International Journal of Sustainable Society (27 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Did Micro-Finance Pass the Covid Litmus Test? An Empirical Analysis from Women Borrowers’ Perspective based in Rural Himalayas
  by Insha Wani, Megha Agarwal 
  Abstract: The study attempts to use COVID period as an opportunity to analyse how efficiently micro-finance has been able to deal with the unprecedented crisis. The objective of this study is to find the impact of two COVID-19 response measures; credit accessibility and moratorium on repayments, taken by the industry, on welfare status of its women beneficiaries. To test the validity of claims made by micro-finance, we carried an empirical study of 1,210 micro-finance women borrowers from nine districts of Jammu and Kashmir operating under DAY-NRLM. We used ANOVA, independent t-test and Welch test to compare the welfare status of these borrowers during the core pandemic period, using financial accessibility, Domestic violence and economic stability as three dimensions of women welfare or empowerment. The findings are suggestive of a mixed performance by micro-finance.
  Keywords: micro-finance; COVID-19; women welfare; economic stability; domestic violence; financial accessibility.
  
  
• Social responsibility in Pandemic and its Financial Impacts: Insights from Covid-19 Literature
  by Mohit Saini, Shallu Batra, Ishu Jindal, Kapil Gora, Mahender Yadav 
  Abstract: Business corporations have emerged as good Samaritans by pulling society from the dusk of the pandemic. A major strand of researchers examined the impact of such socially responsible activities on a corporate firm's performance (CFP) and risk. The pandemic has raised the CSR types and levels in society; hence there is a need for a study that presents the state of the scholarly work on CSR-CFP. Therefore, this study adopted the structured review methodology and keywords analysis to explore the publications. After a thorough review of articles, we found that initially, companies have undertaken the majority of the CSR activities for internal stakeholders such as employees, and after that, for the community. Overall, most of the studies have depicted a positive impact of CSR on firm performance in the short term. CSR firms were more resilient to COVID-19 risk. The study concludes with future gaps and findings.
  Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; firm performance; COVID-19; pandemic.
  
  
• Sustainable consumption behaviour, values conscious purchase intention, and organic personal care products: Extending customer values theory  
  by Surbhi Sharma, Bijay Kushwaha 
  Abstract: The present study extends the determinants of theory of planned behaviour by incorporating perceived customer values that impact the customer attitude, and purchase intention for organic personal care products (PCP). The study aims to find out the role of customer values in attitude formation and purchase intention. The total 471 responses were received from the respondents selected through purposive sampling technique. PLS-SEM was used to test and validate the conceptual model. The results indicate that customer’s values like health values, safety values, and social values have a significant positive effect on consumer attitude to purchase organic personal care products whereas environment values and hedonic values have positive but insignificant impact on consumer’s attitude towards buying organic PCP. This study undertakes an untouched research area of organic PCP and extends the determinants of TPB incorporating various consumer perceived values. Further, this study contributes both theoretically and practically in the emerging literature.
  Keywords: customer values; attitude; purchase intention; organic personal care products; theory of planned behaviour; TPB.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2025.10061098
   
  
• Investigating the Actions Required to Effectively Manage Stakeholders in Construction Projects  
  by Panashe Tichafara Bopoto, Amir Hossein Ghapanchi 
  Abstract: Typically, construction projects are organised into a series of operations carried out by different individuals or organisations, referred to as stakeholders with varying degrees of engagement. Initiating, planning and finishing construction projects can become complex due to the interactions that occur between different parties and their associated influences. This paper utilises a secondary data analysis method to interpret data from multiple construction projects and suggests seven themes around which practitioners should base their stakeholder management processes, namely stakeholder influences and representation, stakeholder communication, stakeholder collaboration, stakeholder negotiations, risk management, project value to society, and project sustainability. Although some of these themes exist in other forms of literature surrounding the topic of stakeholder management on construction projects, there is a lack of research which provides a relatively exhaustive framework consisting of a set of actions that can be adopted to maximise project success. This paper aims to fill this gap.
  Keywords: stakeholder management; construction projects; project sustainability; circular construction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2025.10061165
   
  
• Green or Green Washing A Review Paper on the Current State of Sustainability of Fashion Brands  
  by Ahmed Zaidi, Archana Gandhi 
  Abstract: With the conclusion of the Conference of Parties (COP)-26 in Glasgow, the world has realised that sustainability must become the new normal. Taking a leaf out of COP 26, we now limit our focus to fast-fashion and designer brands and what the fashion industry is doing to make itself sustainable. The research method adopted for this study is bibliometric research and critical analysis of the articles’ content. The research focused on fast fashion and designer brands’ corporate social responsibility disclosures on their respective websites, along with grey literature, to comprehend the steps taken by brands towards environmental sustainability. In this regard, 42 articles were identified and analysed. This paper highlights the practice of fashion organisations greenwashing in the pursuit of sustainability. The paper also highlights the potential negative impacts on society, organisations, and consumer markets, which can be beneficial for scholars and professionals alike.
  Keywords: green marketing; greenwashing; fast fashion; designer labels; textile industry; sustainable fashion.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2025.10060212
   
  
• Do corporate strategies moderate the influence of the effect of environmental government policy in CSR communication?  
  by Alessandra De Chiara, Anna D'Auria 
  Abstract: Are CSR disclosures positively associated with government policy on sustainable development? And what is the role of government policy in companies engaged in green strategies commitment? These are the research questions investigated in the paper, which analyses the CSR reports of a randomly selected sample of 40 US companies. Aiming to observe the content of companies' communication related to their responsible approach, the authors performed a longitudinal study of CSR reports provided by US companies. The expected contribution is to offer food for thought on the influence of institutional policy in corporate communication about sustainability and, vice versa, the power of businesses to influence government policies. The usage of the disclosure to evaluate the commitment to responsible behaviour is valorised by the literature, and the empirical research seems to confirm the presence of a positive relationship between the influence of the institutional context and companies' CSR communication. However, in the presence of companies' strategic sustainability objectives, communication regarding environmental topics is improved and strengthened.
  Keywords: CSR disclosure; contextual factors; government policy; content analysis; environment; USA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2025.10061617
   
  
• Analysis of Municipal Waste and Management of Baby Nappies and sanitary Napkins in the Slovak Republic  
  by Viera Peterkova, Ivan Ilko, Romana Martincova, Karin Preinerova 
  Abstract: In this article, diaper and feminine hygiene waste is analysed with a focus on the differences between large and small cities. The unit of analysis used is 5% of the total number of mixed waste collection bins in use in the area of interest. The collected data are compared with data on the number of children aged 03 years and data on women aged 1345 years living in the area of interest. Waste from 31 local authorities was analysed as part of this work. By analysing the waste in 31 cities and municipalities in Slovakia, we obtained a cumulative 922.21 kg of diapers, which represented 10% of the cumulative mixed municipal waste (9,188.91 kg) in the studied municipalities. Statistical treatment showed no difference in the percentage of diapers between municipalities and cities (p = 0.441) and in the proportion of individual housing construction and complex housing construction (p = 0.463).
  Keywords: diapers; waste; sanitary napkins; analysis; municipal waste; tampons; large cities; small towns; consumption.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2025.10064501
   
  
• Perception of sustainable clothing solutions: Analysis of polish consumers' attitudes  
  by Oskar Bech, Szymon Korcz, Radosław Bojarczuk 
  Abstract: The study is based on the analysis of semi-structured interviews with consumers of sustainable clothing, conducted between January and February 2022 in Poland. The research aims to gain deeper understanding of Polish consumers who purchase eco-friendly clothing, as well as to explore their opinions and attitudes towards sustainable fashion. The study concludes that Polish consumers of eco-friendly fashion are mostly engaged with the cause of climate change. However, there is still a lack of awareness among consumers regarding the harmfulness of textile and garment production. They are mostly motivated by the need for a more ethical fashion consumption, as well as the need for a more sustainable future for their children. Additionally, the research reveals their concerns regarding the greenwashing of companies and perception of sustainable fashion as relatively expensive. This article provides insight into both general and green clothing customer practices and industry concerns.
  Keywords: sustainable development; environmentalism; consumer attitudes; environmental knowledge; textile industry; greenwashing; garment industry; fashion; eco-friendly; awareness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2025.10064780
   
  
• Sustaining a Stunning Physical Appearance Among Career Women in Malaysia  
  by Hasliza Hassan, Muhammad Sabbir Rahman, Abu Bakar Sade 
  Abstract: Having a presentable physical appearance may be one of the hidden success factors for most career women. The continuously increasing number of career women in the workforce, especially in professional fields, may start a revolution in the beauty industry, especially in slimming centres. In line with the current competitive work culture, the number of slimming centres has increased to cater to the needs of career women. This research is based on a cross-sectional data collection design and uses 308 responses for the structural equation modelling analysis. Promotion, social influence and price value are found to positively influence hedonic motivation to patronise a slimming centre. In addition, hedonic motivation may encourage customers to make patronising a slimming centre a positive habit. This research is expected to advance the literature by investigating the beauty industry, especially slimming centres, in the Malaysian market.
  Keywords: habit; hedonic motivation; physical appearance; price value; promotion; social influence; Malaysia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2025.10065145
   
  
• Climate Smart Agriculture and Sustainability: A Bibliometric Analysis  
  by Abhineet Saxena, Garima Pancholi, Amit Jain 
  Abstract: Climate change disrupts the ecological balance, with temperature rises, droughts, and unpredictable weather harming agriculture. Implementing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) can reduce greenhouse gases, boost crop yields, and enhance resilience to climate change. The primary purpose of this study is to provide a structured review and comprehend how previous research work captures CSA and Sustainability. In this study, a total of 183 documents were retrieved from the Scopus database published from 2013to 2022. This bibliometric analysis shows that CSA and sustainability have gained momentum since 2015. The USA has contributed the most while India is contributing a lot in the research field of CSA. Campbell has the highest number of publications and Wageningen University and Research are leading in Affiliation productivity. This research paper is relevant to those researchers who are aiming to comprehend CSA for sustainability and food security.
  Keywords: climate change; climate smart agriculture; CSA; greenhouse gases; bibliometric analysis; VOSviewer.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10065346
   
  
• Study the Impact of Religious Fundamentalism and the Psychological Effect of Extremism and Terrorism in Diverse Religions  
  by Ajay Sharma, Karunika Dr, Anil Kumar Tewari 
  Abstract: India is considered a well-known secular democracy in the universe with the present context of growing religious extremism and terrorism. Most of the research examines whether the fundamentalism/sexism association differs between genders, nor explores whether individual-level measures of fundamentalism are more likely applicable to personal beliefs that lead to extremism and terrorism. This research, finds the impact of religious fundamentalism and beliefs of specific religions tends to religious extremism and terrorism. The study collected data from 500 members of different religious groups randomly in India. Further, study the psychological variables associated with terrorism and extremism groups using a prospective survey on various religions. In addition, the source for extremism and terrorism with the fundamentalism of the religion has also been characterised. The findings demonstrated the validity of the expected pathways, confirming that it is important to consider the role of collective terrorism when studying relationships between religious fundamentalism and beliefs.
  Keywords: religious fundamentalism; religiosity; extremism; terrorism; rationalism; secularism; religious beliefs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2025.10065684
   
  
• Reducing the Financial Stress: a Study on the Role of Financial Behaviour, Financial Inclusion and Financial Stability  
  by Ruchi Kakkar, Pooja Sharma, Mithilesh Pandey 
  Abstract: The prevalence of financial stress is high among individuals, resulting in negative psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and behavioural modifications. This study aims to delve into the factors that ultimately effects financial stress. It sheds light on the critical role of financial stability (FST), financial inclusion (FI) and financial behaviour (FB) in reducing individual financial stress (FIN_ST). Using a purposive sampling technique, data was collected from 275 participants and analysed using PLS-SEM. The findings indicate that FI and FB significantly influence the financial stability among individuals, while financial stability has a significantly negative influence on financial stress, thus, helping in reducing the financial stress. The current study highlights the significance of financial behaviour and financial inclusion in promoting financial stability and reducing financial stress. By addressing these factors, individuals can attain financial stability, leading to improved mental health and well-being. These findings have implications for policy makers and government organisations to design policies that encourage financial inclusion to bring about financial stability, which can lead to reduced financial stress among individuals.
  Keywords: financial behaviour; financial inclusion; financial stability; financial stress; partial least squares structural equation modelling; PLS-SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10065865
   
  
• 'Move Green': Promoting Sustainable Mobility through Social Norms  
  by Jone Vitkauskaite-Ramanauskiene 
  Abstract: To encourage individuals to reduce car usage, it is important to apply not only hard measures affecting external circumstances, but also soft measures aimed at internal barriers that hinder sustainable mobility. An intervention model for the promotion of sustainable mobility was developed, which was implemented in the form of the move green research initiative in six workplaces in Kaunas City. It aimed to encourage people to reduce their commuting trips by car and choose more environmentally friendly modes of mobility. The development and implementation procedures of the intervention were characterised by principles of action research. This article analysed the impact of the intervention on commuting behaviour, descriptive and subjective social norms. The results showed that there was a significant reduction in car trips during the intervention. Furthermore, both descriptive and subjective norms were activated during the intervention.
  Keywords: sustainable mobility; soft interventions; social norms; action research.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10066139
   
  
• Does the Education based on Gross National Happiness Value Influence Sustainable Practices among Bhutanese College Students  
  by Elangbam Haridev Singh, Madan Gurung, Rajeeta Sapam 
  Abstract: Gross national happiness (GNH) is a unique model which Bhutan has adopted. The present study is an attempt to assess the impact of GNH value-based education adopted by all educational institutes, on sustainable practices among Bhutanese college students, particularly in the context of students who have undergone 12 years of GNH value-based education in schools. The findings show that GNH awareness contributes positively to students' attitudes towards sustainable development goals (SDGs). Awareness among Bhutanese business students about SDGs is significantly related to positive sustainable behaviour, which in turn has positive implications for achieving SDGs. Findings also shows that awareness about GNH does not mediate between positive awareness towards SDGs and positive behaviour towards sustainable development, although it influences the positive attitude towards SDGs.
  Keywords: gross national happiness; GNH; sustainable development goals; SDGs; positive attitude for SDGs; sustainable development; awareness for SDGs; education; Bhutanese students.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10066350
   
  
• Disparity in CSR Spending - an Analysis of CSR Spending Post Mandate CSR in India  
  by Daithun Narzari, Sharmistha Bhattacharjee 
  Abstract: Following the implementation of mandatory CSR regulations in India, there has been a notable rise in CSR spending by corporate entities; yet spatial inequality persists across regions. This study examine the relationship between CSR spending and economic (GSDP) and social indicators (BPL and AD), comparing CSR spending across states and regions. Using data from the National CSR portal, we utilised correlation and regression analyses. Our findings highlight the model's statistical significance, with GSDP, BPL, and AD collectively explaining 77.8% (r2 = 0.778) of the variance in CSR spending (p = 0.001). However, only GSDP is a significant predictor (p = 0.001), while BPL and AD are not (p > 0.05). Additionally, we found a positive correlation between BPL and AD (? = 0.685**). Notably, 60.33% of CSR spending is concentrated in the top five giant economic states. Drawing on our analysis, we provide policy recommendations and implications.
  Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; mandatory CSR; mandatory corporate social responsibility; CSR spending; corporate social responsibility spending; CSR expenditure.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10066754
   
  
• Explaining Green Future Purchase Intention of Household Appliances: a Perspective from a Developing Economy  
  by Wajeeha Aslam, Marija Ham, Imtiaz Arif, Kashif Farhat 
  Abstract: This study aims to examine the impact of consumption values on green customer satisfaction and its impact on trust and loyalty of green household appliances. The study also examines the impact of trust and loyalty on personal reciprocity, and its impact on green household future purchase intention. On a useful sample of 300 from Karachi, Pakistan, 52.6% were males and 47.3% were females. The results after applying PLS-SEM technique revealed that emotional, functional, environmental, and social values significantly affect green customer satisfaction. In contrast, economic value does not have any impact on green customer satisfaction. The findings further reveal that green customer satisfaction positively affects trust and loyalty. Moreover, trust and loyalty both affect personal reciprocity, and that significantly affects green future purchase intention of household appliances. The study offers various implications to marketers, environmentalists, and practitioners of green household appliances.
  Keywords: personal reciprocity; consumption values; green consumer satisfaction; green future purchase intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10066907
   
  
• Financial Inclusion and Welfare in Ghana  
  by Haruna Issahaku, Benjamin Musah Abu 
  Abstract: In the extant literature, it is not clear which welfare parameters financial inclusion can impact to improve welfare at the household level. To fill this knowledge gap, this study employs Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) and Seemingly Unrelated Regressions (SUR) using data from the Ghana Living Standard Survey Rounds Five and Six to investigate the determinants of financial inclusion and the impact of financial inclusion on household consumption and poverty. The results show that financial inclusion is low in Ghana. Infrastructural variables such as motorable roads, banks, public transport and markets are key determinants of financial inclusion, underscoring the role of information and transaction costs in enabling financial inclusion. We find that financial inclusion robustly promotes welfare by boosting the consumption of diverse goods and services and reducing poverty. Thus, financial inclusion is a viable policy option for improving household welfare in Ghana.
  Keywords: financial inclusion; welfare; Ghana; endogenous switching regression; treatment effect.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10067016
   
  
• Investigating the Female Attitude and Purchase Intention towards Green Cosmetics in Pakistan  
  by Kashif Farhat, Wajeeha Aslam, Lei Wang 
  Abstract: By extending the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the study aims to identify the factors affecting attitude and purchase intention of female consumers towards green cosmetics. The data was collected from female green cosmetics consumers in Karachi, Pakistan, by following the purposive sampling technique, and on a useful sample of 313, PLS-SEM was employed for testing hypotheses. Results showed that attitude and perceived behavioural control (PBC) significantly affects purchase intention of green cosmetics. Perceived quality, environmental concern, health consciousness, and ecological motive positively affects attitude towards green cosmetics. In contrast, environmental knowledge failed to have an impact on attitude. The result further reveals that subjective norm (SN) positively affects attitude and PBC. Furthermore, attitude and PBC mediate the relationship between SN and purchase intention. The findings offer various insights to environmentalist, green cosmetics manufacturers, and marketers to build appropriate strategies for increasing consumers' attitude and purchase intention towards green cosmetics.
  Keywords: attitude; green cosmetics; organic cosmetics; purchase intention; theory of planned behaviour; TPB; Pakistan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10067232
   
  
• Working-from-Home and the Potential for Emission Reduction in Vietnam  
  by Yen Dan Tong, Phuong Duy Nguyen, Thi Hong Nhung Vo, Van Ngan Nguyen, Hoa Nhai Pham 
  Abstract: Working-from-home is a promising strategy for reducing GHG emissions in transport sector, especially when it was significantly triggered by pandemic. However, the understanding of its ability to reduce emissions is still ambiguous, especially in developing countries. This study aims to fill the gap by investigating the possibility of reducing GHG emissions when people in Da Nang, Vietnam switch to WfH and not take trips to work. The results show that the amount of GHG savings from trips for work and study purposes is 1.75% to 8.75% a week, which is negligible. However, in view of the growing trend of WfH amid and post pandemic, the development of transport policies towards sustainability must take into account the comprehensive scope of the impact of travel behaviours. Specifically, policies to reduce GHG emissions must be considered in a holistic way both for-work and not-for-work trips.
  Keywords: GHG emissions; emission reduction; travel diary; Vietnam; remote working; working from home.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10067415
   
  
• Attitude Formation Towards Social Entrepreneurship among Gen Y and Gen Z: an Empirical Investigation in the UAE  
  by Zahra Allowatia, Sanjai K. Parahoo, Meera AlMarri, Ardhendu Shekhar Singh, Sabiha Mumtaz 
  Abstract: The study investigates the factors that motivate Gen Y and Gen Z to embark on social entrepreneurship (SE), focusing on how the digital environment shapes their attitudes. Using a qualitative exploratory research design comprising of in-depth interviews with 22 respondents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), various antecedents of attitude formation are mapped in a conceptual model. Two personal factors, self-efficacy and values significantly shaped the attitudes of youth towards social entrepreneurship (SE). These two factors were influenced by support and mentoring, and knowledge acquisition, which in turn, were influenced by four enablers: digital networks and social media, educational platforms, enabling institutions, and the support of family and friends. The findings may be used by policy makers and NGOs to promote SE. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have a young population, and the involvement of the youth as social entrepreneurs would supplement the efforts of public institutions towards sustainable development.
  Keywords: Social entrepreneurship; Attitude Formation; Self-Efficacy; Values; Gen Y and Z; digital environment; sustainable development; Millennials; UAE; GCC.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10067489
   
  
• What Can I do about It? - the Rising Awareness of the Trend of Mitigating Household Food Waste among Members of Generation Z  
  by Magdalena Kubal-Czerwi?ska 
  Abstract: Food waste is a significant global issue with environmental, economic, and social impacts. As sustainability becomes increasingly important, Generation Z's role in shaping attitudes toward food waste is crucial. Understanding the awareness and knowledge of high school students can help develop effective strategies for reducing household food waste. This article presents the scope of awareness and knowledge about the problem of reducing food waste in households among schoolers. Forty-five students aged 16-18 from 15 upper secondary schools in rural and urban areas of Malopolska Voivodeship participated in the study. Using the World Cafe method, the paper revealed that high school students are highly aware of ways to reduce household food waste, aligning with recommendations from organisations like food banks. Their insights offer valuable benchmarks for strategies to reduce food waste and highlight their influence in educating other generations.
  Keywords: food waste; household; Generation Z; high school students; Poland.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10068847
   
  
• Driving Factors of Land Surface Temperature in Urban Areas  
  by Hamed Faroqi 
  Abstract: Land Surface Temperature (LST) is a valuable product derived from satellite remotely sensed images. LST has many applications in disciplines such as Geology, Oceanology, Agriculture, Urbanology, etc. LST modelling in urban areas can help to understand urban structure and dynamics better. A few recent studies have investigated spatial variation and driving factors of LST. This study uses statistical modelling approaches to understand the driving factors of urban LST. Firstly, the LST map for the study area is produced. Secondly, the driving factors of the literature are reviewed, and seven driving factors are selected and produced for the study area. Thirdly, the correlation matrix, linear regression (Ordinary Least Squares (OLS)), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) are used to measure the relationship between the LST and driving factors. The study area is in Tehran, IRAN, and the satellite image is downloaded from the Landsat 9 mission. Outcomes of the CFA model show better RMSE than OLS. Land Cover Types have the highest impact on the LST. Therefore, the relationship between the LST and driving factors was discovered and better measured by CFA discovering latent factors.
  Keywords: Geomatics; spatial science; urban dynamics; urban heat; planning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10070261
   
  
• Edtech Adoption in Slum Children Education: an Initiative to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals  
  by Manas Upadhyay 
  Abstract: The research focuses on the problems associated with the access to education and learning achievement levels in relation to slum children. However, its adoption is not easy. Edtech is reported as boom for slum children which can provide cost effective learning to the students. Most of the educational content is free online which the students can access. Edtech can be a recommendation for immediate attention at the policy and implementation levels which can improve the condition of slum children education. In the presented research, factors affecting Edtech adoption are explored using extensive literature review and in discussion with experts. The identified factors were assessed using Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. As a result, the factors affecting Edtech adoption are categorized in to cause and effect category. The research results helps to understand the major obstacles for Edtech adoption so that required measures can be taken to ease its adoption.
  Keywords: Edtech; slum education; DEMATEL; academic performance. Sustainable education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10070876
   
  
• Comparative Review on Personal Information Protection in the Age of Big Data for the Legislation Actuality in Countries  
  by X. Teng, Z.J. Shen 
  Abstract: This paper compares personal information protection regulations across various countries, aiming to enhance data security while ensuring its responsible use. As countries continue to promote informatisation and the widespread use of the internet, new challenges arise in protecting personal information. The abuse of personal data, particularly in the age of big data, has drawn significant attention. This paper aims to ensure the responsible use of big data while safeguarding personal information, providing better smart services for the digitalisation of cities and buildings in the field of smart habitat for humanity.
  Keywords: personalized smart service; personal infiltration; computer law; legislation and supervision; governance; stakeholders.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10072383
   
  
• Sustainability Disclosure and Financial Performance: a Literature Review on Research Trend  
  by Amos O. Talabi, F.M. Taib, D.B. Jalaludin 
  Abstract: This paper presents a review of literature on how sustainability reporting (SP) influences financial performance (FP). The study maps the trends in the fields of SP and FP related using a bibliometric approach. The scoping literature review with The Lens.com as an online database were employed for selecting 245 published academic papers, out of which, 102 papers were selected for trend and word cloud analysis over a ten-year period. The study observed application of multiple theories. In applying theories, researchers should have thorough understanding of the study context, organisational components, countries' existing laws, sociocultural diversity and geographical location of companies. Inconsistencies in the previous empirical results were due to differences in methodology. This article will increase managers' knowledge of the need to report firm operations to stakeholders as a strategy for improving corporate performance. The study recommends for theory selection based on company attributes, countries' existing laws and sociocultural diversity.
  Keywords: Sustainability Reporting; Financial Performance; Theories; Trend Analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10072384
   
  
• Consumer Readiness for Organic Purchase: Moderating Role of Food Neophilia and Food Neophobia in between Buying Intention and Buying Behaviour  
  by Shrish Singh, Vikas Tyagi, Girish Kathuria, Vijay Jain, Prashant Trivedi 
  Abstract: The objective of this study is to examine customers buying intentions and their actual buying behaviour by exploring the moderating role of food neophilia and food neophobia between them for organic foods. A theoretical framework was proposed to explain and empirically verify the impact of purchase intention on consumer buying behaviour. The proposed model was assessed and validated using Partial Least Square Path Modelling (PLS-PM) with 250 respondents data collected through cross-sectional survey. The findings show that food neophilia (defined as a readiness to try new foods) increases the possibility that customers will translate their good purchasing intentions into actual organic food purchases while food neophobia (a reluctance to try unknown foods) serves as a barrier in actual buying behaviour. The study highlights that it is crucial for food businesses to comprehend food neophilia and neophobia, especially when introducing organic foods. The study provides useful information for marketers and food producers looking to effectively promote organic foods. The study suggests to marketers that sensory marketing, educational campaigns, and clear labelling to reduce food neophobia, while through promotion of novelty, uniqueness and innovativeness of foods may increase the feeling of neophilia.
  Keywords: Food Neophilia; Food Neophobia; Organic Food; Buying Intention; Buying Behaviour; TPB.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10072419
   
  
• Evaluation Method of Traditional Values of Rural Villages by Landscape Administration in Hokuriku District, Japan  
  by Junhe Wu, X. Teng, Z.J. SHEN, Takemichi Yasuda, Jinming Jiang 
  Abstract: The preservation of the traditional rural settlement faces complex challenges around the world, even though they are protected by laws and regulations. The research focuses on village preservation projects implemented by local municipal authorities in Japan. The results of this study are summarised as follows: 1) the landscape administrative organisation, the designation of village preservation projects, the landscape related ordinance and local bylaws, and the preservation planning are different among the three prefectures, which are Ishikawa, Toyama and Fukui; 2) based on designation criteria of the designated districts and housings in the traditional village settlements for the village traditional preservation projects, the types of the evaluation method of traditional values are classified into the types of the evaluation method of the traditional value, in which Toyama Prefecture is spiritual symbolism type, Ishikawa Prefecture is local specificity type, Fukui Prefecture is balance type.
  Keywords: Preservation Projects; Designation Criteria; Preservation Methods; Local Landscape Administration; Local Ordinances; Landscape Law.