Middle East J. of Management (32 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Organisational support and job satisfaction: the mediating role of psychological capital  
  by Kemal Eroğluer, Wasim Ul Rehman, Mustafa Bekmezci, Aydın Özen, Muzammil Khurshid 
  Abstract: Organisations are an indispensable element of social life. Employees are an organisation’s most valuable resource since they distinguish it from others and contribute value to it. In addition to the quality of the employees, the assistance provided by the organisation to its employees is critical to the operation of the organisational processes and the quality of the outputs. The job satisfaction of teachers is critical in this regard, as teachers not only ensure the education of citizens but also shape the future of societies and directly impact their growth. Keeping in view, the given research model investigates psychological capital as a mediator of the impact of organisational support on job satisfaction. Findings of the study indicate that teachers’ job satisfaction was positively influenced by perceived organisational support, with psychological capital serving as a mediating effect. The fact that this research was conducted in the education sector makes it original contribution.
  Keywords: perceived organisational support; job satisfaction; psychological capital; mediating effect.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10054945
   
  
• The effect of technological unemployment anxiety on employee burnout  
  by M. Çağrı Pehlivanoğlu, Mustafa Emre Civelek, Murat Taşova 
  Abstract: In this research, the effect of technological unemployment anxiety on employee burnout has been examined. Structural equation modelling method was chosen to analyse multidimensional models with both direct and indirect interactions. The hypotheses have been tested by using structural equation modelling method. As the result of the analyses performed, out of nine hypotheses, six of them were supported. It has been empirically proven that lack of technical skill has a direct effect on emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, incremental technological improvements have a direct effect on all dimensions of burnout and emotional exhaustion is directly impacted by technological disruption. Although employee burnout is a subject that has been researched for years, this research is an original study investigating how the burnout perception of employees is affected within the framework of technological advances. Therefore, research demystifies the mechanism behind employee burnout linked to technological unemployment anxiety.
  Keywords: technological unemployment anxiety; TUA; emotional exhaustion; depersonalisation; lack of personal accomplishment; employee burnout.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10055404
   
  
• The mediating effect of psychological safety on the relationship between authentic leadership and turnover intention  
  by Mehmet Hakan Durukan, Gamze Güner Kibaroğlu, H. Nejat Basim 
  Abstract: This study was conducted to examine the role of psychological safety in the effect of authentic leadership on turnover intention. In this framework, from the perspective of leader-member interaction theory, it has been shown that an authentic leader can reduce turnover intention. Within the scope of the study, data were collected from 340 participants by survey method and analysed. According to the results of the research, there is an inverse and significant relationship between authentic leadership and turnover intention. In addition, while authentic leadership affects psychological safety in the same direction, psychological safety negatively affects turnover intention. In addition to these results, the most important result of our study is that psychological safety plays a mediating role in the effect of authentic leadership on turnover intention. The results of the study showed that creating a transparent work environment based on authentic leadership and establishing basic psychological safety can reduce individual turnover intention.
  Keywords: turnover intention; authentic leadership; psychological safety; leader-member interaction theory.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10055423
   
  
• Your communication really affect me: mediating role of team building approach in the relationship of communication barrier and turnover intention and task performance  
  by Imran Sharif, Binte Zainab, Albert John, Amna Ali, Ahmed Hameed, Muhammad Waqas 
  Abstract: This research investigated the influence of communication barrier (CB) on team building (TB) activities of employees related to fast-food industry in the UK. Moreover, this research also examined the intervening role of TB for CBs and task performance and turnover intention relationship. Data (n = 274) were gathered from fast-food retail chains. Findings demonstrated that CB was negatively significantly related with TB and employee task performance and positively related to employees’ turnover intention. Moreover, TB mediates the relationship between CB and both job outcomes such as task performance and turnover intention. Findings of this study demonstrate a distinctive understanding of CB in the fast-food services providing institution, i.e., how CB impacts on employees’ task performance and turnover intention through TB activities.
  Keywords: communication barrier; team building; task performance; turnover intention; conservation of resource theory.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10056909
   
  
• Relationships between Machiavellianism and impression management tactics: the moderating role of emotional intelligence  
  by Öznur Azizoglu, Leyla Boy Akdag 
  Abstract: This study examines the relationships between Machiavellianism and impression management tactics in organisations. The moderating role of emotional intelligence in these relationships is also investigated. The research data were obtained through the administration of a questionnaire to white-collar workers working in public and/or private sector organisations in Turkey who have completed or are continuing their graduate education. The study found that the dimensions of Machiavellianism have positive and statistically significant effects on impression management tactics. The moderating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between Machiavellianism and self-promotion was found to be significant and get strong the strength of the relationship. White-collar employees working in large-scale organisations and with a high level of education tend to adopt a Machiavellian attitude and resort to impression management tactics for their personal purposes. The results of the research reveal that the positive effect of Machiavellianism on self-promotion, one of the impression management tactics, will become somewhat stronger as the level of emotional intelligence increases.
  Keywords: impression management tactics; emotional intelligence; Machiavellianism; theory of planned behaviour; TPB; white-collar workers.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10056960
   
  
• Effect of crises on the healthcare marketing mix and customer satisfaction: evidence from the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic  
  by Nabeel Al Amiri, Gouher Ahmed, Khaled Al Qawasmeh, Haneen Afana 
  Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the effects of crises, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic, on customer satisfaction mediated by the offered marketing mix (7Ps) of the healthcare facilities of the United Arab Emirates. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of crises, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic, on the satisfaction of healthcare customers mediated by the marketing mix. Therefore, the authors adopted a cross-sectional, quantitative design to survey a sample of 146 healthcare customers and analysed data using smart PLS-SEM 3. The study identified one significant pathway, including the effect of the internal organisational factors through marketing mix on customer satisfaction. Therefore, the study confirmed the mediation role of the marketing mix and suggested modifying the marketing mix as a key strategy during crises.
  Keywords: crisis; COVID-19; marketing mix; healthcare; customer satisfaction; UAE.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10057012
   
  
• Linking quality, cost, competitive intensity and types of industry to the implementation of new marketing strategy in the Malaysia engineering industry  
  by Eng Teong Yau, Lee Ping Lim, Choon Hee Ong 
  Abstract: The research intent of this study is to investigate the linkages among quality, cost, and competitive intensity with the new marketing strategy of the Malaysian engineering industry. This study utilised a quantitative questionnaire survey. Researchers gathered 91 respondents’ data and examined them through hierarchical multiple regression. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between quality and the new marketing strategy. Contrarily, competitive intensity displayed no significant association with the new marketing strategy. Furthermore, the analysis identified industry types (heavy machinery) as a moderating factor in the relationship between quality and the new marketing strategy. Additionally, researchers found the industry types (aerospace) to moderate the relationship between competitive intensity and new marketing strategy. Ultimately, this study offers valuable insights to enhance understanding of new marketing strategies within the Malaysian engineering industry.
  Keywords: quality; cost; competitive intensity; marketing strategy; type of industry; engineering industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10057156
   
  
• A systematic literature review approach to explore the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and sustainable supply chain management  
  by Roshima Said, Corina Joseph, Nur Zharifah Che Adenan 
  Abstract: This paper seeks to explore the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and sustainable supply chain management by using the systematic literature review (SLR) approach. The author used the reporting standards for systematic evidence syntheses (ROSES) as a review protocol guideline. This paper used Google Scholar and Scopus as the main databases, and applied the thematic analysis. Using the thematic analysis, the study includes 37 articles for data synthesis and revealed two main themes, namely sustainable supply chain management and corporate governance. As a result, the study identified six sub-themes. Board personality, character, experience, management accounting background, board gender diversity, and board independence were corporate governance mechanism that influences sustainable supply chain management. The corporate governance mechanisms in the company have value in creating a path toward the company’s accomplishments. The advantages and limitation in implementing SSCM were clarified which could call the management of the company. Board characteristics are also discussed in this review, and this study is essentially significant as it encourages the management of the company to be aware of the activities of the company in reaching sustainability.
  Keywords: sustainable supply chain management; corporate governance; corporate sustainability; systematic literature review; SLR.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10057408
   
  
• Investigating the mediating effect of perceived ethical climate between toxic leadership and job satisfaction  
  by Ümit Şevik 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of toxic leadership on job satisfaction using perceived ethical climate as a mediator between toxic leadership and job satisfaction, based on resource conservation theory and ethical climate theory. The data was collected from 502 employees working in public and private companies with simple random sampling. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and Pearson correlation were used to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that there is a significant negative moderate relationship between toxic leadership and job satisfaction. The results also showed that there is a significant moderate and negative correlation between toxic leadership and ethical climate and there is a significant moderate and positive correlation between ethical climate and job satisfaction. It was determined that the perceived ethical climate had a partial mediator effect in the relation between the toxic leadership, and job satisfaction. Moreover, the results are discussed within the scope of contributions to the literature, theory and practice, and recommendations are made for future research.
  Keywords: toxic leadership; ethical climate; job satisfaction; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10057409
   
  
• Relationship between job stress and employees creativity: the mediating role of job satisfaction  
  by Soni Rathi, Praveen Kumar, Minika Bawa, Nishu Rani Garg 
  Abstract: The purpose of this article is to identify the role of job satisfaction as a mediating variable between job stress and employees’ creativity. The present paper considered a sample of 250 teachers of colleges as respondents in the area of Chandigarh (India). The article followed an exploratory cum descriptive research design. The structural equation modelling through Smart PLS professional software v3.3.2 was applied to understand the structural relationships amid the constructs of the model, the data of which was collected through questionnaire. The findings have observed relations among job stress and employees’ creativity, job stress and job satisfaction and job satisfaction and employees’ creativity among college teachers in India. Moreover, job stress and employee creativity are significantly mediated by job satisfaction. Moreover, the organisations, practitioners, academicians and educational institutes would get the benefit of this research to practice and apply policy implications. The study limitations and future research.
  Keywords: job stress; employee creativity; job satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10058307
   
  
• Factors influencing intention to purchase electric vehicles in Malaysia  
  by Lim Chiang Ming, Lim Lee Ping, Ong Choon Hee 
  Abstract: This study aims to research factors influencing intention to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia. Malaysians still need to be convinced about buying EVs, although they know their benefits to the environment. This study used a quantitative survey to collect 200 responses and analysed the data using hierarchical multiple regression. The study result showed that personal attitude and functional values positively correlate with the intention to purchase electric vehicles. However, infrastructure readiness was not associated with the intention to purchase electric vehicles. Gender was found to be a quasi-moderator in the research model. This study provides essential information to the government, manufacturers, distributors, and importers about the factors that lead Malaysians to purchase electric vehicles. The government could use the findings of this study to develop plans to attract more Malaysians to purchase electric vehicles towards achieving a carbon-neutral nation by 2050.
  Keywords: intention to purchase electric vehicles; personal attitude; functional values; infrastructure readiness; gender; Malaysia.
  
  
• Encouragement of green behaviour: a study based on green human resource management and environmental transformational leadership  
  by Ozlem Ercantan, Serife Zihni Eyupoglu 
  Abstract: This study’s objective is to examine how prospective employees’ (university students) perceptions of organisations that practice green human resource management may influence their future green behaviour on the job. This study was conducted with the social identity theory and the ability-motivation-opportunity theory as its theoretical foundations. Students from the largest university in North Cyprus comprised the study’s sample, for which 400 questionnaires were distributed and 340 valid responses were received. Using multiple regression analyses, the research hypotheses were tested. The results showed how green human resource management practices have a significant impact on employees’ perceived environmental behaviours, while the moderation analysis revealed that environmental transformational leadership strengthens this influence. This study provides organisations with a novel comprehension and strategy for enhancing their green behaviour through green human resource management and environmental transformational leadership.
  Keywords: green human resource management; employee green behaviour; EGB; environmental transformational leadership; ETL.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10059465
   
  
• Antecedents of donors trust and donation behaviour towards charity organisation: empirical evidence from Pakistan  
  by Yasir Aziz, Fadillah Mansor, Luqman Bin Haji Abdullah, Najeeb Zada 
  Abstract: This study examines the antecedents of trust in a charity organisation (COs) and evaluated the influence of donors’ trust in COs. Drawing on the theory of planned behaviour, we conceptualised the association between communication, perceived integrity, perceived competency, perceived benevolence, disbursement, donors’ trust in COs, and donors’ donation behaviour, and examined the factors which affect the behaviour and attitude of the donors, particularly their donation behaviour toward COs and their trust development in COs. We collected data from donors through a self-administered questionnaire and utilised structural equation modelling for data analysis. The findings confirm the multidimensional perspective of trust toward COs in Pakistan and corroborate that trust in COs exists when the donors have confidence in COs. The results also showed that the funds are distributed among beneficiaries adequately ensuring transparency in providing accurate and timely information about their donated amount. The findings also confirmed that donors’ trust in COs positively influences the donors’ attitude toward COs. This study helps in understanding factors that contribute to trust-building in COs and influences donors’ attitudes toward COs. The study offers suggestions for building strong trust among the donors and COs and encouraging donors to donate to the COs.
  Keywords: charity organisation; donors’ trust; perceived integrity; perceived benevolence; donation behaviour; Pakistan.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10059790
   
  
• Bolstering employee well-being through ability, motivation, opportunity-enhancing HRM practices: a moderating and mediating mechanism  
  by Maham Jamil, Ahsan Ali Ashraf, Alia Ahmed, Sarah Azhar 
  Abstract: This study addresses persisting theoretical and methodological gaps in human resource management by investigating the impact of ability, motivation, and opportunity-enhancing HR practices on employee well-being, while considering moderating and mediating factors. Through a cross-sectional survey of 600 surgical industry employees in Sialkot, the research employs structural equation modelling to analyse data. Results reveal positive connections between HR practices and employee well-being. Organisational justice partially mediates the relationship between HR practices and well-being. Additionally, leader-member exchange moderates this association. The study emphasises the significance of ability, motivation, and opportunity-enhancing HR practices in enhancing employee well-being. It offers practical guidance to industry managers to cultivate these practices, thereby improving employee abilities, motivation, and opportunities, ultimately enhancing well-being. The research expands HR knowledge and introduces novel constructs like organisational justice and leader-member exchange to the discussion on employee well-being.
  Keywords: ability; motivation; opportunity; organisational justice; leader-member exchange.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10059930
   
  
• Influence of transformational leadership on employee engagement: a mediated moderation model  
  by Rooha Butt, Ahsan Ali Ashraf, Kaleem Ahmed, Alia Ahmed 
  Abstract: Leadership’s influential role in shaping organisations and inspiring employees is widely acknowledged. This study enriches the literature on work engagement by delving into Pakistan’s context, and investigating how leadership style impacts work engagement. The mediating factors of meaning in work, trust in managers, and the moderating role of person-environment fit are examined. A sample of 302 participants was used, and the analysis employed both SPSS and PLS-SEM. Results reveal statistical support for the positive link between transformational leadership and work engagement. This connection is mediated through trust in managers and meaning in work, with person-environment fit acting as a moderator. While direct correlation wasn’t observed, mediation effects proved significant. Trust in managers emerged as a pivotal mediator, and person-environment fit as a crucial boundary. These findings underscore the importance of ethical leadership behaviour and proper training for supervisors. Effective leadership, especially with a strong person-environment fit, fosters meaningful work and engagement.
  Keywords: transformational leadership; work engagement; trust in manager; meaning in work; person environment fit.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10059982
   
  
• Overeducation and its impact on unemployment duration: a glance at the Israeli labour market  
  by Sharon More 
  Abstract: The current article examined the effect of the inefficient allocation of academic individuals in the Israeli labour market in terms of mismatch between the individuals level of education and the level of education required by their job a phenomenon known as overeducation on the individuals duration of unemployment in the economy. The average cumulative annual duration of unemployment, as of graduation with a bachelors degree, among overeducated individuals, was found to be higher than the average cumulative annual duration of unemployment among those who are not overeducated. Thus, one can see how significant this phenomenon is with respect to its effects on an individuals integration into the labour market.
  Keywords: career management; economics of education; higher education; Israeli labour market; labour economics; occupational placement; overeducation; overqualification; underemployment; unemployment.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10060243
   
  
• From Asian premier airline to trouble airline: rebranding for revival of Pakistan International Airlines  
  by Muhammad Zafran 
  Abstract: This case study discusses the rebranding story of Pakistan International Airlines by changing its visual identity and logo design. PIA dropped the national flag in favour of the animal (Markhor) picture in an attempt to revive the airline trapped in a deep financial crisis for decades. Over the decades, PIA lost its prestige image and needed a fresh brand identity for the revival of business. The management decided to introduce the Markhor livery (a revolutionary logo design) as a move to build a global identity and new identity for the airline. Thus, the study critically analyses the visual properties and characteristics of old vs. new logo designs of PIA and their liking/dislikes for customers and stakeholders. The study utilises a brand orientation framework to guide the research problem and reflects on the evolution of the logo, history, communication style, brand identity, and organisational culture of PIA.
  Keywords: logo change; business revival; corporate rebranding; case study; Pakistan International Airlines; PIA.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10060422
   
  
• Extended hedonic-motivation system adoption model on intention to use an e-wallet: does gender matter?  
  by Wong Quin Seng, Ong Choon Hee, Tan Owee Kowang 
  Abstract: This study endeavours to identify the significant determinants of behavioural intention to use e-wallets among users applying an extended version of the hedonic-motivation system adoption model. The findings show that perceived usefulness and control has a favourable impact on intentions to use e-wallets; however, curiosity, joy, and immersion are not significantly related. It is discovered that intrinsic motivations are correlated with gadget lover and personal innovativeness. Likewise, perceived usefulness, joy, and control have significant positive relationships with immersion. Moreover, perceived usefulness, joy, and control are significantly predicted by perceived ease of use. Gender is not found to have a moderating relationship between intrinsic motivations and intention to use e-wallets. The study presents novel findings regarding gadget lover and personal innovativeness traits having profound impact on intrinsic motivations. But, the moderating results contradict previous studies citing gender as a prominent moderator in technology acceptance models.
  Keywords: hedonic-motivation system adoption model; gadget lover; personal innovativeness; gender; e-wallets.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10060492
   
  
• Factors affecting perceived over-qualification among women employed in Iranian public sector  
  by Rahmatollah Gholipour, Alireza Habibi, Fereshteh Amin, Maryamossadat Mousavi 
  Abstract: Studies reported that the prevalence of over-qualification among working women is twice than that of men and its negative consequences seem to be more serious in women. However, female over-qualification is very much understudied, particularly in Eastern societies. The present study aims to explore the factors that mitigate the perception of over-qualification and its negative consequences from the perspective of women employed in Iranian public sector. We used grounded theory method and conducted in-depth interviews with 16 overqualified women. The outcome of the study reveals the pivotal role of meaningfulness in mitigating the perception of over-qualification. Meaningfulness is defined at two levels; job meaningfulness and meaningfulness in the work environment and is further specified in terms of five variables: job appreciation, freedom, continuous goal setting, developed relationships and personal integrity. We discussed the findings, using person-job fit theory and emphasised the importance of need-supply fit in shaping meaningfulness and over-qualification.
  Keywords: perceived over-qualification; female over-qualification; meaningfulness; person-job fit.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10061458
   
  
• Does job insecurity keep employees from the organisation?  
  by Öyküm Karçıka, Serdar Bozkurt, Ayşe Demirhan 
  Abstract: Along with the global economic imbalances, the rising trend of unemployment rates and the deterioration of working conditions cause employees to experience fear regarding potential job loss at any given time. The behavioural consequences of this situation, job insecurity (JI), which can harm organisations, remain essential in todays business world and organisational behaviour literature. In this direction, it is intended to test the role of work-family conflict (WFC) in the relationship between employees perceptions of JI and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) based on social exchange and diffusion theories. Data obtained from 251 participants working in the private sector were analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) program. Because of the research, it was seen that WFC partially mediates the relationship between JI and OCB.
  Keywords: job insecurity; organisational citizenship behaviour; OCB;work-family conflict; WFC; social exchange theory; SET.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10061503
   
  
• Driving innovation from within: the role of a supportive workplace in fostering managerial innovation in Turkeys export-oriented machinery sector  
  by Asghar Afshar Jahanshahi, Fatma Sonmez Cakir, Ozan Kalaycioglu, Zafer Adiguzel 
  Abstract: Innovation enables businesses to stay ahead of their competitors by offering unique and superior products, services, or processes. It allows companies to differentiate themselves and attract customers, ultimately leading to a competitive advantage in the market. This research investigates the impact of management innovation and a supportive innovative workplace climate on middle-level managers’ innovative behaviour by considering the mediating role of strategic innovation orientation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 300 middle-level managers working in companies within the machinery industry. The research findings indicate that management innovation and the supportive innovative workplace climate enhance the strategic innovation orientation, which in turn improves middle-level managers’ innovative behaviours. These findings hold substantial importance for organisations seeking to enhance their innovative capabilities, create a more engaging and productive work environment, and gain a competitive edge in the market. Moreover, these results provide valuable guidance for future research and can inform strategic decision-making at both organisational and policy levels.
  Keywords: middle-level managers; innovative behaviours; innovative workplace climate; machinery industry; Turkey.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10062048
   
  
• The relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance: reflections on the US technology industry  
  by Ayshe Hyusein 
  Abstract: The objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance (CFP) in the leading technology companies listed in Nasdaq, USA. Specifically, the main relationship between CSR and CFP was analysed through accounting and market performance of corporations and the individual impact of environmental, social, and governance categories. The relevant data was obtained from Refinitiv Asset 4 Database and applied OLS regression technique. Annual panel data of 89 technology companies from 2012 to 2022 was analysed. The findings reveal that there was a significant positive relationship between CSR and accounting performance and negative relationship between market performance. When it comes to CSR pillars, environmental pillar did not have significant relationship with accounting performance but there was a positive relationship with governance and negative with social pillar and accounting performance, while market performance had negative relationship with all three pillars. The study findings have implications for defining investment and CSR strategies for corporations in the technology industry, policy makers, governments, and financial regulators. Further implications for corporations are discussed.
  Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; environmental; social and governance; ESG; financial performance; accounting performance; market performance; technology industry.
  
  
• Workplace envy and counterproductive behaviour: a mediation model of perceived injustice and social undermining  
  by Merajsadat Malakouti, Mohammad Yarivand 
  Abstract: Workplace envy is a phenomenon that can have a profound impact on employee behaviour and organisational results. Based on social identity and comparison theory, this study aims to explore the impact of workplace envy on employees’ counterproductive behaviour, perceived organisational injustice, and social undermining as mediating variables. The sample of 391 employees working in the telecommunication organisation in Tehran province, which is a public organisation, participated in this study by completing a self-administered questionnaire. The results generally support the hypotheses, indicating a positive relationship between variables. Furthermore, perceived injustice and social undermining were found to mediate the relationship between workplace envy and counterproductive behaviour. Furthermore, this research contributes to the existing body of research on workplace behaviour by offering new insights into the complex nature of envy and its impact on the workplace. We also delve into the practical implications of these findings and provide recommendations for future studies.
  Keywords: workplace envy; social undermining behaviour; perceived injustice; counterproductive behaviour; workplace behaviour.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10063067
   
  
• Can SMEs improve their innovation through a coopetition strategy? Evidence from Iranian IT SMEs  
  by Farzad Ghasemian, Ata Harandi 
  Abstract: Conducted in two vital dimensions, this study investigates the influence of COOPETITION (cooperative competition) on innovation in business processes and products within small and medium-sized knowledge-based enterprises (SMEs). In the initial dimension, the evaluation focuses on the general influence of coopetition on innovation, regardless of shared resources between SMEs; in the second dimension, the research delves more profoundly into the contribution of coopetition to innovation, with a specific emphasis on knowledge management and knowledge resources shared between them. We employed structural equation modelling on a sample of 265 senior managers from 167 knowledge-based SMEs operating in the information technology sector in Tehran. The analysis revealed that coopetition alone, regardless of resource sharing, does not lead to increased innovation in such companies. Conversely, the results indicated that coopetition, when channelled through the sharing of knowledge resources, can elevate innovation levels in this type of company. Furthermore, the findings highlighted that a higher level of social capital among partners in this type of relationship positively influences coopetition.
  Keywords: coopetition; innovation; SME; social capital; knowledge transfer; B2B partnership; strategic alliance.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10063401
   
  
• A study of adult learners learning approaches and lifelong learning in universities in Malaysia and Taiwan  
  by Lim Lee Ping, Ong Choon Hee, Wu Chi-Hua 
  Abstract: This study endeavours to examine adult learners’ lifelong learning in Malaysia and Taiwan and provides avenues to promote lifelong learning by identifying their learning approaches and information literacy self-efficacy. Survey questionnaires were collected from 196 participants from Malaysia and Taiwan universities and analysed using hierarchical multiple regression. The study results showed there is a significant difference in the level of adult learners’ lifelong learning and their learning approaches. In addition, the study results showed that the deep learning approach and career motive learning approach were positively associated with adult learners’ lifelong learning. However, the surface learning approach was not related to adult learners’ lifelong learning. Information literacy self-efficacy was found to be a quasi-moderator in the research model. The governments of both countries could use the findings of this study to establish roadmaps and blueprints on the enculturation of lifelong learning for Malaysia and Taiwan.
  Keywords: lifelong learning; LL; deep learning; career motive learning; surface learning; information literacy self-efficacy; adult learners; Taiwan; Malaysia.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10063402
   
  
• Idiosyncratic risk and capital structure: the mediating role of corporate reputation and moderating role of corporate social responsibility  
  by Yu-Sheng Kong, Faiza Siddiqui, Vikesh Kumar 
  Abstract: This study examines the impact of idiosyncratic risk (I.Risk) and corporate reputation (CR) on the capital structure of non-financial companies. The study incorporated a generalised method of moments (GMM) model to examine the proposed association of firm-specific factors and capital structure. The Baron and Kenny modelling is used to estimate the mediating relationship of the study. The analysis is performed on panel data from the 2010 to 2019 period of 284 listed firms on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The research findings state that I.Risk has a negative significant effect on capital structure. In addition, the Sobel test findings evidenced that CR has significantly mediated the relationship between I.Risk and capital structure. Moreover, corporate social responsibility has significantly moderated the relationship between I.Risk and CR.
  Keywords: capital structure; idiosyncratic risk; corporate reputation; corporate social responsibility; CSR; generalised method of moments; GMM; generalised least squares; GLS.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10063510
   
  
• Interplay of personality traits, emotional intelligence and innovative behaviour among the leaders  
  by Iqra Abdullah, Maleehah Gull 
  Abstract: The study analyses the relationship between the five factor personality traits, emotional intelligence, and innovative behaviour. Moreover, the mediation of emotional intelligence in the relationship between the big five personality traits and innovative behaviour is studied. In order to test the hypothesised relationships, data was collected from 331 leaders and project managers from the Pakistan's software companies. According to the findings of this study, extraversion, agreeableness, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and openness to experience significantly affect the innovative behaviour. Extraversion, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and openness to experience are also strongly related to the emotional intelligence. However, one of the personality traits, i.e., agreeableness has no significant effect on the emotional intelligence variable. Relationships between all personality traits and innovative behaviour are found to be significantly mediated by the emotional intelligence. Implications and constraints of the study are also highlighted in the research article.
  Keywords: personality traits; emotional intelligence; innovative behaviour; creativity.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10053230
   
  
• How work vitality, organisational justice and job training predict job satisfaction? Evidence from emerging economies  
  by Syed Mudasser Abbas, Lihua Wei, Zhiqiang Liu, Ubaid ur Rehman, Tafazal Kumail 
  Abstract: The study aims at investigating the influence of specific organisational antecedents on the job satisfaction of employees. The literature study revealed that work vitality, procedural and distributive fairness and job training are significant predictors of job satisfaction. The data were obtained from 663 employees from the corporate sector in China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to understand the Asian economies perspective. The data were analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM) by using SmartPLS 3.2.7. The findings indicate that work vitality, organisational justice (procedural and distributive) and training relates positively and significantly to job satisfaction. The findings support theoretical foundations that show all the predictors having a significant influence on job satisfaction. HR managers can adopt relevant practices that can foster employee job satisfaction via work vitality, organisational justice (procedural and distributive) and training. The study provides valuable information to corporate heads who are drafting policies on labour and workforce management. The study ascertains the relationship between work vitality, distributive justice, procedural justice, job training and job satisfaction. The research finds uniqueness in the emerging economy context, in which significance of job training, organisational justice and work vitality in fostering job satisfaction has rarely been investigated.
  Keywords: work vitality; organisational justice; job training and job satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10062862
   
  
• Understanding the role of loyalty dimensions and their impact on customer retention  
  by Sunita Dwivedi, Javad Tajdini, Taru Baswan, Pradeep Kumar Pillai 
  Abstract: This study compares the impact of the following two dimensions of loyalty (behavioural and attitudinal) on customer retention in online shopping platforms. Further research also aims to determine whether the brand image plays a critical role in accelerating the impact of these dimensions (behavioural/attitudinal) of loyalty on customer retention for online shopping platforms or not. In the research, primary data represent the respondent from Delhi NCR. The author applied respondents' demographic profiles and brand image as the controlled variable in this research. The study's findings were exciting, showing that attitudinal loyalty significantly enforces customer retention over behavioural loyalty, and the presence of brand image fosters the impact of loyalty on retention. This study also concludes that age, gender, and qualification do not significantly correlate or impact customer retention. Results of the study suggest that attitude is essential in driving customer retention.
  Keywords: customer loyalty; behavioural loyalty; attitudinal loyalty; customer retention; online shopping platforms.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10062872
   
  
• The impacts of dissent expressions on the future communication strategies of employees  
  by Hazel Ulukaya, Alev Torun 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of employees in the information technology (IT) business in terms of organisational dissent process and their outcomes contributing to future strategies. Qualitative methodology with a semi-structured in-depth interview technique was adopted. The study sample consisted of 20 participants and the number of dissent cases collected from this sample was 22. The analysis followed the rules for content analysis. It was found that the employees in IT organisations shared their disagreement directly and openly. It was concluded that employees would exhibit strategic dissent behaviours if they encountered similar situations in future. The examples cover conveying to immediate manager (upward dissent), informing top management (circumvention), using the threat of resignation, displaying silence or neglect, and performing counterproductive work behaviour. This study demonstrates that the participative work environment, managers' responsiveness to dissent expressions, and quick solutions for problems help to generate more effective dissent strategies.
  Keywords: employee voice behaviour; organisational dissent; strategy in communication; information technology.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10054047
   
  
• Tourists' attribution and ambiance scents in tourism destination brands  
  by Shuvam Chatterjee, Mahmoud Ibraheam Saleh 
  Abstract: Olfactory marketing, an integral concept of experiential marketing, is gaining popularity in the service sector to attract consumers more emotionally and personally. However, no prior studies investigate how fragrance controllability, stability, and locus in tourism destination impact tourist attachment. The study surveyed 302 tourists and used the SPSS software program to test the regressions between different variables and build a new structure equation model. This study uses attribution theory to investigate fragrance stability, controllability, and locus on destination attachment. The results reveal that both fragrance controllability and locus significantly impact attachment and increase the time spent at the destination. In contrast, fragrance stability has no impact on destination attachment. Therefore, tourism managers could benefit from these results to adequately build an olfactory marketing strategy in tourism destinations.
  Keywords: olfactory marketing; fragrance; tourism fragrance; tourist attribution; locus of control; destination attachment.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10054128
   
  
• Is it possible to overcome the bias in the recruitment process? An experimental study on halo and contrast effect  
  by Engin Üngüren, Nazlı Türker 
  Abstract: This study aims to determine whether or not candidates' curriculum vitae generate halo and contrast effects on recruiters' decisions for a particular professional position. The true experimental design of the study was conducted. A total of 900 university students in tourism participated in the study. A fictional scenario based on recruitment was set up and evaluations were tested with research questions regarding said scenarios. Respondents in control and experiment groups evaluated with 15-day intervals the curriculum vitae of different candidates, who applied for a front office department manager position, concerning their professional adequacy, perceived performance, and employability. Findings revealed that respondents base their candidate evaluations on comparisons rather than the requirements of the position. Moreover, respondents are observed to make inferences regarding candidates' personality traits based on the information they provide in their curriculum vitae. The findings of the study contribute to understanding potential rater bias in recruitment.
  Keywords: halo effect; contrast effect; recruitment; selection; experimental design.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10055366