Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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

Roman Philander Lagaronda — 2025-11-12

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

Ala’Aldin Al Rowwad — 2025-11-13

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?

Sanchal Tarode — 2025-11-13

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

Abdullah Helalat — 2025-11-27

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

Kosovare Ukshini — 2025-12-12

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

Mei Ie — 2025-12-18

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

Mohammad Abu Taher — 2026-01-05

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

Guico Mellie Delen — 2026-01-06

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

Tuyba Fatima Bhat — 2026-01-07

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.

The corruptive behavior of business students: The analysis of academic performance and department

Suwaldiman — 2026-01-07

This research examines the impact of business students' academic performance and average grades in ethics and religion subjects on their corruptive behavior. The subjects of this study were business students at the Faculty of Business and Economics at Universitas Islam Indonesia registered in 2023. Structural Equation Modeling was utilized to analyze students' perceptions of corruptive behavior. The variables influencing these perceptions include students' academic performance measured by their GPA, performance in ethics courses, and performance in religious studies. This research found that students' GPA and grades in ethics subjects have a negative impact on corruptive behavior. Students with higher GPAs and grades in ethics subjects are less likely to participate in academic misconduct. However, this research found that academic performance in religious subjects does not influence these perceptions. The results show that there is no significant difference in perceptions of corruptive behavior between accounting and management students. This study concludes that academic performance in GPA and ethics subjects has a negative impact on their corruptive behavior. Meanwhile, their performance in religious subjects and the department has no impact on their corruptive behavior. This study provides an understanding of how students perceive and make decisions regarding corruptive behavior, which is expected to assist teachers in minimizing such behavior and help higher education institutions evaluate the effectiveness of their academic integrity policies.

Self-exploration and social alienation in spiritual painting inspired by taoist seclusion

Jie Feng — 2026-01-13

This study investigates how spiritual painting inspired by Taoist seclusion (SPITS), an artistic form rooted in Taoist ideals of solitude, balance, and harmony, affects fine arts students’ self-exploration (SE) and social alienation (SA). Drawing on 390 Chinese students specializing in spiritual and cultural art, Smart-PLS analysis revealed a strong positive link between SPITS and SE (β = 0.656, p < 0.001), indicating that this art form significantly fosters introspection. Conversely, SPITS also showed a weaker yet statistically significant positive association with SA (β = 0.166, p = 0.032), suggesting it may inadvertently heighten feelings of social withdrawal. Crucially, emotional regulation (ER) and mindfulness (MF) were found to moderate the SPITS-SA relationship robustly (ER: β = 0.286, p < 0.001; MF: β = 0.225, p < 0.001), while neither significantly impacted the link between SPITS and SE. These outcomes imply that while Taoist-inspired painting enhances self-discovery, it can also evoke alienation unless supported by strong ER and MF. Integrating SPITS into art curricula, particularly through collaborative and emotionally attuned activities, could promote personal growth while mitigating isolation. Furthermore, spiritual painting holds promise as a therapeutic tool to bolster emotional resilience and mindful awareness in contemplative practice. Overall, the study highlights SPITS’s dual role in advancing introspection and managing social disconnection, advocating its inclusion in educational and cultural preservation initiatives to revitalize Taoist heritage within contemporary Chinese art pedagogy.

The degree of innovative leadership practice and its relationship to the level of digital leadership among school principals

Khaled Sulieman Momani — 2026-01-13

The study examines the relationship between innovative leadership among public school principals and digital leadership from the perspective of teachers. A correlational descriptive approach was employed. Two questionnaires were developed: one on innovative leadership (22 items) and another on digital leadership (18 items). The sample consisted of 300 teachers purposefully selected from public schools in Ajloun Governorate, Jordan. The results showed that both innovative leadership and digital leadership levels as perceived by teachers were high. Additionally, a statistically significant and positive relationship was found between digital leadership (and its dimensions) and innovative leadership among school principals. The study highlights the importance of both innovative and digital leadership in fostering flexible work environments and driving sustainable change in education. Based on the findings, the study recommends developing innovative training programs for school principals to enhance their administrative and digital leadership capabilities. It also emphasizes the need for appropriate digital infrastructure in schools.

Eudaimonic wellbeing and parental influence on student’s entrepreneurial orientation and intention

Henky Lisan Suwarno — 2026-01-13

Increasing entrepreneurship among students plays a crucial role in addressing the lack of job opportunities, which has contributed to rising unemployment rates in Indonesia. Enhancing entrepreneurial intention is seen as a viable solution to reduce unemployment. Previous studies have not conducted a comprehensive analysis involving research models that include well-being and parental influence factors in relation to entrepreneurial orientation and intention. This research aims to examine the roles of eudaimonic well-being, parental influence, and entrepreneurial orientation in fostering entrepreneurial intentions among 196 students from private universities in Indonesia. The study employed purposive sampling, and data collection was carried out through questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis. The findings indicate that parental influence and eudaimonic well-being significantly impact entrepreneurial orientation and intention. Eudaimonic well-being mediates the relationship between parental influence and entrepreneurial orientation, while entrepreneurial orientation mediates the relationship between eudaimonic well-being and entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, a sequential mediation effect exists through eudaimonic well-being and entrepreneurial orientation between parental influence and entrepreneurial intention. The study suggests that increasing the role of parents in terms of influence and enhancing students' well-being through eudaimonic well-being are essential. The implications for educational institutions include developing strategies to boost entrepreneurial orientation and intention by fostering students’ eudaimonic well-being and leveraging positive parental influence. Creating a supportive environment that nurtures motivation, purpose, and confidence can promote entrepreneurship as a viable and fulfilling career path.

Agile leadership and job satisfaction: Mediating role of job redesign within the framework of dynamic capability theory

Udin Udin — 2026-01-13

In today’s dynamic and highly competitive business environment, organizations face constant pressure to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and evolving customer expectations. Agile leadership has emerged as a critical capability for driving organizational flexibility and enhancing employee outcomes. Despite growing interest in this leadership style, the mechanisms through which agile leadership influences job satisfaction remain underexplored. Grounded in Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), this study investigates both the direct effect of agile leadership on job satisfaction and the mediating role of job redesign. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 167 employees of First MicroFinance Bank, Afghanistan, using validated measurement scales for agile leadership, job redesign, and job satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS (version 3.3.0) to test the hypothesized relationships. The results reveal that agile leadership significantly enhances job satisfaction, demonstrating both a direct positive effect and an indirect positive effect through job redesign. Job redesign also emerged as a strong predictor of job satisfaction, highlighting its strategic importance for aligning work structures with employee needs and organizational goals. Mediation analysis confirmed that job redesign partially mediates the relationship between agile leadership and job satisfaction. These findings provide important theoretical insights into the dynamic capability perspective and offer practical implications for managers seeking to strengthen employee well-being and organizational outcomes through agile leadership and thoughtful job redesign strategies.

Examining the influence of leadership styles, work concerns, and cultural norms on teacher effectiveness in digital teaching: A SEM and regression analysis in Chinese private universities

Liang Mingyu — 2026-01-14

This study investigates the influence of leadership styles, work concerns, and cultural norms on teacher effectiveness in digital teaching environments within the context of young teachers who are employed in Shandong's private universities in China. This research was driven by the need to better understand how organizational and cultural factors predict teacher effectiveness in the digital teaching environment. A quantitative research approach was adopted, gathering responses from 416 participants in four private universities, and then the data were processed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and multiple regression techniques. The results show that transactional leadership has the strongest impact on teacher effectiveness, particularly in enhancing the dimensions including instructional planning and classroom management. This study found that transformational leadership, work concerns, and cultural norms also significantly influence teacher effectiveness to different extents. The SEM analysis confirmed that the proposed model fits the data well. Further, the multiple regression analysis revealed that the intellectual stimulation dimension of transformational leadership and the contingent reward dimension of transactional leadership were particularly influential in predicting teacher effectiveness. These findings suggest that leadership in private universities should remain adaptable, with an emphasis on creating supportive environments where teachers feel valued and professionally engaged. Based on these findings, it is recommended that educational administrators provide targeted leadership development programs and establish policies that prioritize teacher support, especially as private universities continue to expand digital teaching practices.

Exploring technology–culture synergy in living heritage education: A grounded theory approach using virtual reality

Yan Wan — 2026-01-14

This paper explores how virtual reality (VR) can be used to improve Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) education as a part of Visual Communication Design (VCD). It relies on qualitative research to form the grounded theory of VR-Driven ICH Living Heritage and Learning by using semi-structured interviews with 14 people, such as VR developers, ICH practitioners, VCD educators, and students. Results indicate the transformational effects of VR on VCD education through three mechanisms: (1) technology-enhanced features of embodied learning (high-precision modeling, real-time feedback) facilitate access to ICH skills by overcoming constraints inherent to classrooms, yet technical issues such as motion sickness pose a problem; (2) authentic contextual experiences provided by immersive VR scenes and storytelling enhance cultural identity and internalization of ICH knowledge; and (3) interdisciplinary innovation VR provides a pathway between design practice and cultural transmission, changing ICH. The paper presents the Technology-Culture Synergy Framework, which highlights that the integration of technology in VCD should not be done at the expense of cultural authenticity but should exploit design competencies to fill gaps in expressiveness in traditional ICH education. The research provides a new theoretical basis for reconsidering the VCD curricula of the digital era and promotes a tradeoff between cultural conservation and design innovation.

Trust in Telemedicine application adoption: Extending the UTAUT model

Dong-Eon Lee — 2026-01-14

The adoption of telemedicine applications has garnered increasing scholarly attention, particularly due to the sensitive nature of personal health data and the pivotal role of trust in digital healthcare environments. Grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study examines the antecedents and outcomes of trust in the context of telemedicine app acceptance. Utilizing survey data collected from 364 users, the findings reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence exert significant positive effects on trust, which, in turn, significantly influences users’ behavioral intention to use telemedicine applications. Mediation analysis further demonstrates that trust serves as a crucial intervening mechanism linking key UTAUT constructs to usage intention, underscoring its theoretical and practical relevance. This research contributes to the literature on technology acceptance by extending the UTAUT model to explicitly incorporate trust as a central construct in the healthcare domain. The findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers and healthcare service providers, emphasizing the need to design digital health platforms that foster user trust through transparent data practices, intuitive interfaces, and socially endorsed adoption strategies. By highlighting trust’s mediating role, this study informs the development of user-centered service designs and effective digital healthcare policies aimed at enhancing telemedicine adoption, especially in contexts where patient data security and service credibility are paramount.

Unveiling the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward middle Chinese pronunciation in the recitation of tang poetry: A survey among Malaysian poetry enthusiasts

Jiayi Chen — 2026-01-14

The study investigates the KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) model among Malaysian poetry enthusiasts in reciting Tang poetry using Middle Chinese pronunciation in Malaysia. Tang poetry is a significant component of Chinese literature, but its original phonological patterns have evolved over time. To understand how audiences appreciate and engage with its historical phonology, a quantitative survey was conducted at the 17th Overseas Chinese Book Fest in Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park (KLCC), involving 255 respondents. A structured questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices, with data analyzed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), including mediation testing using AMOS and bootstrapping techniques. Results indicated that participants generally recognized phonological changes in Chinese but lacked awareness of the musical importance of pronunciation in poetry. The attitudes of the students were predominantly positive, reflecting an interest and satisfaction in reciting Tang poems in Middle Chinese. Some respondents reported engaging in practical trials of Tang phonetic recitation and participating in related events. Importantly, SEM analysis confirmed that attitudes partially mediate the relationship between knowledge and practice, emphasizing the role of positive attitudes in transforming knowledge into practice. The study affirms the applicability of the KAP model in the context of cultural poetry recitation. Beyond its educational implications, the findings highlight the significance for education, cultural preservation, and cross-cultural dialogue. Reviving Middle Chinese pronunciation can enhance aesthetic appreciation while ensuring cultural continuity.

Macroeconomic determinants of Tunisia’s trade balance: An ARDL approach (1990–2021)

Yasir Jihad Saeed — 2026-01-15

This study aims to examine the key macroeconomic determinants of Tunisia’s trade balance over the period 1990 to 2021 by analyzing the dynamic interactions among broad money supply (M2), real effective exchange rate (EX), and real gross domestic product (GDP). The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds Testing approach to assess both short-run and long-run relationships. The analysis is grounded in elasticity, absorption, and monetary theories, using annual time series data. Diagnostic tests for stationarity, residual behavior (including autocorrelation, normality, and heteroskedasticity), and model stability through the CUSUM test are also conducted to validate the model. The results indicate that GDP and M2 have significant effects on the trade balance in both the short and long run. An increase in M2 contributes to a worsening trade balance due to increased domestic consumption and import demand, while GDP growth enhances export performance and improves trade balance outcomes. The real effective exchange rate exerts a significant positive long-run impact, supporting the view that currency depreciation strengthens export competitiveness. The findings suggest that policymakers should adopt cautious monetary expansion, maintain a flexible and strategic exchange rate policy, promote export-led industrial development, and support investment-driven GDP growth to reduce persistent trade imbalances and enhance long-term external sector sustainability in Tunisia.

Exploring 21st-century ESL classroom challenges: a case study of Malaysian secondary school teachers

Mallika Vasugi Govindarajoo — 2026-01-16

This qualitative exploratory case study investigates the challenges faced by Malaysian secondary school English as Second Language (ESL) teachers in integrating 21st-century learning skills into the ESL classroom. It also examines the presence and extent of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity during ESL lessons. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight teachers from four national secondary schools in Malaysia, followed by focus group interviews with the same participants for triangulation purposes. Thematic analysis was employed to identify emerging patterns and themes. The analysis revealed the following four major challenges: lack of confidence, low motivation, administrative burdens and insufficient resources. All four 21st-century skills were evident in classroom practices with collaboration being the most dominant and creativity the least visible. The findings underscore the critical need to address existing barriers, enhance teaching capacities in 21st-century skills, and implement activities that promote critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration within ESL classrooms. The study highlights the necessity for creative strategies to foster student motivation and engagement in English learning and to encourage the development of creative thinking among ESL students in Malaysian secondary schools.

The interplay of social anxiety, self-isolation, and self-esteem in predicting psychological distress in adolescents

Duc Minh Dao — 2026-01-19

This study aimed to examine the relationships between psychological distress, social anxiety, self-isolation, and self-esteem in adolescents, with a focus on identifying predictors of psychological distress. Understanding these relationships can inform mental health interventions aimed at reducing distress in this vulnerable population. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 529 adolescents using four validated psychological scales. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were conducted to explore the associations between the variables. The findings revealed that social anxiety (β = 0.393, p < 0.001) and self-isolation (β = 0.344, p < 0.001) are significant positive predictors of psychological distress, while self-esteem (β = -0.126, p < 0.001) negatively predicts distress. The regression model explained 46.6% of the variance in psychological distress, indicating a substantial contribution of these factors to adolescents’ mental health. Social anxiety and self-isolation are key contributors to psychological distress in adolescents, while self-esteem acts as a protective factor. These findings underscore the importance of interventions targeting social anxiety, reducing isolation, and enhancing self-esteem to alleviate psychological distress and improve mental health outcomes in adolescents.

Does Gen Z have the intention to purchase halal fashion?

Dini Ali — 2026-01-20

The primary contribution of the paper is the finding that the purchase intentions of Indonesian Gen Z consumers regarding halal fashion encompass not only modest clothing, such as hijabs, niqabs, and long dresses, but also fashion items produced and distributed in accordance with Islamic halal principles. This study has investigated how Gen Z consumers embrace and purchase halal fashion products that adhere to modesty and halal standards. Data were gathered from 306 Gen Z consumers through structured surveys and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the influence of key variables derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior. The findings indicate that Religiosity, Subjective Norms, Attitude, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Habit significantly influence attitudes and purchase intentions toward halal fashion, while Knowledge of halal fashion does not have a positive impact on consumer attitudes. These results suggest that social, religious, and behavioral factors play a more critical role than informational knowledge in shaping Gen Z's purchasing behavior. The study's practical implications suggest that halal fashion marketers should enhance religious identity and utilize social influences, as Religiosity and Subjective Norms significantly drive Gen Z's attitudes and purchase intentions. Instead of focusing solely on information, marketing strategies should emphasize community endorsements, religious messaging, and social network engagement.

Financial efficiency of Islamic rural banks in Indonesia: A two-stage DEA approach

Wartoyo Wartoyo — 2026-01-20

The operational effectiveness of Islamic Rural Banks in Indonesia is essential because inefficient financial intermediaries impede inclusive growth, restrict access to credit that complies with Shariah, and erode public confidence. The study's objectives are to assess the Islamic Rural Banks’ financial performance in West Java, Indonesia, and examine how efficiency levels influence specific financial performance measures. The methodology comprises two phases. The first phase measures efficiency using multiple inputs, including, operating expenses, fixed assets, inventory, total deposits, and total assets, alongside outputs such as profit-sharing financing, receivables, fund distribution income, and other operating income. The second phase employs Tobit regression to evaluate the impact of key financial ratios Non-Performing Financing (NPF), Return on Assets (ROA), Operating Expenses to Operating Income Ratio (BOPO), and Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR) on efficiency scores. Findings indicate that seven of ten Islamic Rural Banks consistently achieved optimal efficiency (DEA score = 1), while three institutions exhibited persistent inefficiencies across various inputs and outputs. Tobit analysis reveals that ROA, BOPO, and FDR have significant positive effects on efficiency, whereas NPF is not statistically significant. The results highlight the importance of cost control and effective fund intermediation in enhancing performance. The study advances the application of Financial Intermediation Theory in Sharia-compliant rural banking by integrating ethical considerations into technical efficiency measurement. Limitations include geographic focus, data quality variability, and the exclusion of qualitative performance measures.

Global metrics, local realities: STEAM faculty research in Philippine SUCs

Paul Angelo Acag Tamayo — 2026-01-20

This study aimed to evaluate the research engagement of STEAM faculty in Philippine State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) by applying the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Researcher Classification Framework and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Scientific Career System. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative data on ISI- and Scopus-indexed publications, authorship patterns, research supervision, and training participation with survey responses from STEAM faculty members across five SUCs in Region II. Qualitative insights from administrators, research directors, and faculty narratives complemented the survey data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative interviews underwent thematic content analysis. Findings show that SUCs 1 to 3 generally meet CHED’s First Stage Researcher category and DOST’s Scientist I–II level, though none have advanced to higher classifications. By contrast, SUCs 4 and 5 exhibit deeper gaps, with no faculty members qualifying under either framework, despite having a relatively high number of master’s degree holders. Barriers across institutions include limited publication output, inconsistent mentoring, and insufficient institutional support for sustained research leadership. The study concludes that promoting inclusive, performance-oriented research requires strategies that align national goals with faculty development and match institutional practices to global academic standards.

Does family ownership increase the resilience of firm performance? The moderating role of risk-taking behaviour and leverage in emerging economies

Mohammad Jashim Uddin — 2026-01-20

This study aims to examine the relationship between family ownership (FAMOW) and a firm's financial performance, including return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and Tobin’s Q. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether, in the case of non-financial enterprises in Bangladesh, the relationship between FAMOW and firm performance is moderated by risk-taking behavior and leverage. Secondary data from 2010 to 2021 were collected from 228 listed non-financial firms on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). The study's findings indicate that while Tobin's Q (TQ) is negatively significant with family ownership, return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) are positively significant. FAMOW has a positive and statistically significant relationship with both ROA and ROE, with coefficients of 0.008 and 0.005, respectively. The moderating influence of risk-taking behavior and leverage was not examined in the previous study; however, this study expands on the findings by including risk-taking behavior and leverage as moderators. Taking into consideration the findings of the inquiry, it is recommended that family firms operating in economies that are still in the process of growth prioritize the establishment of a robust corporate governance structure. As a result of implementing suitable governance measures, it has been established that the impacts of familial ownership on business performance are either amplified or moderated.

The impact of ethical leadership on employee engagement: Mediate of corporate social responsibility

Shadi Altahat — 2026-01-21

This study aims to examine not only how ethical leadership (EL) directly affects EE but also how it improves EE through the mediation of genuine and well-thought-out CSR efforts, with the goal of creating a more sustainable and value-driven workplace. The research is based on the Social Learning Theory, Corporate Social Responsibility Theory, and the Self-Determination Theory. A quantitative method was employed to gather data from local employees working in industrial businesses located within Al-Hassan Industrial Estate, Irbid, Jordan. A sample size of 335 individuals was selected. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that EE is significantly increased by ethical leadership, with CSR serving as a key mediator in this relationship. The study contributes to the existing literature on CSR and EL by providing useful implications for companies seeking to enhance employee commitment through ethical conduct and social responsibility programs. The results highlight the importance of EL and CSR in fostering an engaged and motivated workforce. The study offers practical advice for executives aiming to improve employee engagement, emphasizing ethical behavior and socially conscious strategies that are genuinely effective. Additionally, it explores how organizational ethics and CSR influence employee outcomes.

The impact of organizational justice on organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior through leader-member exchange: The moderating role of organization-based self-esteem

Le Thuy Kieu — 2026-01-23

This study examines the impact of organizational justice on organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior through the mediating role of leader–member exchange and the moderating role of organization-based self-esteem. This study applied both qualitative and quantitative methods. Regarding the quantitative method, this study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed research model. This study surveyed 425 employees from tourism enterprises in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The results showed that organizational justice positively and directly influenced organizational commitment and citizenship behavior indirectly through the partial mediating role of leader–member exchange. Furthermore, organization-based self-esteem positively moderates the relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior. However, its role does not moderate the relationship between organizational justice and commitment. This study highlights the significant role of organizational justice in fostering organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior among employees in the tourism sector. The findings confirm that leader-member exchange partially mediates these relationships, emphasizing the importance of leadership dynamics in the workplace. The study proposes managerial implications to enhance organizational justice, improve leader-member exchange and organization-based self-esteem, thereby increasing organizational commitment and positive employee behaviors.

Spiritual employee engagement as a mediator between strategic leadership and turnover intention: Evidence from Indonesia

Final Prajnanta — 2026-01-23

The study investigates how strategic leadership affects millennials’ turnover intention, with spiritual employee engagement as a mediator. According to the social exchange theory, employees will be devoted and loyal to leaders who treat them well. The study explores how leadership influences employee retention through meaningful engagement. The SmartPLS 4.0 is used to analyze data (n= 345) using the structural equation model with partial least squares (SEM-PLS) method. Findings of the study show that strategic leadership has no direct impact on turnover intention; however, it significantly improves spiritual engagement, employees’ sense of meaning, purpose, and alignment with organizational values, which in turn lowers the intention to leave the organization. This result indicates that spiritual employee engagement, as a novelty, completely mediates the connection between strategic leadership and turnover intention. This study integrates spiritual dimensions into retention frameworks by promoting a theoretical understanding of turnover dynamics among millennial employees. To foster millennial employee retention, leaders should develop a value-driven purpose to enable meaningful work and implement flexible working policies. The results of this study have broader relevance for millennial talent management in other industries that struggle to retain millennials. Additionally, this study bridges the gap between spirituality and organizational behavior, offering actionable methods to improve engagement. Future research should confirm these findings across diverse cultural, industrial, and national contexts, particularly in developing countries.

Evaluating competency-based management in English language teaching for art university students in Vietnam: Insights into key influential factors

Dinh Thi Phuong Hoa — 2026-01-23

This study examines the implementation of Competency-Based Management (CBM) in English language teaching for students at Vietnamese art universities. As English proficiency becomes increasingly important in the global creative economy, effective management of language education programs is crucial for aligning learning outcomes with students’ professional needs. The research aims to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of CBM and identify key institutional, pedagogical, and cultural factors that influence its application in art-focused educational contexts. Using a quantitative descriptive approach, data were collected from 200 students and 29 lecturers and educational managers across major art universities in Vietnam through a structured questionnaire. The survey assessed multiple dimensions of CBM, including curriculum alignment, instructional support, learning resources, teaching styles, student motivation, and learning environment. Findings indicate that while students and staff generally support the competency-based direction, significant limitations persist in the consistent application of CBM principles. Key challenges include inadequate learning materials, limited use of competency-based instructional strategies, and insufficient support from instructors. Cultural and institutional factors, such as rigid curricula and underdeveloped quality assurance systems, were also perceived as barriers. The study concludes with management-oriented recommendations to improve CBM practices, particularly through enhanced curriculum design, teacher training, and institutional support mechanisms that reflect the specific needs of art students in Vietnam.

Understanding the role of social anxiety in the relationship between peer rejection and sleep quality

Han Qu — 2026-01-27

Sleep is vital for children’s development, yet many primary school students suffer from poor sleep quality. This study explores whether social anxiety mediates the relationship between peer rejection and sleep quality in elementary school children. A sample of 439 students from Jiangsu Province, China, completed the peer rejection scale, self-rating scale of sleep, and the social anxiety scale for children. Data were analyzed using the bootstrap method with standardized questionnaires assessing sleep quality, peer rejection, and social anxiety levels. The findings revealed that peer rejection was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality and increased social anxiety. Moreover, social anxiety partially mediated the relationship between peer rejection and sleep quality. Children who experienced peer rejection reported higher levels of social anxiety, which in turn predicted greater sleep problems. These results indicate that peer rejection may indirectly impact sleep through its influence on emotional well-being. The study underscores the importance of addressing both peer relationships and emotional health in school settings. Creating a more inclusive peer environment and supporting students with social anxiety could improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Educational and psychological interventions targeting social skills and anxiety management may be effective in promoting healthier sleep patterns during this critical developmental period. This research contributes to a better understanding of the psychological pathways linking social experiences to sleep quality and highlights the need for early interventions aimed at improving both interpersonal and emotional functioning among primary school children.

Factors influencing employee engagement in Vietnamese enterprises

Le Thi Thuy Nga — 2026-01-27

This research examines employee engagement in Vietnamese enterprises influenced by five different factors: salary and income, working conditions, welfare benefits, training and career development, and relationships with leaders and peers. The research was a quantitative study that included a survey of 1,050 employees from northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Reliabilities were calculated using Cronbach’s alpha, scales were vetted through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses, with engagement gauged using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). The conclusion was that support from leaders, relationship support from colleagues, and the sufficiency of salaries were the most confirming of the hypotheses, while the claim that working conditions, welfare, and training benefits were of minimal importance was the most unconfirming. Social class and culture were suggested from the results of social relations in the Vietnamese system of labour-intensive industries. Businesses are suggested to focus on engagement through competitive pay, proper supervision, and informal relations in teams, while simultaneously providing opportunities for future research in engagement and development in emerging economies.

The impact of external audit quality on reducing illegal accounting practices of firm size and corporate governance in Jordan

Zeyad Almatarneh — 2026-01-27

The purpose of the study is to investigate the function of external audit quality (EAQ), corporate governance (CG), and firm size in eliminating adulterous accounting practices (AP) in Jordanian businesses. A quantitative research design is used, with data from 50 Jordanian enterprises. Primary data is acquired through surveys issued to auditors, financial managers, and compliance officials, while secondary data is sourced from financial statements and audit reports covering the years 2019-2023. Analyzing numbers can help us understand fraud better. We can look at simple statistics but also check relationships between different variables. This is done using techniques like chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression. The study found that when audit quality is better, fewer fraud cases occur. Large companies, known as the Big Four, seem to be much better at catching and preventing fraud compared to smaller ones. It also appears that the better the company's business ethics and the larger the firm, the less fraud happens. Therefore, these findings offer practical guidance for managers and policymakers who want to reduce fraud and enhance financial integrity in Jordanian companies. Although the results were not entirely conclusive, organizations should encourage auditors to be unbiased and utilize top-notch fraud detection methods to effectively prevent fraud in Jordanian companies.

Investigating critical success factors in implementing marketing strategy in FMCG sector in Pakistan

Abdul Basit — 2026-01-27

Aiming the study at analyzing Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in implementing marketing strategy in the FMCG sector in Pakistan, the design consists of a survey of literature, primary data collection, modeling, and analysis. The population under study includes all stakeholders of the phenomenon, with a heterogeneous focus group (experts) from stakeholders serving as the sample. The sample size is eighteen experts. The modeling method used is ISM, and the analysis method is scale/data-centric MICMAC. The results of ISM show that the factor, namely brand visibility & awareness, occupies the bottom of the model; the composition of the team and diversity, and new business approaches occupy the middle of the model; whereas, the other fourteen factors occupy the top of the ISM model. The results of scale-centric MICMAC analysis indicate that CSFs, namely brand visibility & awareness, fall into the independent cluster, whereas all other factors fall into the linkage cluster. The dependent and autonomous clusters are empty. The results of data-centric MICMAC analysis show that CSFs, namely brand visibility & awareness, and green marketing campaigns, are independent; factors such as marketing innovation and market-oriented organizational culture are dependent; and all other factors fall into the linkage cluster. The autonomous cluster is empty. The study is based on first-hand real-time data collected from stakeholders and analyzed through scientific methodologies, providing valuable insights. It has profound theoretical and practical implications, contributing a list of CSFs in implementing marketing strategy, a scientific structural model, MICMAC diagrams, and a wealth of new and novel information about the phenomenon. Additionally, it offers a framework and important solid input for designing future research.

Leading with purpose: How transformational leadership inspires innovation through workplace spirituality

Meily Margaretha — 2026-01-27

This study examines the impact of transformational leadership on innovative work behavior, focusing on the mediating role of workplace spirituality within Indonesia's logistics sector. As the industry experiences rapid growth and intensifying competition, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for innovative solutions and adaptive leadership becomes crucial. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 220 managers at Pos Indonesia, a state-owned enterprise with strategic national importance. The study confirms that transformational leadership significantly influences employees' innovative behavior, and this relationship is further strengthened through workplace spirituality. Leaders who inspire, provide meaningful direction, and embody ethical values foster a spiritually rich work environment. Such an environment enhances employees’ intrinsic motivation, sense of purpose, and emotional engagement—key drivers of innovation. The findings underscore the importance of integrating transformational leadership and workplace spirituality to create a culture that supports creativity and sustainable innovation. By establishing a strong sense of community and inner purpose among employees, organizations can enhance their competitive advantage. This study contributes to existing literature by empirically validating the mediating role of workplace spirituality in the relationship between leadership and innovation. Practical implications suggest that leaders in the logistics industry should be equipped with both transformational capabilities and a sensitivity to workplace spirituality. Future research is encouraged to extend these findings across sectors and cultural settings to build a more comprehensive framework.