Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

Factors determining entrepreneurial career choices between migrants and indigenous people: Evidence from Papua – Indonesia

2025-11-13T00:37:13-06:00

Little is known about the factors that determine entrepreneurial career choices among migrants and indigenous people in Papua Province, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of entrepreneurial leadership, work culture, and cognitive learning on entrepreneurial career choices among migrants and indigenous Papuans (OAPs), with entrepreneurial intention as a mediating variable and decision-making process as a moderating variable. Data were collected using questionnaires distributed to 450 respondents of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sentani City, Jayapura City, and Arso City. This data was then analyzed by applying a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The results reveal that entrepreneurial leadership, work culture, and cognitive learning have a positive and significant influence on the entrepreneurial career choice of SMEs in Papua. Entrepreneurial intention was found to mediate the relationship between the three variables partially. The decision-making process significantly moderated the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and the entrepreneurial career choice of SMEs in Papua. This study makes concrete contributions not only to the existing body of knowledge related to factors determining entrepreneurial career choices but also to policies for the central government of Indonesia and the regional government of Papua in improving entrepreneurship programs, particularly for the OAPs, as they have significant differences in skills, knowledge, and other socio-economic and cultural backgrounds vis-à-vis the migrants in Papua.

The effect of corporate governance in driving organizational performance to AI-driven decision making

2025-11-13T23:40:32-06:00

This paper explores the linkages between corporate governance, AI-sponsored decision-making, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices, and organizational performance. In particular, it examines the mediating influence of ESG practices and the moderating effect of AI-based decision-making regarding implementing the corporate governance and performance relationship. The study employed a quantitative research design by collecting primary data through structured surveys distributed to executives, managers, and board members of various industry Jordanian firms. A stratified random sampling approach is used to select a representative sample. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that corporate governance positively impacts ESG practices and organizational performance. It suggests that ESG practices partially mediate between governance and performance. Moreover, AI-based decision-making moderates the governance-performance relationship, whereby governance effectiveness is augmented by improved risk assessment, compliance monitoring, and strategic planning. The findings of this study strengthen the belief that corporate governance should go beyond traditional compliance models and adopt AI-backed and ESG-influenced strategies to maintain an expertise edge. The results highlight the practical implications for corporate heads, policymakers, and investors, underscoring the need for governance systems that align artificial intelligence-based decisions with ESG sustainability standards. Enterprises must be responsible for AI adoption, with adequate human oversight and ethical safeguards to minimize risks.

Does liquidity affect the financial health of Indian banks?

2025-11-26T09:29:21-06:00

The dynamic and volatile economic environment impacts the bank’s performance and raises the risk of bankruptcy. This study deepens the understanding of financial distress in the Indian banking sector through liquidity. Furthermore, the study aims to analyse and understand the relationship between liquidity, liquidity measures and financial distress. The study evaluated the short- and long-term liquidity ratios from 2012 to 2022. Quantile panel discussion analysis (QPDA) was incorporated into this study. Linear and non-linear relationships measure the impact of liquidity on financial distress. The study comprises data from 23 Indian banks and represents the Indian banking landscape. The study investigates the effect of Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) on bank stability. The findings highlight that the LCR improves short-term liquidity but excessive levels can increase bank distress. On the other hand, NSFR raises stress initially but improves stability and reduces distress beyond a certain limit. The results show the need to balance short-term liquidity with long-term funding stability in regulatory policies. The implications of this study contribute to risk management strategies and better decision-making within the baking sector. This study proposes significant insights to the banks, policymakers, regulators and various banking institutions.

Cultivating brand visibility and loyalty in Jordanian startup hotels: The role of e-marketing strategies and market competition intensity

2025-11-27T08:18:15-06:00

The purpose of this study was to better understand how these elements could cooperatively impact brand visibility by presenting how market competition strength forms a mentioned relationship within startup hotel businesses, focusing mainly on the Jordanian hotel industry. This study contained 260 employees at the managerial level with different roles within Jordanian startup hotels. SEM was utilized to analyze the collected data, enabling the investigation of direct, indirect, and moderating influences. The findings showed varied relations among the e-marketing capabilities, e-relationship management, e-marketing orientation, and brand visibility with market competition strength playing a critical role as a suitable moderator in forming these differences. This study examined the elaborate relationships among the abilities of e-marketing, e-relationship management, brand visibility, e-marketing orientation, and loyalty aligning with the main role of market competition intensity effects as a moderating variable. Startup hotels must always adjust their strategies for digital marketing to be competitive and perceptible in a changing market.

The impact of rising prices on the profitability of SMEs in emerging markets

2025-12-12T23:21:14-06:00

The goal of this study is to determine how price increases affect the operational dynamics and profitability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kosovo, an emerging market where SMEs play a vital role in economic growth. The study examines how price changes impact key aspects of SME performance, particularly profitability, inventory levels, customer attendance, and company expenses, amidst global inflationary pressures and changing economic conditions. Data were collected from a cross-sectional sample of 506 SMEs using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The direct and indirect effects of price increases on the identified variables were analyzed through the proposed model. The results show that price increases are associated with measurable effects across various operational areas, indicating statistically significant relationships. Contrary to expectations, the data suggest that SMEs sometimes respond strategically to price increases, potentially mitigating adverse effects through inventory adjustments or customer engagement strategies. The findings offer empirical insights for business owners, policymakers, and development institutions, highlighting the importance of resilience-building and adaptive strategies for SMEs facing economic volatility. This study contributes to the limited empirical data on SME performance in post-pandemic transitional economies experiencing inflation.

Work-life balance and burnout in Gen Z: A pathway to job satisfaction through psychological well-being

2025-12-18T01:26:21-06:00

Work-life balance is important for Generation Z employees to achieve job satisfaction, while burnout affects their mental and physical conditions, influencing satisfaction. This study analyzes the impact of work-life balance (WLB) and burnout on job satisfaction among Generation Z, with psychological well-being (PWB) as a mediating variable in DKI Jakarta. The sample used in this study comprises 110 Generation Z respondents in West Jakarta, selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Square - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the SmartPLS 4 software. This research provides insights for Generation Z employees to understand their psychological conditions, improve job satisfaction, and support company growth. Additionally, leaders need to recognize the importance of WLB and burnout in fostering employee synergy and performance to realize the company's vision and mission. The findings demonstrate that WLB has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction and PWB among Generation Z in West Jakarta. Conversely, burnout has a positive but not significant effect on PWB, although it has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction. PWB significantly mediates the effect of WLB on job satisfaction, whereas the effect of burnout on job satisfaction through PWB is not significant. This research assists Generation Z employees in understanding their psychological conditions and enhancing job satisfaction, while encouraging companies to acknowledge the importance of WLB and burnout in maintaining employee synergy, performance, and supporting organizational goals.

Decent work in the digital age: A legal perspective on platform-based employment in Bangladesh

2026-01-05T21:29:06-06:00

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), characterized by the integration of technology and human labor, is rapidly shaping the employment landscape in Bangladesh. A defining feature of this transformation is the expansion of the digital platform economy, which has accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased need for remote and flexible work arrangements. Traditional employment structures are giving way to new forms of work, such as gig and part-time employment, offering workers greater flexibility and access to income-generating opportunities. However, these benefits are accompanied by significant challenges, particularly the ambiguous legal status of platform-based workers. Bangladesh's current labor laws do not adequately recognize or protect workers engaged in these non-traditional employment models, leaving them vulnerable and without legal recourse. This study investigates the responsiveness of Bangladesh’s labor legal framework to the demands of digitalization. Using a doctrinal research approach, it analyzes employment contracts, workplace conditions, and the broader implications of digital labor on workers’ rights. The findings indicate a pressing need for legislative reform. The study calls for a holistic and inclusive legal strategy that adapts to digital realities while ensuring decent work standards, social protection, and regulatory oversight for all forms of employment in the digital era.

An analytical study on the utilization of learning management systems in higher education institutions: Perspectives from the Philippines

2026-01-06T00:49:27-06:00

This study determines the extent of utilization of the Learning Management System (LMS) in terms of curriculum, pedagogy, and evaluation. It also compares the perspectives of administrators and faculty members and identifies the problems and challenges associated with LMS utilization. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing a researcher-developed questionnaire as the primary data collection tool, supplemented by interviews and focus group discussions. The study involved 182 faculty members and 29 administrators, including Deans, Associate Deans, Department Chairpersons, and ICT Heads/Coordinators from higher education institutions (HEIs). Statistical analysis methods such as weighted mean, frequency, percentage, and t-test were used to interpret the collected data. The findings indicate that the LMS serves as an interactive platform designed to efficiently manage lesson content, allowing teachers and students to access and utilize educational materials via digital devices and the internet. HEIs integrate LMS across various media platforms to create interactive and engaging lesson presentations while maintaining student records. However, common challenges in LMS utilization include insufficient time for teachers to plan technology-integrated lessons and resistance to change. Additionally, accessibility to ICT resources and the sustainability of training in digital literacy and pedagogy remain significant concerns. To address these issues, a proposed management plan has been developed, outlining key activities and strategies aimed at enhancing curriculum, pedagogy, and evaluation for the sustainable use of LMS in HEIs.

Consent, control and code: A data feminist critique of Warcross series

2026-01-07T01:12:37-06:00

This paper offers a data feminist reading of Marie Lu’s Warcross and Wildcard, applying the intersecting frameworks of data feminism, intersectionality, and Patricia Hill Collins’s matrix of domination to examine how the narrative critiques real-world issues of surveillance, algorithmic discrimination, and gendered violence. Central to this analysis is NeuroLink, a brain–computer interface that connects the user’s mind to a virtual reality system through contact lenses. While promoted as a tool for safety, entertainment, and social order, NeuroLink simultaneously emerges as a mechanism of social control, reflecting how male-centric algorithms and technological infrastructures perpetuate gendered oppression and data violence. Through close textual analysis, this study demonstrates how NeuroLink enforces structural, disciplinary, hegemonic, and interpersonal forms of domination, silencing women and marginalized groups under the guise of technological progress. The narrative illustrates pressing concerns such as algorithmic bias, privacy invasion, and the erosion of autonomy, while also foregrounding the psychological consequences of constant surveillance. The paper situates Lu’s work within broader debates on surveillance capitalism and ethical responsibilities in digital environments, drawing parallels to contemporary instances of cyber violence, algorithmic discrimination, and privacy violations. Ultimately, the study underscores how the Warcross series operates as a cultural text that both dramatizes the dangers of unchecked algorithmic power and advocates for feminist and ethical interventions in technological design.