Purpose This paper aims to investigate the potential role of integrated reporting (IR) in mediating the association between board gender diversity (BGD) and firm performance in the context of UK companies. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative research approach as delineated by Preacher and Hayes (2008), this study analyzes data collected from 449 companies operating in UK over the period spanning from 2015 to 2022. Findings The analysis presents valuable insights into the relationship between board gender diversity, firm performance and the potential mediating effect of IR. Results shed light on the dynamics and potential connections among these variables, offering a nuanced understanding of their interplay. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing literature by addressing a gap in understanding the role of integrated reporting (IR) in shaping the relationship between board gender diversity (BGD) and firm performance. While prior studies have explored BGD and firm performance independently, few have examined how IR initiatives may influence this relationship, particularly within the UK context. By investigating this interplay, the study offers new insights that are valuable for academics, practitioners and policymakers interested in corporate governance, sustainability practices and the broader impact of gender diversity on business outcomes.
Purpose The perceived barriers women face, often termed the “glass ceiling,” impact their career trajectories and commitment to organizations. Therefore, the study aims to examine the impact of the glass ceiling and its factors on organizational commitment and career advancement with the mediating role of organizational commitment and the moderating role of social support. Design/methodology/approach Using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS, first-order and second-order measurement models were also used to examine the effect of the glass ceiling on organizational commitment and career advancement, incorporating the influence of social support and the mediating role of organizational commitment. Findings Findings revealed that family responsibilities significantly influenced organizational commitment but not career advancement. Discriminatory promotion practices and employee relations significantly affected career advancement and organizational commitment. Contrarily, gender stereotypes did not show a significant impact. Glass ceiling negatively influenced career advancement and organizational commitment. Higher social support was found to decrease career advancement but mitigated the negative effect of the glass ceiling on career advancement. Organizational commitment played a mediating role between glass ceiling and career advancement. Practical implications Organizations should promote work–life balance to boost female commitment. Better employee relations and addressing discriminatory promotion practices are essential for women’s career advancement. Gender stereotype-fighting training should be prioritized despite its small impact. Originality/value This research uniquely examined the flourishing dynamics of the glass ceiling’s impact on women’s career advancement and organizational commitment while highlighting the relationship of social support as both a mitigating and constraining factor in professional growth.
Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of social media on collaborative learning and academic success in higher education, with a specific focus on the mediating role of learner satisfaction. It aims to investigate the antecedents of collaborative learning, including interaction among learners, interaction with instructors and intention to use social media. Design/methodology/approach Data were initially gathered through interviews with 15 higher education students engaged in social media, providing qualitative insights into their experiences. Thematic analysis was conducted to develop a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Following this qualitative phase, quantitative data were collected from 250 students and analyzed using Smarts to assess the relationships and mediating effects. This sequential approach, starting with qualitative analysis and followed by quantitative analysis, enriched the overall understanding of the impact of social media on collaborative learning and academic success. Findings The results reveal that learner satisfaction significantly mediates the relationship between collaborative learning and academic success. Specific aspects of collaborative learning were identified as having a notable impact on academic achievement. The study underscores the importance of learner satisfaction in enhancing the effectiveness of collaborative learning. Originality/value This research contributes new knowledge on the role of social media in collaborative learning and its impact on academic success, particularly through the lens of learner satisfaction. The combined use of quantitative and qualitative approaches offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics involved, supporting the intentional design of collaborative learning opportunities in higher education.
Purpose Sustainable electric appliances are designed to minimize their environmental impact by reducing energy consumption, using environmentally friendly materials and minimizing waste during production and disposal. The purpose of this study is to analyze existing research on sustainable electric appliances using advanced machine learning methods, such as topic modeling, to identify key themes and trends. This research is crucial in light of increasing global electricity demand, the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the critical role of energy-efficient appliances in achieving sustainability goals and net-zero emission targets. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts a comprehensive literature evaluation on the topic of “Sustainable electric appliances” using a machine learning technique called topic modeling with latent Dirichlet allocation. This approach enables systematic analysis of the existing research and the identification of key themes. Findings The analysis identifies nine major themes based on the evaluation of research papers published in leading international journals. The major themes include climate change, minimizing pollution, the usage and popularity of electric appliances, the impact of electric appliances on the environment and different government initiatives to encourage the adoption of sustainable electric appliances. The findings of this research are highly relevant for stakeholders, including policymakers, manufacturers and consumers, as they provide actionable insights to promote the adoption and innovation of sustainable electric appliances, contributing to a more environmentally and economically resilient future. Furthermore, the study critically evaluates the current state of research and highlights opportunities for future exploration, offering valuable implications for academia and industry. Originality/value This study uniquely applies topic modeling to analyze research trends in sustainable electric appliances, providing a novel perspective on the advancements and challenges in this critical area.
PurposeThis study aims to review the research field local school governance (LSG) by analyzing research papers available in the Scopus database. Particularly, it examines the growth trajectory, collaboration patterns, identifies the top 20 contributors (country, author and journal), key concepts and active themes in LSG. Design/methodology/approachA total of 2,610 relevant documents has been extracted as sample data from Scopus using appropriate keywords and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Thereafter, bibliometric methods and tools such as Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were used to conduct different analyses, such as author co-citation, keyword co-occurrence and bibliographic coupling. FindingsResults revealed an upward growth trend in LSG research. USA, Educational Administration Quarterly and K. Leithwood have been identified as the most influential country, journal and author, respectively. Collaboration remains limited, particularly among developing countries and authors. The emerging concepts are decentralization, democracy, accountability, inclusivity, parental involvement, school reform, gender, information and communication technology and school culture. Lastly, eight active themes have been identified within the LSG research domain. Research limitations/implicationsIts analysis and findings relied on papers and research papers published in the Scopus database, which may limit the scope for generalization of findings. Originality/valueThe LSG research domain remains underexplored through bibliometric methods – a gap this study addresses using exclusively collected empirical data. It not only strengthens the existing knowledge base but also offers clear directions for future research.
PurposeThe primary objective of this study is to provide insights into the current state of research on the economic impacts of natural disasters on development and growth. Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a bibliometric analysis focusing on leading authors, journals, countries, the most frequently cited documents and keywords in the domain of the economic impacts of natural disasters on development and growth. Using the Scopus database, 712 papers spanning from 1975 to 2023 were examined. Bibliometric networks were created using the VOSviewer software. FindingsThe findings of this study reveal a rising interest in understanding the economic impacts of natural disasters on development and growth, with notable contributions from authors like (i) Jidong Wu, (ii) Mark Skidmore, (iii) Ning Li and (iv) Hideki Toya. Leading journals such as (a) Natural Hazards and (b) Sustainability play crucial roles in disseminating findings and highlighting the growing recognition of this field. Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first attempts to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the economic impacts of natural disasters on development and growth. In addition, the study identifies less-researched areas in the literature, offering guidance for future research directions.
Purpose This study aims to examine the barriers affecting the implementation of algorithmic human resource management (algorithmic HR). Grounded in socio-technical systems (STS) theory, it conceptualizes these barriers as misalignments between social and technical subsystems, aiming to understand their interconnectedness, hierarchical structure and causal dynamics. Design/methodology/approach Sixteen key barriers were identified through literature review and expert consultation. An integrated interpretive structural modeling and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory approach was used to analyze hierarchical relationships and causal interdependencies among these barriers. Findings Low return on investment emerges as the most critical driving barrier influencing algorithmic human resource (HR) adoption. It is causally linked to resistance to change, fear of job loss and perceived decline in job quality. The findings reveal a structured hierarchy of barriers, demonstrating how foundational socio-technical misalignments shape implementation challenges across HR practices. Research limitations/implications The study is based on expert insights within an emerging economy context, which may limit generalizability. It extends STS theory by explaining how algorithmic HR barriers arise from systemic misalignments between human and technological subsystems. Practical implications The study offers a structured framework to help practitioners prioritize barriers and align organizational capabilities, workforce readiness and technological infrastructure for effective algorithmic HR implementation. Originality/value The study advances algorithmic HR research by developing a hierarchical and causal model grounded in STS theory, providing a system-level explanation of implementation challenges.
Purpose This study aims to propose a novel framework to address the critical challenge of integrating tacit knowledge into digital knowledge ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach The framework synthesizes foundational knowledge management (KM) theories – the SECI model and the knowledge hierarchy – with digital enablers, including AI analytics, immersive platforms and cloud storage. It addresses key challenges of codification, scalability and contextual relevance by aligning paradigmatic factors, digital media and value measurement. Findings The framework provides actionable strategies to enhance organizational learning and innovation. It demonstrates how digital ecosystems can democratize knowledge access and reduce inequities among organizations. Theoretically, it extends the SECI model into virtual contexts; practically, it offers solutions for industries undergoing digital transformation. Practical implications Organizations can leverage the framework to implement digital tools for sharing tacit knowledge, use real-time feedback for learning alignment and design modular storage systems for more effective retrieval. It enables SMEs to compete more effectively in innovation-driven markets. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive, integrative roadmap for virtual tacit KM, offering significant contributions to both KM theory and organizational practice in the digital age.
Purpose This study aims to analyze the research trends, expansion of the field, intellectual and social structure of scholarly publications on electric vehicles (EVs), policy frameworks and sustainability. The goal is to identify significant publications, notable contributors, patterns of collaboration and emerging research themes affecting the progress of green initiatives and sustainable mobility research. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a bibliometric approach to analyze the data from 958 papers on EVs and sustainable transportation retrieved from the Scopus database from 2011 to 2026. Analysis was conducted using R Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to determine the research trend, significant contributors in the field, intellectual structure, social structure, significant research themes and their growth over time within the field. Findings The results show a significant rise in research output and highlight that decarbonization and sustainable transportation are attracting more attention worldwide. It also shows that a small number of highly productive journals, authors and countries provide the majority of intellectual contributions. Thematic evolution presents a shift in research focus from early environmental issues to technological advancements, consumer adoption, EV infrastructure and policy-oriented sustainability initiatives. Practical implications Findings of the study highlight the significant research areas and policy mechanisms that facilitate the transition toward sustainable transportation, thereby offering insightful information to researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders. Originality/value The study contributes to the body of existing literature by systematically presenting the intellectual framework and thematic evolution of EVs, policy frameworks and sustainable transportation.
Purpose This study explored how organizational environments affect employees’ learning preferences and outcomes in relation to the adoption of e-learning. Though e-learning adoption is important for continuous skill development, limited research explains its adoption in organizational settings. This study aims to identify key factors influencing workplace e-learning adoption to support employee and organizational development. Design/methodology/approach The systematic literature review was conducted on 102 relevant papers from Scopus on e-learning adoption among employees. The review explored the theories, contexts, methodologies (TCM) – antecedents, decisions and outcomes (ADO) by using the multi-step analysis technique defined by Denyer and Tranfield (2009). Findings The review found important ADO, along with relevant TCM, that shape workplace e-learning adoption. This shows how e-learning adoption advances employees’ flexibility, motivation and skill development. These insights supported the development of a unified conceptual model and provided a structured roadmap for effective e-learning adoption in organizations. Originality/value This review makes a novel contribution to the literature by developing a unified conceptual model that extends the traditional ADO–TCM framework. The model integrates key organizational and individual factors, including motivation, organizational support, learning readiness and training program structure. By combining Self-Determination Theory with Technology Acceptance Model/Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and organizational learning theory, the study moves beyond technology-centric models to emphasize capability development in workplace contexts. The review also identifies research gaps and outlines future research directions to advance theoretical and practical understanding of workplace e-learning.
Purpose This study aims to examine the adoption of social commerce (s-commerce) by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. It identifies key technological, organizational and environmental factors influencing implementation while highlighting the challenges that hinder adoption. The study provides insights for policymakers and business leaders to enhance s-commerce integration. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework, analyzing 45 peer-reviewed studies on s-commerce adoption in developing economies. The review categorizes findings based on the technology–organization–environment framework to assess the determinants of adoption and the barriers SMEs face. Findings The study reveals that technological readiness, leadership support, financial accessibility and a conducive regulatory environment are critical factors enabling s-commerce adoption. However, significant barriers persist, including cybersecurity risks, inadequate digital infrastructure and workforce digital literacy gaps. The findings suggest that targeted policies, enhanced financial support mechanisms and regulatory improvements can facilitate smoother adoption and sustainability of s-commerce among SMEs. Originality/value This review contributes to the literature by systematically synthesizing the key enablers and challenges of s-commerce adoption in SMEs within developing economies. It highlights the need for longitudinal adoption studies, AI-driven advancements and cross-country comparative analyses to deepen understanding of s-commerce sustainability and competitiveness. The study provides practical recommendations for stakeholders to bridge existing gaps and foster digital transformation in the SME sector.
Purpose This study aims to investigate health records management system implementation and practices that pose risks to healthcare provision in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. This is critical since ineffective records management leads to missing files, repeated medical tests and incomplete records, which affects quality, safe and efficient healthcare. Design/methodology/approach Using the convergent design from the mixed-method research approach, this study used four primary data collection tools, namely, questionnaires, interviews, observations and document analysis. Staff members totalling 370 were sampled from a population of 9,869 representing medical records, information technology and healthcare units. Findings The findings showed that non-functional records management systems including neglected paper-based, and poorly implemented electronic health records (EHR) systems led to missing and misfiled patients’ records, incomplete patient records, reliance on unqualified records personnel and the unavailability of the electronic records during power outages or internet downtime. This denied access to full medical history of patients, compromising accurate decisions, quality and continuity of healthcare, posing risks to patient safety. Originality/value This study recommends that the healthcare institutions of the Greater Accra region in Ghana adhere to records management principles, provide relevant medical records training and allocate sufficient resources for information systems. Additionally, processes should be initiated to digitise and merge existing paper-based medical records with the EHRs to ensure the completeness of medical information. Establishing a comprehensive information management system framework should be a primary focus to mitigate records management risks that adversely affect healthcare delivery.
Purpose Given the important role of resource-constraint innovation in developing and emerging nations, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of transformational leadership (TL) on frugal innovation through the mediating roles of knowledge sharing (KS) behaviors and moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS). Design/methodology/approach The paper used a quantitative research method and structural equation modeling to test the relationship among the latent factors based on a sample of 315 participants from 116 firms. Findings Findings reveal the significant impacts of TL on frugal innovation directly or indirectly via mediating role of tacit and explicit KS behaviors. It highlights the important role of POS in fostering influence of KS behaviors on frugal innovation. Research limitations/implications The paper provides a valuable understanding and novel approach for managers and directors of firms in developing and emerging markets to improve their firms’ frugal innovation capability through leadership practices and organizational knowledge resource. Originality/value This study contributes to bridging research gaps in the literature and advances the insights of the key antecedents and the appropriate conditions to pursue frugal innovation.
Purpose This study aims to examine the current state of knowledge on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by analysing published literature and suggests future research direction, delimiting the time frame of publication. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric review approach was applied to a sample of 756 articles, adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. Performance analysis and science mapping were used to represent the scientific research visually. Findings This study reveals that MSME research is thriving in developing countries such as India and Indonesia. “Financial literacy among owners and managers”, “workforce dynamics”, “cross-disciplinary collaboration” and “gender inclusivity”, particularly in women’s entrepreneurship, and its “economic impact” on business resilience and sustainability are the areas of research that may gain popularity in the near future. Originality/value While previous studies have focused on the academic aspects of the topic, this research takes a comprehensive approach to integrate both academic perspectives and industry realities. Linking research trends with industry practices offers a comprehensive understanding of the field and provides new insights for scholars and practitioners.
Purpose This paper aims to analyse the productivity of scientific research and the discovery of knowledge on digital agriculture globally. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on a large data set of 5,617 articles from the Scopus database published from 1980 to 2024. The data were analysed to map research productivity, knowledge discovery and future research themes using RStudio and VOSViewer software. Findings The scientific research on digital agriculture shows a significant annual growth rate of 14.8 % during 1980–2024. Furthermore, the discovery of knowledge has been clustered based on the author’s keywords. Finally, the evolution of thematic keywords indicates that the use of remote sensing, geographical information systems and image processing were major themes during the first phase, i.e. 1980–2009, which moved to precision agriculture and digital agriculture during 2010–22 and machine learning, deep learning, the Internet of Things, smart farming and the digital economy in recent years. Practical implications This research offers interesting insights into how scientific understanding of digital agriculture has shifted from basic digital technologies to advanced applications, and provides a way forward for future research to strengthen the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture. Originality/value This paper synthesises knowledge on digital agriculture, maps the phases of development of digitisation and agriculture and provides directions for future research.
Purpose The primary purpose of this paper is to propose a detailed plan for academic libraries to promote interreligious dialogue among university students. The underlying aim is to leverage interreligious dialogue as a preventative measure against fanatical ideas and religious extremism among youth, moving beyond traditional user education to address broader societal issues. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a conceptual research design to develop a theoretical framework for promoting interreligious dialogue through academic libraries in Bangladesh, based on a systematic review of literature rather than empirical data. Key themes, models and best practices from diverse sources were synthesized with the authors’ professional expertise to create a structured and contextually grounded framework. The framework’s credibility and practical relevance were enhanced through informal consultation with library practitioners and Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty members, whose feedback helped refine and improve its applicability. Findings This study proposes a model plan for promoting interreligious dialogue through university libraries, which includes six major steps: defining the context, identification of knowledge gap, development of strategies for promoting interreligious dialogue, selecting or updating strategies and assessment. A set of challenges were also identified to implement this model, i.e. sensitivity, approval, sustainability, budget, skills and attitudes. Originality/value Several literatures in LIS explained libraries as civic engagement spaces. However, this conceptual study may be used to use interreligious dialogue more specifically in university libraries to prevent religious extremism and youth radicalization.
Purpose This study explores the determinants of entrepreneurial intention (EI) among engineering students in Kuwait, addressing a notable gap in regional entrepreneurship education research. It aims to assess the applicability of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in understanding entrepreneurial motivation in this context. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in TPB, this study investigates the direct and indirect effects of subjective norms (SN), attitudes toward entrepreneurial behavior (ATE) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) on entrepreneurial intentions. Data were collected through a survey administered to 240 engineering students in Kuwait. Mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the role of ATE and PBC as mediators in the relationship between SN and EI. Findings Results indicate that TPB effectively explains entrepreneurial intention among university students in Kuwait. While ATE and PBC directly influence EI, SN impacts EI indirectly through both ATE and PBC. These outcomes emphasize the significance of social influence and individual perception in shaping entrepreneurial motivations. Originality/value This study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on entrepreneurship education in the Gulf Cooperation Council by empirically validating the TPB model in a Kuwaiti higher education context. It provides actionable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to cultivate entrepreneurial ecosystems in the region.
Purpose This study aims to explore the interaction between personality traits and behavioral biases of investor behavior through a systematic literature review. The research addresses questions related to the application of theoretical frameworks that clarify the relationship between personality traits and behavioral biases. Design/methodology/approach A total of 58 articles, spanning from 2000 to 2024, data extracted from Scopus and Web of Science databases and then screened based on Q1 and Q2 SCI ranking journals only. The review draws upon the SPAR-4-SLR protocol for data collection and uses the TCCM framework for structuring analysis and guiding future research agendas. Findings The review reveals that personality traits such as neuroticism and extraversion influence biases like overconfidence and herding. These findings highlight the potential for tailored investment strategies, regulatory measures and educational initiatives to reduce bias-driven decision-making. The results also indicate the value of integrating personality assessments and financial literacy improvement in investor guidance. Research limitations/implications The analysis is limited to studies from Q1 and Q2 SCI-ranked journals, which may exclude relevant research from lower-ranked or emerging sources. The focus on published literature also means that unpublished or non-English studies were not considered, potentially narrowing the scope of insights. Originality/value This study synthesizes investor personality traits and behavioral biases using complementary SPAR-4-SLR and TCCM frameworks.
Purpose The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of investments in cybersecurity, compliance with cybersecurity regulations and the overall cybersecurity posture on the cyber resilience behaviour of Indian banking staff. It also examines how expertise and the sharing of policy-related knowledge among employees mediate the relationship between cybersecurity posture and cybersecurity resilience behaviour. Design/methodology/approach This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling to analyse data collected from 308 banking professionals across eight private-sector banks in India. The technique was used to assess the reliability and validity of the measurement model and examine the hypothesised relationships, including mediating effects, within the proposed framework. Findings The findings demonstrate that investment in cybersecurity and effective adherence to cybersecurity regulations are significant contributors to the behaviour of employees in banks to be cyber resilient. In addition, the role of employees in knowledge sharing and their expertise as a mediator between a bank’s cybersecurity posture and its cyber resilience behaviour has been confirmed. Originality/value The paper fills a major gap by offering a framework specifically formulated to evaluate the behaviour of cyber resilience among Indian banks, an area where there is a dearth of models. It goes beyond the technical orientation of the earlier studies to underscore vital human elements of human conduct, especially knowledge sharing and expertise of the employees. In the rapidly digitalising banking landscape, where cyber risks are becoming increasingly prominent, these behavioural factors need to be identified to develop a cyber-resilient culture and mitigate the effects of security breaches.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the global research on leadership competencies (LDC) from 2014 to 2023 in social science. Moreover, this work aims to assist researchers in identifying significant publications, prominent scholars and the relationships between these publications through citation and co-citation analysis. The comprehensive bibliometric analysis with altmetric score intends to provide a clear overview of the difference between article impact and attention. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was conducted through Scopus. The data was collected from the Scopus database and analysed by the use of the bibliometric and altmetric indicators. The search string was “leadership competencies” among title, abstract and keywords. A total of 4,014 articles were collected from the field of social science, with the limitation of English language articles only. The analysis was performed using R (Biblioshiny), VosViewer, MS Excel and Science Open. Findings The findings reveal that there has been a significant increase in leadership research over the decade with significant contributions from the USA, Canada and the UK. It is found that the USA is the leading country with scholarly output and citation impact. According to the altmetric attention score, the research “Operationalising the definition of e-leadership: identifying the elements of e-leadership” by Van Wart M published in the year 2019 is at the top. Kogan JR is the most prolific author and the journal “Leadership in Health Services” is found to be the leading journal. Research limitations/implications The major limitation of this research is that it focuses exclusively on SCOPUS as a single database for the extraction of publication data from 2014 to 2023. The study highlights the continuous growth of knowledge in the area of LDC by analysing a bibliographic dataset. It identifies the key articles, authors, journals and trends of research keywords on LDC, which can practically help future researchers in finding the research gap. Overall, the study strengthens the connection between theoretical foundation and empirical findings with practical relevance, with a structured understanding of leadership competency research. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first bibliometric analysis on LDC in the context of social science with an altmetric score. This paper will give a new opportunity for researchers in metric studies.
