership, and minority shareholders, facing challenges influencing corporate operations due to their limited share ownership. Regulated by s994 of the UK Companies Act (2006), this division of influence underlines an existing issue. This article critically evaluates the effectiveness and limitations of the unfair prejudice remedy within the UK's legal framework. A central concern lies in the disparities in shareholder influence, particularly for minority shareholders with less than 50% of voting rights, who grapple with hurdles when attempting to shape important corporate decisions. As the remedy is reevaluated and enhanced, the objective is to fortify the protection of minority shareholder rights, mitigate financial burdens, and refine court discretion. The research contributes to the evolution of corporate governance in the UK by delving into pivotal cases that highlight the complex factors considered by courts and the extension of entitlements beyond a company's articles of association. Strategic solutions proposed in the article, encompassing precise claim estimates and active case management, draw from both established legal practices and innovative ideas. Striking a delicate balance between minority shareholder rights and seamless corporate operations is imperative. The future of the unfair prejudice remedy depends on effectively addressing acknowledged challenges and refining the litigation process. Through these enhancements, the remedy can continue to protect minority shareholder rights efficiently and fairly.
Minority Shareholder Protection, UK law, Unfair Prejudice, Legal Remedies, Majority-Minority Shareholder Disputes, Corporate Conflict Resolution
Copyright (c) 2023 Suhaib Zada https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Satisfaction Level of the Debit Card Users in Bangladesh
Debit card, nowadays, is an essential instrument in the modern digital society. However, researchers still need to discuss the satisfaction level of debit card users in a digital society. This article aimed at measuring the satisfaction level of the debit card users of the four selected commercial banks. A survey of randomly selected 200 samples from four banks was undertaken to pursue the above objectives. Data were collected through a predefined set of questionnaires for the analysis. SPSS analyzed data to describe the variables and develop a model. Findings revealed a positive relationship between debit card user satisfaction and the independent variables (cash withdrawal through ATM, internal transfer money, purchasing goods and services through Point of Sale (POS), paying monthly bills and avoiding spending more money). The study suggested that debit card providers should decrease service charges, add more features, increase security, responsiveness, and network services and establish adequate bank booth services, which make customers more satisfied.
Copyright (c) 2023 Mst. Tamanna Akter https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Empirical Study of the Country Risk of Botswana Using the Beta Approach
As we live in global village where markets are highly integrated, international investors have capacity and are willing to invest beyond their borders. This has led to voluminous increase in the flow of multinational investments in the two previous decades. Country risk exposure, assessment and measurement are a cause for concerned for all the institutions that are engaged in multinational trade and finance. The main objective of the study is to measure and model country risk for Botswana. A mixed method with concurrent research design was employed. Personal Interviews were the main instrument for collection of primary data. Interviewees were selected through snowball sampling technique. Secondary data was collected from the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE), Ministry of Finance, Central bank and Central Statistical Office. An autoregressive distributed lag technique was employed on annual data for the period 1994 to 2018 as it suits well small sample size. The major findings of the study revealed that current account and GDP deflator positively influence country risk of Botswana whilst the preceding year beta and short-term interest rates had a negative effect in the long run. The study concluded that the major long run determinants of country risk are current account and GDP deflator. The study also concluded that the main short run driver of country risk for Botswana is current account balance. Effective policies need to be implemented by the authorities to manage persistent current account deficits, external debts and political risk; hence, country risk would be managed.
country risk, concurrent research design, autoregressive distributed lag, snowball sampling, Botswana
Copyright (c) 2023 Dr. S Muwando, Prof. V Gumbo, Prof. G Tembo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Transportation Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Empirical Insights from Bangladesh
As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Bangladesh has upgraded and invested in its land transportation sector. The objective of this paper is to examine the causal relationship between land transportation (rail and road) and economic growth in Bangladesh over the period 1973 to 2020. The Johansen’s Maximum Likelihood (ML) test and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) have been used in this study to look into the long-term equilibrium and short-term causation links between the variables. According to results from unit root tests, all the series under study are non-stationary at the level and stationary at their first difference. The study findings reveal that there is bidirectional causality between road transportation and economic growth. It also finds unidirectional causality running from rail transportation to economic growth. This study then applies Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) to examine the effects of land transportation on economic growth. The results of DOLS and FMOLS give evidence that both rail and road transportation have a statistically significant positive impact on economic growth in Bangladesh. Besides, economic growth in Bangladesh is positively and significantly influenced by both gross capital formation and the total population in the long run. Therefore, this study suggests that a solid transportation plan be kept up so that transportation infrastructure can be improved, and Bangladesh's economy can grow in the long run.
Copyright (c) 2023 Dr Md Mahbubul Hakim, Chumki Rani Chanda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Business Strategies in The Age of Digital Transformation
The 21st century has witnessed a rapid transformation in the business world with the emergence of digital technologies. Digital transformation has enabled companies to enhance their business processes, improve customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge. Therefore, the changing expectations of consumers have necessitated the development and implementation of innovative business strategies. This research paper aims to explore the impact of digital transformation on business strategies and identify the most effective tactics for businesses to succeed in this new era. Through a thorough literature review, this paper discusses the key drivers of digital transformation and the various challenges and opportunities it presents. The present study utilizes secondary data from the internet, newspapers, publications, journals, and books and involves a qualitative analysis. The findings indicate that companies embracing digital transformation and leveraging technology to enhance their business processes have succeeded. Overall, this research paper provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation and offers practical recommendations for businesses looking to grow in this new era. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting a customer-centric approach, embracing emerging technologies, and developing agile and adaptable business models to maintain competitiveness and relevance in the age of digital transformation. Keywords: Business, Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Technology, Digitalization. JEL Classification Code: M16, M20, N10, O10, and O33.
Business, Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Technology, Digitalization.
Copyright (c) 2023 Musammat Tahmina Khanom https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Study On Financial Aspects of Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited in Bangladesh
This research is conducted on financial aspects of Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.. To cover the financial aspects, the Author has taken into consideration the financial trend and performance of this organization to analyze. Financial trend and performance analyses are the important weapons to measure the managerial skill in various dimensions of a company. Several relevant ratios from financial statement have been analyzed to evaluate the financial trend, performance and managerial skill. The Author’s thirst is to have the clarification on the ability of the firm to pay the short-term obligations, profit earning capacity, rapidity of converting different accounts into cash, debt-burden as well as the people’s confidence on the firm’s future performance. With a view to covering the thirst, evaluating the financial health of the company has been designed as the principal objective of the work. This is an exploratory research and chiefly secondary data based which are collected from audited annual reports of Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. starting from 2015-16 to 2020-21. To have the better result from analyzing and interpreting the data, several ratios, statistical tools and percentages have been applied. This research is following the pharmaceutical industry particularly for “Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.” Precise analysis of financial trend and performance of manufacturing sub-sector like pharmaceutical sub-sector shall help the policy makers to frame the policies. From the extraction of the work, it may be said that liquidity position and activity ratios are not so much favorable whereas the profitability, debt and market ratios are somehow up to the mark. From overall extraction of the work, it is concluded that Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is being operated with positive trend and with stable performance. Ultimately, this work confers to maximize sales and minimize fixed expenses and to be more cautious in maintaining operating expenses of the firm.
Copyright (c) 2023 Dr. Mushfiqur Rahman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of corporate governance on ESG and Financial Performance: A Comparison between Commercial and Islamic Banks
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of corporate governance on ESG disclosure and financial performance of selected commercial and Islamic banks in Bangladesh. The study period selected was from 2015 to 2020, with a sample size of 18 banks. Through an extensive literature review, the author developed two models, which have coinciding variables and are thus comparable in the same study period. By applying correlation and linear regression on two separate models, the study aimed to first find the impact of specific variables (Revenue, Firm size, Board size, Leverage) on ESG. Then the impact of these variables on financial performance is also determined. Using the findings, which showed that ESG has a positive relationship with firm and board size, along with financial performance being positively affected by the board size and firm size, the results are compared and contrasted. The comparison showed that both commercial banks and Islamic banks showed similar findings in terms of what affects ESG disclosure levels and the financial performance of the banks. This study recommends that management pay extra attention to the level of ESG information disclosed, as this can have long-term growth implications.
Copyright (c) 2023 Umma Hania Umma Hania https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Does the Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test Improve Bank Equity Risk and Liquidity Risk?
This paper attempts to fill the gap in the existing literature on stress tests by investigating the effects of the Dodd-Frank Act Stress Tests (DFAST) on bank equity risk and core deposits. The former signals future cash flows while the latter acts as a buffer for banks when market liquidity becomes scarce. Using a difference in difference model for the period 2013-2018, I find that the implementation of the DFAST reduces bank equity risk and increases the amount of core deposits held at the stress-tested banks. The findings show that the stress tests fulfill their primary goal of improving banks’ risk exposure and liquidity management, thereby promoting sound financial conditions in the banking industry.
Stress Test, Liquidity Risk, Banking, Financial Markets
Copyright (c) 2022 Hien Nguyen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Perceived Organizational Support on Financial Performance and the Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction
In this study, the aim was to evaluate the direct and indirect effect of perceived organizational support on financial performance and customer satisfaction. Moreover, this study examined the role of customer satisfaction as a mediator in the indirect relation between the perceived organizational support (POS) and the financial performance of firms. 100 pairs of bankers and their customers were surveyed as well as financial statements from 14 banks were used to measure the variables in the study. A partial least square structural equation model was used to access the hypotheses. Results suggest that customer satisfaction significantly improves financial performance. In addition, perceived organizational support (POS) has significant indirect relation with financial performance and this indirect relationship between POS and financial performance is fully mediated by customer satisfaction. The findings reveal that employees with better perceived organizational support significantly improve the financial performance of banks indirectly by ensuring better customer satisfaction.
Perceived Organizational Support (POS); Financial Performance; Customer Satisfaction; Mediation; PLS
Copyright (c) 2022 Mohammad Awal Hossen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Measuring the relationship and trend analysis among the macro-economic variables (Revenues, per capita income, GDP, and annual budget) in the successive periods of Bangladesh
This study aims to explore the relationship and trend among the macro variables (total revenues, tax revenues, non-tax revenues, direct tax, indirect tax, per capita income, GDP, and annual budget) of Bangladesh in the successive periods. In this study, we used secondary data from the fiscal year 1972-1973 to 2019-2020 from the National Board of Revenues and Ministry of Finance. Chi-Square Test and Durbin Watson Test have been executed in this study. The result of the study revealed that total non-tax revenues, total indirect tax, and annual budget have statistically significant associations with annual GDP, whereas, total direct tax and per capita income have no statistically significant impacts on annual GDP in Bangladesh. The time factors also have an impact on the GDP and government revenue generation. Next, we found that total revenues of the government, total non-tax revenues, total direct tax, and total indirect tax has a significant positive association but per capita income has no impact on revenues of the government. However, government revenues have a significant impact on the annual budget influenced by the time factors. The findings of the study can be used in policy making in raising government revenues in consideration of macro-variables in Bangladesh.
Copyright (c) 2022 Mohammad Main Uddin, Md. Jahangir Alam Siddikee, humaira begum, Md. Mamunar Rashid, Rabiul Islam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Economic Growth on Female Labour Force Participation: Evidence from Southern African Countries
This paper investigates the impact of economic growth on female labor force participation in Southern Africa, testing the feminization U-shaped Hypothesis. The paper drew from the fact that there is conflicting empirical evidence about the existence of the U-shaped relationship between economic growth and female labor force participation. We argue that cross-country predictions of the U-shaped hypothesis in Southern Africa can give a balanced reflection of the nexus when the region’s uniqueness and diversity are incorporated. This kind of investigation may not only help in finding compatible actionable policies to upsurge female labour force participation, but also promote evidence-based policies for the economic empowerment of women in Southern Africa. Based on the panel threshold and fixed effect model on 15 SADC countries over the period 2000–2018, the findings confirm the U-shaped relationship between growth and female labor force participation in Southern Africa. But the U disappears in the Islands when data is disaggregated according to geographic regions within Southern Africa i.e. (Islands, landlocked, and not landlocked/with coastline countries). The study recommends that the analysis of economic growth and female labor force participation nexus in Southern Africa should consider the importance of geographic locations. This is especially critical since female labour force participation in parts of SADC like the islands and landlocked countries may be influenced by challenges that are geographically inherent to them.
Copyright (c) 2022 Nthabeleng lillian Moshoeshoe, Dr https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Aftersales Service Factors Affecting Customer Satisfaction of Mobile Phones
Aftersales is one of the most critical dimensions for customer satisfaction. However, the elements of aftersales services influencing customer satisfaction are not well studied in the area of innovative and short life cycle products such as mobile phones. This study aims to identify the elements of aftersales services that influence customer satisfaction. Three hundred fifty mobile phone users of different brands, identified through the snowball sampling technique, were surveyed through a structured questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses of these data found four after-sales services: warranty, online support, service center’s support/repair, and upgrades, statistically significant in influencing customer satisfaction for mobile phone brands.
Copyright (c) 2022 Mohammad Anisur Rahman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Empirical Study on the Perceptions of Students enrolled in Business Programs toward Online Courses and Online Course Engagement Strategies during COVID-19
A rapid transition to online learning occurred in the United States in the Spring of 2020, triggered by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. An online survey questionnaire was administered in the Spring of 2021 to students enrolled in business programs in the United States at two universities to investigate the perceptions of students toward online business courses and the importance of engagement strategies within three types of interactions: learner-to-content, learner-to-teacher, learner-to-learner. Results indicated significant differences in perceptions among the groups (gender, online course experience, age) exist and provides guidance and practical suggestions to structure and design online business courses.
Copyright (c) 2021 Khendum Choden, Meera Behera https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Using social media for managing organizational knowledge, learning and innovation: in the perspective of Samsung
Organisational learning is a broad concept and it has evolved over time. However, based on context and characteristic of the user organisation, the learning technique and process differs significantly. Whichever learning model a company employs, Knowledge Management (KM) remains an important business practice for all. With the advent and popularity of Social Media (SM), KM is becoming more and more dependent on the use of varied social online networks. Nevertheless, the issue of innovation though social media surrounded knowledge management is a matter of debate among scholars. This case study has explored this issue in the context of Samsung Group.
Copyright (c) 2021 Md. Mahathy Hasan Jewel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PACIFIC ALLIANCE REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS AND INVESTMENT INCENTIVES
The Pacific Alliance was created in 2011 with a concept and ideology different from that of the different Regional Integration Organizations in Latin America. It is an instrument of growth for its member countries, and it is important in a global context as it accounts for 40% of GDP in the Latin American region, attracting 45% of foreign direct investment (FDI) to the region. Its comprehensive economic concept, far from a political vision, has drawn attention to its trade interests in the Asia region. This article researches and reviews the tax, commercial and investment structures of the Pacific Alliance’s four member countries, as well as a regulatory analysis of Panama—a candidate for membership of the Alliance. Nine years after its creation, the Alliance has succeeded in consolidating a trade bloc aiming towards a new trade era for Latin America, supported by geo-economic factors with a view to strengthening relations with Asia-Pacific as a region.
Pacific Alliance; investment regimes; foreign investment; market access; Asia.
Copyright (c) 2022 Pilar Ceron, Melany Perez Cortes, Radu Serrano https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of GHRM on Organization’s Environmental Performance: Mediating Role of Green Employee Empowerment
Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices are increasingly considered a crucial business strategy for organizations in environmental management and have impact on environmental performances of organization. Though much attention has been given on GHRM practices, very few studies exist relating to this issue in developing country context. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of different GHRM practices on the Organization's Environmental Performance (OEP) through Green Employee Empowerment (GEE). Methodology: The PLS path modeling technique is used to test the hypotheses of the study based on a questionnaire survey of 340 responses from the manufacturing sector. Findings: The empirical finding shows that the GHRM practices have significant effects on OEP and GEE was found positively mediate the impact of GHRM practices on OEP. Originality/Contribution: This research has theoretically contributed to the green HRM/HRM literature by discovering the relationship between various green practices and their results related to EP in manufacturing organizations. This paper extends the literature by exploring the indirect effects of GHRM on OEP via GEE. The results recommend that GHRM practices may lead employees toward green empowerment to achieve environmental performance.
Copyright (c) 2021 Mohammad Ashraful Alam Alam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Role of Microcredit in Improving the Food Security Status of the Rural Poor Women: Evidence from Bangladesh
Purpose-The prime objective of this study was to assess the impact of microcredit on the household food consumption expenditure of the rural poor women in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach-Primary data was collected from the landless, marginal and small borrowers from Gazipur and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. The Simple Random Sampling (SRS) technique was used to select the samples. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique was used to assess the impact of microcredit on the household food consumption expenditure. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the opinions of the borrowers about the role of microcredit in enhancing their food security status. Findings-This study showed that microcredit intervention made a significant contribution to increase the household food consumption expenditure of the borrowers. Originality/value- This study helps in formulation and smooth implementation of the food security programs for the rural poor women in developing countries. Keywords: microcredit, food security, poverty, women.
Copyright (c) 2021 Shejuti Haque https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Opportunity for Religious Tourism: In the Perspective of Bangladesh
Traditionally Bangladeshi people are religious regardless of religious faith. All the main religions (Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist) enjoy religious freedom in praying, pilgrimage, and celebration regardless of their numbers. Best architectures are displayed at thousands of ancient/new mosques, churches, pagodas, and synagogues scattered around the country. Thousands of people travel to see the Architectural ornamentation of various praying institutions. Spiritual tourism generates millions domestically and millions of foreign currencies for international spiritual travelers. Religious tourism is one of the largest contributors in overall tourism industry. Tourism not only increases tertiary employment, but it also stimulates the primary and secondary economies. The study shows that in Bangladesh there are tremendous opportunities to grow religious tourism because it has a lot of religious, cultural and archeological heritage, historical heritage, which could be potential destinations for tourism. The report also discusses issues with the growth of religious tourism and recommendations are also provided to motivate religious visitors to visit the country's numerous religious sites and to stimulate economic growth in Bangladesh.
Copyright (c) 2021 Jashim Uddin Sarker https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gender diversity has gained significant attention in accounting, finance, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature. This literature will enlighten the readers regarding the valuable understandings obtained from these studies, and to define knowledge holes and potential research paths. Though many papers are examining the determinants and consequences of gender diversity, however, this review suggests that organizations with weak corporate governance have a tendency to respond to the call of gender diversity regulations to capture the need of society. Additionally, the firm’s determinants and consequences of gender diversity vary across the countries based on local/regional demand, demographic attributes, and the nature of gender regulation. Most of the reviewed papers explore the consequences of firm gender diversity studies, and we classify these into (i) accounting implications, (ii) financial implications, and (iii) corporate governance implications (iv) CSR implications. This review indicates that corporate gender diversity has significant influences on organizations' financial reporting and corporate disclosures, financing, corporate investment, cash holding and dividends decisions, on overall corporate governance and socially responsible behavior. In analyzing the growing body of corporate gender diversity literature, this paper identifies critical flaws of past researches, and recommend suggestions for future studies.
Copyright (c) 2021 Ummya Salma, Aimin Qian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of determinants of innovation on economic growth in Sub Saharan Africa
The currently observed incorporation of hidden and non-technological innovations, together with the emergence of the modern day fourth industrial revolution is actually contributing to change in our understanding of innovation and its measured contributions to success in entrepreneurship. This study provides a quantitative longitudinal study of the determinants of innovation, their role in entrepreneurship innovation capacity and how they collectively add value to economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The study used fixed effects with country dummies in the analysis where Stata software was used. The empirical results indicated that capital for domestic investment, labour, innovation and foreign direct were positively and significantly correlated with economic growth in SSA. It was concluded that the above variables were positively and significantly correlated with economic growth in SSA. It is recommended that respective countries should put in mechanisms to capitalize from the positive benefits of the above on the economy. This could be through increased investments in tertiary institutions and reduction of bureaucracy and corruption that will not only increase high quality production through increased labour productivity, but will also foster fair competition in the markets. Keywords: entrepreneurship, innovation, economic growth, Sub-Saharan Africa
Copyright (c) 2021 Odhiambo Norbert Omuga, Professor Xiongying Niu Peter, Robert Moracha Ogeto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF EMPLOYEE WORK PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEM AT THE NRA OF SIERRA LEONE
Â The National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone has implemented employee work performance appraisals to enhance employee motivation and organizational performance. However, little research has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of these performance appraisals. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to establish the impact of fairness of manager’s recent appraisal, completeness of the appraisal and the extent of evaluation feedback of the appraisal system on employee motivation and the overall organizational performance. An online survey was conducted on a sample of 150 staffs at NRA. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was used in analyzing the statistical data. Findings from the research show evidence that although employees are concerned about the extent of evaluation feedback of the appraisal system; the proposed model is adequate for evaluating the possibility of EWPA system in influencing employee motivation and organizational performance. The study recommends that feedback should involve discussions of strengths and weaknesses of the employees and actionable. Further, rewards should be given to employees whenever feedback is positive.
Copyright (c) 2020 Salamatu Bellah Conteh, Yijun yuan, Fatmata Isha Bah, Niu Xiongying
Ethical Leadership Style and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Employee Work Engagement
Background: Ethical leadership plays a vital role in improving the employees’ work engagement and has an effect on organizational citizenship behaviour. Despite the increase in awareness of ethical leadership in organizations, little attention has been given to this issue. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to draw on social exchange theory perspectives to examine the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between ethical leadership and organizational citizenship behaviour. Methods: The study uses the cross-sectional design method and collected data from 321 employees working in the Public service Commission of Sierra Leone to test all hypotheses. Findings: The study finds that ethical leadership facilitates employees to engage in their work and encourages them to strengthening their organizational citizenship behaviour. Importantly, employees’ work engagement was found to positively mediate the effect of ethical leadership on organizational citizenship behaviour. Implications of the study and future research directions are also discussed.
Copyright (c) 2020 Fatmata Isha Bah, Niu Xiongying, Woldeyohanes Gizaw Tena
Improved Soft Skill and University Club Involvement. Are They Connected?
There is a need for business students to develop soft skills in addition to technical skills, in order to successfully transition into the workforce. Hiring managers stress the importance for business students to have strong soft and hard skills in order to be competitive during the job search process. Hiring managers are finding that recent graduates lack soft skills such as presentation, listening, and teamwork, which many jobs require. The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify and determine what changes in soft skills/professional skills, specifically leadership, communication, and networking, business students may develop, after one year of involvement in a university marketing club; based on student perceptions. The results for this study show that business students who are members of an undergraduate university club for one year perceive improvement in the aforementioned soft skills. Based off the findings, business faculty should focus on incorporating soft skill development into their curriculum. Soft skill development could potentially better prepare graduates for entering the workforce. Â Â
Copyright (c) 2020 Angie Kovarik, Gabriel Warren
The Impacts of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure on Dividend Policy of Financial Sectors in Jordan
Purpose - This study aims to explore the significant relationship of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure with Dividend policy in financial companies listed - (Insurance and Banking sectors) - at Amman stock exchange for the year of 2019. Methodology - The study based on agency theory and Hofstede's cultural dimension theory to understand the nature of the theoretical relationship between these variables. The six Dimensions- (PDI: Power Distance Index; IDV: Individualism versus Collectivism; MAS: Masculinity versus Femininity; UAI: Uncertainty Avoidance Index; LOT: Long- Versus Short-Term Orientation; IND: Indulgence versus Restraint) are represented as proxies of Hofstede’s Cultural theory. On the other hand, Foreign Ownership; Concentrated Ownership and Institutional Ownership are represented as proxies of Ownership Structure. The Payout ratio is used as a proxy for the Dividend Policy. The questionnaire was distributed to target companies to measure cultural dimensions. The study tested the validity and reliability of the questionnaire by using the Cronbach Alpha factor. The researchers have employed the SSPS program to process the data statistically and to test the hypotheses and models of study. Further, Linear Regressions Technique was used to predict the significant relationship among the variables Findings - Results have shown that six Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure have no significant relationship with Dividend policy. Conclusion - The study contributes to the existing literature by filling out the gap in studies that have been carried out on the impact of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure on Dividend policy in Jordan. Furthermore, the study has practical implications such as directing the Jordanian companies to make an effective investment decision by recognizing the effect of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Ownership Structure on Dividend policy. Also, helping researchers, thereby serving as an input and a motivation for further research in the future.
Investigating the Impact of Environmental and Organizational Factors on the Adoption of Social Networking Sites (SNSs)
The way of communication and pattern of doing business have been changed remarkably due to adoption of social networking sites intensively in daily life. This study attempts to unveil the impact of environmental and organizational factors on SNSs adoption among the institutional investors in Bangladesh. By using structured online questionnaires, data were collected from the institutional investors. Partial least square based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), a variance based statistical analysis technique, was used to analyze the data. It explored that environmental and organizational factors are significant antecedents to adopt the social networking sites (SNSs) among the institutional investors. Remarkably, it found that environmental factors have significant impact on organizational factors during the adoption of SNSs among the institutional investors. Most remarkable finding is observed that environmental factors are more robust predictor than organizational factors during the adoption of SNSs. This study will enrich the existing literature by incorporating organizational and environmental factor as direct determinants of intention to use as well as TOE. It will help institutional investors and service providers to formulate strategy regarding the adoption of SNSs in institutional context.
Copyright (c) 2019 Md Ziaul Haque, Aimin Qian, Taslima Akther