Tackling bribery and corruption in the Middle East: perspectives from the front line

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 843-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Goldstraw-White ◽  
Martin Gill
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past

Purpose The aim of this paper is to see how senior managers in Middle East, an area frequently associated with high levels of bribery and corruption, tackle these in their organisations. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was employed, using interviews with 66 employees responsible for bribery and corruption management in their organisations. The research instrument used included both open and closed questions which allowed participants to expand on their answers. Qualitative data and some descriptive statistics are used to analyse and summarise interview findings. Findings Over the past few decades, governments have tried to control bribery and corruption via legislation. However, this is a contested area and many argue that legislation is an inappropriate mechanism. This paper assesses the implications in one geographical area, the Middle East. As well as exploring current approaches for tackling corruption, it discusses how culture and tradition affect organisational practices. We show that whereas the majority of organisations have been committed to stamping out bribery and corruption, some have been willing to tolerate such illegal behaviours. Originality/value This paper informs academics, policy-makers and those responsible for managing bribery and corruption about the challenges faced by those in the Middle East.

Financial contagion: review of empirical literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Seth ◽  
Laxmidhar Panda
Keyword(s):  
Asset Allocation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Financial Contagion ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Accurate Picture

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to obtain a comprehensive structure of past empirical studies on financial contagion which can provide the present growth and future scope of research work on the field of contagion analysis. Design/methodology/approach Present study identifies 151 empirical studies on financial contagion and summarises all the studies on the basis of tools and methodology used, year of the studies, origin of the studies, sample period and sample countries taken, studies undertaken on the basis of different crisis period and markets considered and finally sources of the studies. Findings The results of the analysis show that the empirical studies on contagion increased continuously over the past five years. Higher order test of contagion with more number of sample countries may provide more accurate picture on financial contagion. Originality/value This paper collects, classifies and summarises past empirical studies on financial contagion and provides valuable conclusion on present growth and future scope of studies on financial contagion. The information given in this paper can be helpful for future researchers and academicians on this particular field; the summary of the conclusion (from past reviews) may be helpful for the policy makers for asset allocation and risk management.

A viewpoint from the trenches

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Sergius Koku
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Future ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to present the author’s viewpoint on the developments in the Journal of Services Marketing (JSM) during the past 25 years of his association with the Journal. The paper documents the evolution in the Journal, highlights significant changes and makes some prognostications for the future. Design/methodology/approach The paper relies on the first-hand account of the author, which is supplemented by limited qualitative data analysis that consists of analyzing keywords and the abstract of articles published in JSM during the past 25 years. Findings The first-hand account shows that JSM has undergone changes that reflect changes that have taken place in the field of marketing. The issues/topics of manuscripts submitted and published in the Journal have become interdisciplinary and so are the analytical techniques. This expanding scope of the Journal positions it well for the future in which collaborative research will be more pervasive in the academy. Research limitations/implications This is a first-hand account with limited data analysis and therefore could suffer from the writer’s biases even though they might be unintended. Practical implications This paper documents the expanding scope of the Journal that may have been the result of explicit steps taken to make the Journal more successful in the future. Originality/value As a first-hand account, this study is original.

scholarly journals Corporate governance reforms and shareholders’ confidence in emerging markets

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haseeb-Ur- Rahman ◽  
Mohd. Yussoff Ibrahim ◽  
Ayoib Che Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Market Price ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regression Estimators ◽  
Corporate Governance Reforms ◽  
Governance Reforms

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relation of corporate governance (CG) attributes, such as separate leadership (SL) structure, independent chair (IC) of the board, and the proportion of independent directors on the board (Bind) recommended by the new Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (2012), with firms’ market performance measured by share market price. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a randomly selected sample of 150 non-financial Malaysian listed companies. To find the distinct impact of the code, the paper explicitly divides the sample into two-year pre-context (2010-2011) and two-year post-context (2013-2014) of the code. Besides descriptive statistics, the study also employs correlation and multiple regression estimators. Findings By comparing the pre-context and post-context of the code, the study found that SL and Bind have a significant positive relation while IC of the board has a significant negative relation with share market price after enactment of the code. Research limitations/implications The paper has a limitation of using only two years of data due to its non-availability particularly after enactment of the code. The findings show that the new code slightly improved compliance to the CG attributes investigated. Based on findings, the study also recommends further improvement in compliance to CG codes and other voluntary regulations in Malaysia. Originality/value Besides contributing to the limited and incongruent literature in pre-context and post-context of CG regulations, the paper also provides important insights for regulators and policy makers of the emerging markets like Malaysia.

Meeting the demand for statisticians in UAE: challenges and experiences

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-52
Author(s):  
Rafiq Hamed Hijazi
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
And Training ◽  
Training Institute

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the supply of and perceived demand for statisticians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the past decade. Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory study is conducted to examine the institutional and individual supply of statisticians in the UAE in relation to the perceived demand for such services. Supply data for the study was derived from UAE University, the Statistical Training Center and the Statistical Training Institute on statistics graduates and trainees. Findings – It was found that the supply of statisticians and trainees from UAE universities and training bodies is falling short of meeting the actual needs of statisticians in UAE. As the demand continues for such services, concerted efforts are needed to identify and implement workable approaches to reduce the gap between supply and demand. This includes stronger collaboration between government agencies and academic institutions to create a genuine partnership utilizing the experience of developed countries in this field. Originality/value – This study is the first of its kind in the UAE aimed at exploring the arising need for statistical services in the UAE. Recommendations from the study are intended to guide educational policy makers in addressing identified shortages of skilled Emirati statisticians as main contributors in supporting the knowledge-driven economy vision of UAE government.

scholarly journals Intra-crisis learning and prospective policy transfer in the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 877-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Powell ◽  
Sophie King–Hill
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Transfer ◽  
Policy Learning ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Performance ◽  
Policy Success ◽  
The Past ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Lesson Drawing

PurposeThis article brings together the literatures on policy learning and lesson drawing with the intra-crisis learning literature in order to assess “learning lessons” in the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachIt carries out a structured review of articles that seek to provide lessons for the pandemic. It examines these articles using interpretative content analysis to apply the criteria of prospective policy transfer to the material.FindingsApplication of the criteria of prospective policy transfer suggests that lesson drawing was fairly limited. It is often not fully clear why nations were selected. Many articles were brief and provided limited detail, meaning that there was little depth on issues such as problems and goals and on policy performance or policy success or failure. There was limited discussion of transferability of lessons, and few clear lessons could be drawn. Finally, the extent to which it was possible to learn lessons in a “non-routine” or “less routine” crisis, under conditions of threat, uncertainty and urgency was generally not discussed.Practical implicationsThe criteria within the framework of prospective policy transfer provide a template for policy makers to assess lessons.Originality/valueThis article indicates the problems of attempting to draw lessons from the past or from other nations to an unprecedented crisis, where decision-making is characterized by elements of threat, urgency and uncertainty.

Why well-being in the workplace matters

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beate O’Neil
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Employee Benefits ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ageing Workforce ◽  
The Past

Purpose Over the past few years, there has been a groundswell of interest in corporate employee well-being programmes. The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons why companies should invest in well-being programmes and advise on how to implement one. Design/methodology/approach This study refers to in-depth research carried out by Punter Southall Health and Protection and Reward and Employee Benefits Association (REBA) and also includes a case study. Findings This study finds that poor health has an impact on work productivity, and that with the general population’s health in decline and an increasingly ageing workforce, it is essential for companies to have a defined well-being strategy. Originality/value This study provides HR departments and senior managers with sound examples and advice on how to ensure that their employee well-being programmes are implemented and run successfully.

scholarly journals Testing the productivity bias hypothesis in Middle East countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 922-931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferda Halicioglu ◽  
Natalya Ketenci
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Distributed Lag ◽  
Autoregressive Distributed Lag ◽  
Middle East Countries ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the validity of the productivity bias hypothesis (PBH) in 18 Middle East countries. Design/methodology/approach The paper employs autoregressive-distributed lag approach to cointegration approach and stability tests. Findings The empirical results suggest the existence of the PBH only in the case of Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Practical implications Conclusions drawn from this research could be useful for the policy-makers of governments and practitioners in international trade organizations. Originality/value This study extends the existing literature by providing initial empirical time series evidence of the PBH for the entire Middle East countries.

scholarly journals Examining the opportunities and challenges of the Kra Canal: a PESTELE/SWOT analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Po-Hsing Tseng ◽  
Nick Pilcher
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
The Political ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Economic ◽  
First Time ◽  
Analytical Frameworks

PurposeMuch literature considers future impacts of the Kra Canal on shipping times and on individual countries. In this paper, the authors consider the maritime business potential of the Kra Canal for companies, ports and countries.Design/methodology/approachBased on a combination of a review of the extant literature, quantitative data from relevant calculations and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with experts (n = 20) from four countries in the region, this paper contextualises the business potential of the Kra Canal through a PESTELE (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal and ethical) analysis before outlining a more targeted SWOT (strengths weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to consider the potential for maritime business.FindingsThe PESTELE analysis reveals that there are a number of challenges related to the construction and possibility of the Kra Canal being built such as its impact on the political balance within the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. The SWOT analysis shows that the potential of the Kra Canal for maritime business is significant, and that the strengths and opportunities of increased route possibilities and reduced sailing times outweigh any weaknesses and threats.Originality/valueMost studies into the Kra Canal focus on highly specific research targets or provide a particular perspective (e.g. historical). This paper, by drawing on two commonly used analytical frameworks, considers the canal for the first time from a wider context perspective as well as a specifically business one. Recommendations are made for policy makers and maritime businesses on the basis of the results.

scholarly journals Researching business interaction: introducing a conceptual framework and methodology

IMP Journal ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 464-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morten H. Abrahamsen
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Paper Briefly ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework and a methodology for researching business interaction. Design/methodology/approach The paper briefly presents what business interaction is from an international marketing and purchasing perspective. It then discusses some epistemological and methodological challenges that this understanding implies, particularly concerning the time (when) and space (where) dimensions of interaction, the unit of analysis when researching interaction (who interacts), how the actors explain or make sense of interaction (why they interact), and the way in which (how) they interact. The paper subsequently introduces a conceptual framework that enables analysing interaction on the principal dimensions of time (the past, present, and the future) and space (actor, dyadic, and network level), and the ascription or explanation of these dimensions by the actors involved. Findings This framework is then applied to interview data from an empirical case study that demonstrates its methodological as well as practical application as a research technique. The paper ends with a discussion on how this framework can enhance the understanding of business interaction as researchers. Originality/value The data collection and analysis technique represents a novel way to collect, systematise, and analyse qualitative data that will hopefully add to the understanding of business interaction.

Academics’ preferences for office spaces

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnt O. Hopland ◽  
Sturla Kvamsdal
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Office Space ◽  
Position Type

Purpose This paper aims to investigate preferences for office spaces among academic staff at a university. The authors consider differences across age groups, seniority, position type and current office situation. Design/methodology/approach This paper is an empirical investigation of survey data using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. The sample consists of 485 academic employees at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Findings Staff in individual offices are substantially more satisfied with their office space than those who share office space. Moreover, those in large offices are more satisfied than those in smaller. Large offices are occupied by staff with high seniority, and staff with large offices tend to host meetings more frequently than their colleagues. However, it is not clear whether differences in office spacing reflect real needs or mostly status. Originality/value Understanding which office spaces that stimulate the best research and higher education is of great importance when policy makers plan resource allocation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document