Does microfinance reduce poverty in Lao PDR?

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inpaeng Sayvaya ◽  
Phouphet Kyophilavong
Keyword(s):  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Lao Pdr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
Poverty Reduction Strategy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Village

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine whether the village development fund (VDF) program reduces poverty in terms of income and expenditure. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use cross-sectional data that are collected from 361 households in 15 villages in the rural district of Sukhuma of Champasak province in 2012 and use regression for analysis. Findings – The estimate of the empirical model that is used for the econometric analysis is based on the model constructed by Coleman (1999). This study finds that VDF program has a positive impact on household income and expenditure but that the impact is statistically insignificant. Research limitations/implications – The authors conclude that the VDF program has a minimal impact on poverty reduction in the study area. Practical implications – Policy-maker should be aware that promotion of the VDF program might not reduce poverty in terms of income and expenditure. Social implications – This finding might have significant impacts on poverty reduction strategy of Lao PDR. Originality/value – It is the first study to investigate the impact of the VDF program on poverty in Lao PDR.

Impact of social media usage on performance of construction businesses (CBs) in Abuja, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luqman Oyekunle Oyewobi ◽  
Olufemi Seth Olorunyomi ◽  
Richard Ajayi Jimoh ◽  
James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Interest ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Many construction businesses are currently building and keeping social media pages for their enterprises to be visible to the public to improve their social interaction, promote business interest, build trust and relationships with their targeted audience on social media. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of social mediausage on performance of construction businesses (CBs) in Abuja, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative research approach by identifying constructs that reveal three aspects of organisation’s physiognomies that impact the process of espousing, implementing and using technological innovations in conducting businesses. Well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 113 purposively sampled building materials’ merchant operating in Dei-Dei Market, Abuja, Nigeria. This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling technique to establish the relationship among the constructs. Findings The results of this study indicated that technology has significant relationship with social media adoption, whereas social media adoption has a very strong positive impact on organisation’s performance (P < 0.001) with respect to improved customer relations and services and enhanced information accessibility. Research limitations/implications This study has implications for CBs that wish to adopt social media to promote their businesses by presenting to them the opportunity to understand the impact of technology, environment and organisational potential in improving business performance. This study is cross-sectional in nature, and this calls for caution in interpreting the results. Originality/value This paper developed and tested a conceptual framework presented to understand the interrelationships amongst the constructs, which would be of great significance to business owners in developing their social interaction and promote business interest via social media. The outcome of this research is beneficial to researchers to further study how the different social media tools could help in influencing business decisions.

Interest rate liberalization and economic growth nexus: does corruption matter?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulhadi Aliyara Haruna ◽  
Abu Sufian Abu Bakar
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Interest Rate ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Reform Process ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interest Rate Liberalization ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of interest rate liberalization on economic growth and the relevance of corruption in the five selected sub-Saharan African countries. Design/methodology/approach The study used the modified version of Driscoll and Kraay’s model by Hoechle, which solved the effects of cross-sectional dependence and heteroscedasticity. Findings The findings reveal a positive impact of the index on economic growth, and it was found that foreign direct investment (FDI) and credit to private sector by banks (CPSB) all stimulate economic growth. The interaction terms of corruption with FDI and CPSB indicate negative effects that show how corruption erodes the benefits of liberalization. Finally, the paper recommends the pursuit of appropriate policies with the sole aim of eradicating corruption and providing a conducive environment for business. Originality/value The paper developed a composite domestic financial liberalization index to capture the timing and essential dimensions of the reform process. The study investigates the effect of interest rate liberalization on economic growth and the relevance of corruption. Most of the recent and past studies only examined the impact of interest rate reforms on growth without investigating the relevance of corruption.

What are the best HRM practices for retaining experts? A longitudinal study in the Canadian information technology sector

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Renaud ◽  
Lucie Morin ◽  
Jean-Yves Saulquin ◽  
Jocelyne Abraham
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Longitudinal Data ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hrm Practices ◽  
Expert Status ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to answer the following two questions: What are the HRM practices that have a significant impact on employees’ functional retention?, and Does the impact of these HRM practices on functional retention differ based on the employee’s status as an expert or a non-expert? Our theoretical foundation rests on human capital theory and social exchange theory. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses longitudinal data that come from multiple surveys conducted on new employees within a Canadian subsidiary of an international information technology (IT) firm. Findings – Results show that four out of five HRM practices under study have a significant and positive impact on functional retention of employees regardless of their expert status: satisfaction with a respectful and stimulating work environment, satisfaction with training and development, satisfaction with innovative benefits and satisfaction with incentive compensation significantly increase functional retention of employees. Functional retention was found to be higher for experts than for their non-expert counterparts. Last, results show that expert/non-expert status play a moderating role between HRM practices and functional retention. Originality/value – In short, this study offers five main contributions to the literature: first, it focuses on retention rather than turnover; second, it goes further by examining functional retention as the dependant variable; third, it distinguishes between two categories of employees: experts and non-experts; fourth, it extends the limited literature on IT workers, HRM practices and retention; and fifth, it is based on longitudinal data whereas the overwhelming majority of published studies have been based on cross-sectional data.

Significance of developing spirituality among management students: discerning the impact on psychological resources and wellbeing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
P.M. Nimmi ◽  
Alka K. Binoy ◽  
George Joseph ◽  
R. Suma
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Psychological Resources ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Employability ◽  
Management Students ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Spirituality Development

PurposeThe unending ambivalence in the academic environment and the job market is detrimental to management graduates' wellbeing. The study looks into the possible intervening methods to enhance the wellbeing of students during difficult times. The study proposes spirituality development as means through which psychological resources like perceived employability and psychological capital are developed in an individual. This study also tries to identify how spirituality development leads to life wellbeing among management students.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional study was conducted among 212 management students from Kerala, India. Multi-stage random sampling was used to collect data. Structural equation modelling using IBM-AMOS was done to gain insights into the proposed relationships.FindingsThe results indicated that spirituality had a significant impact on the wellbeing of management students. Both perceived employability and psychological capital mediated the relationship between spirituality and life wellbeing.Research limitations/implicationsThe positive impact of developing spirituality among students is discussed in the paper with the theoretical underpinning of broaden and build theory. The findings suggest that colleges should try to make their campus climate more supportive of students' non-academic needs and open them to a spiritual environment especially during these challenging times.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first attempts to discern how spirituality development leads to an accumulation of psychological resources and life wellbeing among management graduates'.

Relative efficiency, industry concentration and average stock returns

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giao X. Nguyen ◽  
Wikrom Prombutr ◽  
Chanwit Phengpis ◽  
Peggy E. Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Stock Returns ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Industry Concentration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Firm Efficiency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Profit Margins ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Previous research has found that industry concentration and firm efficiency affect stock returns. However, it is not clear if concentration is a byproduct of efficiency and hence its effect on stock returns is driven by efficiency. This paper aims to examine the relationships between industry concentration, firm efficiency and average stock returns. Mainly, it aims to answer if the effects of industry concentration and firm efficiency on stock returns are independent and significant. Design/methodology/approach The stochastic frontier approach is used to estimate firm efficiency. The Herfindahl index is used to measure industry concentration. Regression and vector autoregressive analyses are performed to examine cross-sectional and lagged relationships between concentration, efficiency, profitability and stock returns. The characteristics-based benchmark approach is also used to investigate performance of test portfolios. Findings Industry concentration and firm efficiency have independent and significant effects on average stock returns through profit margins and market shares, which are related to firms’ profitability. Industry concentration has a greater positive impact on market shares than on profit margins, whereas firm efficiency has a greater positive impact on profit margins than on market shares. In sum, highly efficient firms in highly concentrated markets have lower distress risks and hence provide lower average stock returns. Originality/value The paper shows the linkages between industry concentration, firm efficiency, profitability and stock returns that have not been documented together in prior studies. Businesses can better understand the impact of concentration and efficiency on market shares and profit margins. Researchers may consider incorporating concentration and efficiency, both of which are meaningful microeconomic variables, into an asset pricing model. Investors can enhance their returns by having a zero-cost portfolio with long and short positions in stocks of firms with different levels of concentration and efficiency.

Handling conflict at work – the impact of active and agreeable conflict styles

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Shin-yih Chen ◽  
Yu-hsiang Hou ◽  
I-heng Wu
Keyword(s):  
Job Performance ◽  
Conflict Management ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conflict Style ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Training

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the relationships between emotional intelligence (EI), conflict management styles and job performance in a Chinese cultural context. Design/methodology/approach – The present paper uses a cross-sectional research design. Paper-based questionnaires were distributed to employees working in the R & D department of a science and technology institute in Taiwan. In total, 300 questionnaires were distributed and 248 valid questionnaires were analyzed, with a return rate of 81.4 per cent. Findings – The results show that EI has a positive impact on job performance. Furthermore, agreeable conflict style positively moderated between EI and job performance, whereas active conflict style has negative moderating effect. Research limitations/implications – Due to the research design, sample and data collection method, the research results may lack representativeness. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to use a different approach in the future. Practical implications – Organizations should strengthen employees’ EI and conflict management abilities to improve job performance. Organizations can apply the results of this study in accordance with their policy on recruitment, selection and training. Originality/value – Organizations should strengthen employees’ EI and conflict management abilities to improve job performance. Organizations can apply the results of this study in accordance with their policies on recruitment, selection and training.

Do loyalty programs really matter for hotel operational and financial performance?

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 2195-2213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Hua ◽  
Wei Wei ◽  
Agnes L. DeFranco ◽  
Dan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Loyalty Programs ◽  
Loyalty Program ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study aims to use a sample of 2,120 individual hotel properties between 2011 and 2013 to evaluate the impact of loyalty programs on hotel operational and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study provides empirical support for the impact of loyalty program based on both cross-sectional and panel data analyses and uses the instrumental variable technique to avoid potential heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation and simultaneity issues.FindingsFindings of this study show that loyalty program expenses have a significant and positive impact on all three operational performance indicators of RevPAR, ADR and Occupancy and the financial performance indicator of gross operating profit.Research limitations/implicationsThis study suggests that the benefits of loyalty programs should be understood against the backdrop of a reasonable set of controlled variables such as e-commerce, franchise, advertising, other marketing expenses, hotel size and hotel chain scales.Originality/valueGiven the conflicting viewpoints about the positive and negative impacts of loyalty programs, and that the literature is scant on empirical validation of the impact of loyalty programs on the overall operational and financial performance of hotel properties, this study is an early attempt to empirically test the impact of loyalty programs on a number of hotel operational and financial performance indicators by using an extensive list of individual hotel properties between 2011 and 2013.

scholarly journals The impact of boardroom internationalisation on online disclosures of S&P 500

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esam Shehadeh ◽  
Doaa Aly ◽  
Ibrahim Yousef
Keyword(s):  
Firm Value ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
The Body ◽  
Board Members ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyse the level of online disclosure of firms in the USA and to evaluate the impact of diversity in terms of director nationality (boardroom internationalisation) on online disclosure. Design/methodology/approach The authors apply, for the first time, a new modified scoring system to measure online disclosure levels by securing more detailed information on each of the items in the voluntary disclosure index. Regarding the percentage of foreign board members, unlike in previous research, the authors calculate two additional proxies to more accurately specify the level of international diversity on the board: the Blau Index and the Shannon Index. Moreover, the authors use a cross-sectional model for the sampled non-financial S&P500 firms using both ordinary least squares (OLS) and heteroskedasticity-corrected estimates to analyse the impact of boardroom internationalisation on the level of online disclosure. Findings The findings reveal that the average online disclosure level for the sample in question is 64% for the 0–1 index and 57% for the 0–4 index. In addition, the results of the regression analysis confirm the study’s proposed hypothesis, which is that the presence of international board members correlates with an improvement in the level of online disclosure. This can be attributed to the fact that foreign directors bring unique skills and knowledge from their home countries and thus, increase board discussion, creativity and innovation, which has a positive impact on the level of online disclosure. Research limitations/implications Financial firms are subject to capital requirement regulations; consequently, disclosure practices can be influenced. Therefore, these firms were excluded from the sample of the study. Originality/value This research contributes to the body of literature on nationality diversity of firm boards and corporate online disclosure in several respects. Firstly, the study adds an international dimension to the existing literature. Secondly, this study provides new evidence that foreign diversity on the board can improve firm value, insofar as the corresponding enhancement of online disclosure leading to positive capital market implications. Thirdly, the authors use, for the first time, a new scoring system approach to measure the level of online disclosure. Finally, it contributes to the corporate governance literature by basing its analysis on a multi-theoretical approach.

Professionals’ perceptions of the impact of a family justice center: a four-year, cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-238
Author(s):  
Christine Murray ◽  
Alexandra Lay ◽  
Brittany Wyche ◽  
Catherine Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives held by professionals affiliated with an FJC through a cross-sectional survey. The family justice center (FJC) model is expanding rapidly in the USA and internationally. Despite the rapid growth of the FJC movement, there is a need for more research to document the impact of FJCs on victims and survivors, professionals working in FJCs and the broader community. Design/methodology/approach The current paper focuses on perspectives of professionals who serve victims of family and interpersonal violence and it includes the results of a four-year, cross-sectional survey of professionals working in a community that established an FJC. Data analyzes examined differences in perspectives of professionals based on timing (i.e. from before an FJC was established to the time when the center was in operation for three years) and based on whether professionals worked primarily onsite at the FJC location. Findings The findings demonstrated that although some statistically significant differences were identified that suggest a positive impact of an FJC for professionals, more research is needed to further explore how professionals’ perspectives and experiences are impacted through the establishment of an FJC. Originality/value This study is the first-known cross-sectional examination of the perspectives of professionals working within an FJC model over a multi-year period.

Classroom interdisciplinary diversity and entrepreneurial intentions

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 832-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Padilla-Angulo ◽  
René Díaz-Pichardo ◽  
Patricia Sánchez-Medina ◽  
Lovanirina Ramboarison-Lalao
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of classroom interdisciplinary diversity, a type of classroom diversity that has been under-examined by previous literature, on the formation of university students’ entrepreneurial intentions (EI). Design/methodology/approach Based on Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour and the interactionist model of creative behaviour by Woodman et al. (1993), this paper provides empirical evidence demonstrating that classroom interdisciplinary diversity is important in the formation of university students’ EI at early educational stages using a cross-sectional study design and survey data on first-year business school students and partial least squares analysis. Findings Classroom interdisciplinary diversity is important in the formation of university students’ EI through its positive impact on entrepreneurial perceived behavioural control (PBC) (self-efficacy), a key antecedent of EI. Practical implications The results have important implications for educational practice as well as for both public and private organisations willing to promote entrepreneurial activity, in particular, the positive effects of combining people with different profiles and career fields of interest on entrepreneurial PBC (self-efficacy). Originality/value This study contributes to the scant literature on early university experiences in entrepreneurship education and their influence on EI. It studies the impact of an under-examined dimension of diversity (classroom interdisciplinary diversity) on the formation of students’ EI.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document