Showing papers in "International Journal of Social Economics in 2022"

An analysis of the effect of fall armyworm on the food security status of maize-producing households in Ghana

Abstract: PurposeThe paper aims to examine fall armyworm's (FAW) effect on Ghana's farming households' income and food security status.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 225 farmers, including FAW-infested households and non-FAW-infested households, were interviewed. Gross margin (GM) analysis was used to estimate farmers' farm revenues, and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scores (HFIAS) was employed to measure the food security status of the households. The seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) was adopted to investigate the effect of FAW infestation on gross income and food security.FindingsFrom the study, FAW attack is predominant during the vegetative stage of the maize plant. The empirical results revealed that FAW-infested farms incur loss, whereas non-FAW-infested farmers gained profit. Also, FAW-infested households were mildly food insecure, while non-FAW-infested households were food secured. The results of SUR analysis reveal that FAW infestation decreased farmers' income from maize production and rendered them food insecure.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of this study is that it largely depended on a survey; however, future studies can combine both survey and experimental data from the farmers' fields during minor and major growing seasons of maize.Originality/valueGiven the negative consequences of FAW, studies have been conducted across Africa and globally. However, most of these studies concentrated on using geographic information system (GIS) and descriptive statistics without necessarily quantifying the effect of FAW on food security and the profit margins of farming households. Therefore, this study adds to the little literature on the effect of FAW on food security and GM from maize production, which has received less attention in Ghana to the authors' best knowledge.

Impact of E-commerce adoption on business performance of SMEs in Sri Lanka; moderating role of artificial intelligence

Abstract: PurposeWith the rapid development of technology in the 21st century, an ever-growing number of organisations are adopting digitalised technologies. The global economy connected with digitalisation is moving towards sustainable development. Individual firms adopt innovative technological strategies to consolidate their position in the competitive market. The study aimed to examine the management perception of the impact of E-commerce adoption (EC) on business performance (BP) – the moderating role of using artificial intelligence (AI).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study using the deductive approach and the data collected from senior managers of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka, and 389 samples were collected using a simple random sampling method. EC, BP and AI were named as the independent, dependent and moderating variables in the model. Porters' generic strategies and resource-based views (RBVs) were applied as the foundation of the study.FindingsThe independent and moderating variables significantly influenced the BP. Managers' age, gender, education level and job position affect their perception.Originality/valueThe global economy is moving towards sustainable development using digitalisation. The firms should blend their strategies with digitalised platforms to survive in the competitive market.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at the following link: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2021-0752

Does the COVID-19 pandemic change food consumption and shopping patterns? Evidence from Indonesian urban households

Abstract: PurposeThis study investigate changes in food consumption and shopping patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected cross-sectional data from 507 households in three Indonesian cities, i.e. Surabaya, Surakarta and Bogor, via an online survey and analysed the data using non-parametric tests: the U-Mann Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test and the ordered probit model.FindingsThe results indicate that, during the pandemic, people 1) avoided eating out in a restaurant or cafeteria to reduce transmission risk and cooked at home instead; 2) stocked food products to minimise store visits; 3) chose a healthier diet including fruits and vegetables; and 4) wasted less food. These new trends could be linked to the socio-demographics, i.e. age, education, marital status and income level.Originality/valueThis research was conducted during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia between July and August 2021, so the findings could inform food-related long-term policymaking and responses to a crisis.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2021-0666.

Role of social sustainability for financial inclusion and stability among Asian countries

Abstract: PurposeAsia is the largest and most densely inhabited region in the world. Despite exhibiting an extremely expeditious economic growth, the majority of the world population categorized as poor resides in Asia, with more than a billion people financially excluded. This study aims to assess how social sustainability (SS) may increase financial inclusion (FI) and maintain financial stability (FS) in Asia.Design/methodology/approachEstablished on the stakeholder theory, the study analyzed the association among SS, FI and FS in Asia, employing a generalized method of moment’s estimation. The mediation of FI was also investigated in the relationship between SS and FS. Moreover, this study has analyzed the alternative proxies for the variables of interest to ensure dynamic results.FindingsThe findings point toward a positive association among SS, FI and FS. Furthermore, FI is observed to be undertaking a partial mediating role between SS and FS.Practical implicationsThis study emphasizes that both SS and FI have individual parts in the amelioration of FS in Asia, whereas previous studies implied that FI is a mere tool for stimulating SS. Hence, Asian policymakers must keep these outcomes in mind due to their simultaneous contribution to FS.Originality/valueThe relationship between SS, FI and FS has received little attention in the literature. No previous study has deduced that increasing SS may instigate an increase in FI and FS. Additionally, quite contrary to previous studies that relied on narrow indicators, this study develops a broad measurement of SS by considering a wide range of crucial indicators for a sustainable society.

Potential demand for Islamic banking: examining the Islamic consumer behavior as driving factor

Abstract: PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of Islamic consumer behavior on the potential demand for Islamic banking by using the Islamic religiosity approach. By classifying the potential demand into the high, middle and low categories, this study attempts to examine whether the level of potential demand is influenced by aspects of social, cultural, psychological and personal considerations.Design/methodology/approachThis research was a quantitative study based on a survey on 18 regions in West Sumatera, Indonesia in 2019. Data were collected from 1818 respondents and analyzed by using multinomial logistic regression.FindingsThe findings reveal that the increasing factor of social and personal causes the tendency of the community to be in the high potential group as an Islamic bank customer by 1,661 times and 1,592 times as compared to in the low potential group. Psychological aspects also increase the probability of the community being in the medium demand potential as an Islamic bank customer.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study has attempted to elaborate on the consumers’ behavior variable with an Islamic religiosity perspective, theoretically this concept is not yet well established and still requires many applications in future research. Future studies are expected to enrich this analysis by examining more cases with communities that have different socio-demographic characteristics. This study also limits the exogenous variables used as predictors.Practical implicationsThis study aims to assist managers of Islamic banks to formulate strategies for developing Islamic banks based on Islamic consumer behavior because the facts showed that understanding of Islamic law and religious education in the family, Islamic lifestyle and also religious beliefs affected the potential demand for Islamic banks.Social implicationsFrom a policy perspective, this finding can be a consideration for Islamic banks, that the expansion of the market share of Islamic banks will be more appropriately directed to Muslim groups with indications of high adherence to Islamic values, those with Islamic lifestyles, and the Muslim community groups with Islamic understanding backgrounds and good religious education.Originality/valueThis study measures the impact of Islamic religiosity on the probability of people being in the high, medium or low potential group in adopting Islamic bank services, and these findings are important in the development of Islamic banking in Muslim-majority countries.

Financial literacy and quality of life: a moderated mediation approach of fintech adoption and leisure

Abstract: PurposeThis study explores the relationship between financial literacy and quality of life (QoL). The study further examines the mediating effect of fintech adoption and the moderating effect of leisure on the relationship between financial literacy and QoL.Design/methodology/approachUsing convenience sampling, 345 respondents participated in a cross-sectional survey. To test the moderated mediation hypotheses, the PROCESS macro was used.FindingsThe results reveal the mediating effect of fintech adoption on the relationship between financial literacy and QoL, highlighting the importance of digital literacy in an increasingly digitalized society. Moreover, leisure moderates the mediating relationship. Individuals with high leisure are more likely to perceive the uncertainties and risks associated with new technology optimistically – an observation supported by existing literature on the relationships among leisure, perceived freedom, and internal locus of control.Practical implicationsFinancial literacy must incorporate digital literacy in order to utilize innovative technology for more efficient financial management. Additionally, having a sense of control over life outcomes can lead to well-being.Originality/valuePrevious research on fintech adoption is mostly related to financial inclusion for the unbanked population in underprivileged rural areas. Here, fintech usage by the general public is the focus. The study also reveals the significance of leisure, as those who have high financial literacy are more likely to adopt fintech when they have more freedom in their lives, which leads to higher QoL.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2021-0633.

Building corporate reputation through corporate social responsibility: the mediation role of employer branding

Abstract: PurposeThe paper analyses the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR), employer branding (EB), and corporate reputation (CR). Considering the signaling theory and social commitment of organisations, the paper investigates the role of EB as a mediator.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through structured questionnaires from 684 employees from the Indian information technology (IT) sector. The conceptual model and hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach.FindingsAs a part of employer attractiveness, the social value/social commitment of companies perceived as a result of CSR strengthens the CR. The results also suggest that EB mediates the relation between CSR and CR.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper contributes by integrating the CSR of organisations with their EB process for creating CR. Based on signaling theory, it further demonstrates scholarly value addition by providing a deeper understanding of the mediation effect of EB from a social commitment perspective. Scholars may further consider other stakeholders’ perspectives to test the role of CSR based on ethical/legal/environmental dimensions in building CR.Practical implicationsThe paper would help managers/employers invest in CSR activities, creating strong employer brands to attract various stakeholders. It will also help companies to focus on an attractive value proposition to attract various stakeholders, mainly job seekers.Originality/valueThis study extends the literature on CSR and EB by suggesting a statistically tested model of mediation of EB for creating CR. Furthermore, considering the signaling theory, the paper views CSR, CR, and EB from the employee’s perspective and explores their linkages.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2021-0541.

Carbon emissions, inequalities and economic freedom: an empirical investigation in selected South Asian economies

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze and empirically test the impact of Economic Freedom [(EF) measured by size of the government] and inequality on environmental pollutants in addition to macroeconomic variables like per capita GDP, governance indicators, etc. along with existence of non-linear (Kuznets) postulation between economic growth and per capita emissions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the select Asian nations' data attributes, first qualitatively using correlation data technique, followed by empirical testing using differenced Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM). Using the data of selected Asian countries for the period from 1981 to 2016, the authors have applied a dynamic panel technique.FindingsThe key findings that emerge from the study are as follows: first, there is weak evidence for the existence of the Kuznets curve based on the empirical results; second, the results indicate that increased EF (by lower government size) could enable to contain carbon emissions; third, there is a negative relationship between democracy and environmental quality (corroborating to the existing studies on carbon emissions); and fourth, there is a strong statistical evidence that increasing income inequality pairs with greater emissions in the middle range of Gini.Practical implicationsThe paper conforms to the universally held conviction that government interventions are essentially less productive and the desirability of a reduced size of the government in realizing sustainable green growth with equity.Social implicationsIn an era of liberalization and privatization, it is argued that the role of the government needs to be redefined if not necessarily truncated.Originality/valueThe current paper incorporates Gini (inequality measure) through its intercountry range dummies to study the differential effect of Gini on carbon emissions. Also, in some of the recent studies, distributional issues have surfaced explicitly in the discussion of income–climatic change relationship, but EF largely remains missing. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the same empirically.

Does deterrence-based enforcement matter in alms tax (Zakat) compliance?

Abstract: Purpose Government seeks to realize its economic objectives and eventually its social objectives as well through taxation. In a Muslim-majority economy, besides many types of taxation imposed, some government also legally enforced an alms tax (Zakat) via specific authority. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of enforcement in Zakat compliance and how it can enhance the effect of social motivations, namely perceived institutional credibility and social pressure, on zakat payers' compliance decisions. Design/methodology/approach This research is underpinned by economic deterrence theory and employed data collected through a cross-sectional approach. A total of 274 Yemeni entrepreneurs responded to the questionnaire and analysed using SmartPLS version 3.2.9. Findings The study finds that social pressure and institutional credibility are significantly related to entrepreneurs' compliance with Zakat. Importantly, enforcement-moderated interactions of social pressure and perceived credibility on Zakat payers' compliance are statistically significant. Practical implications Some signals emerged from the results which could be used by governments throughout the Muslim-majority state to mitigate Zakat evasion amongst entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the study can provide information to Zakat authorities and policymakers on how to restore public trustworthiness and increase Zakat collection from entrepreneurs as well as cautioning such authorities that social pressure may possess an unfavourable attitude towards Zakat laws, influencing Zakat payers to do this action itself. Originality/value This study provides a shred of unique evidence by suggesting a new approach to the Zakat literature and linking the deterrence-based enforcement and social motivation with practice, which contributes to strengthening compliance levels amongst entrepreneurs and ultimately enhancing Zakat funds.

Air pollution trajectories and life expectancy in Nigeria

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between air pollution and life expectancy considering the roles of institutional quality, agricultural output, foreign direct investment (FDI) and other socio-economic variables in Nigeria from 1981Q1 to 2019Q4.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed spliced quarterly data from annual series collected from the World Bank development indicators and Central Bank of Nigeria. The dynamic multivariate models were analysed using the vector error correction mechanism (VECM), variance decomposition and Granger causality techniques.FindingsThe VECM result indicated a statistically significant adverse effect of air pollution on life expectancy. However, institutional quality, gross domestic product per capita, agricultural output, government social expenditure and school enrolment rate ameliorate the adverse health effects of air pollution, while FDI had mixed effects on life expectancy at different significance levels and at varying lag lengths. The Granger causality result revealed a uni-directional causality from air pollution to life expectancy; bidirectional causal chain between agriculture, FDI, government social expenditure and life expectancy, while a uni-directional causal linkage run from life expectancy to income per head and from school enrolment to life expectancy respectively. However, there is no evidence of causation between institutional quality and life expectancy due to weak institutional quality, but foreign direct invest causes carbon emission in a uni-directional manner in line with pollution haven hypothesis.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's modelling is limited by not considering the resource curse variable in the model due to paucity of data. Nigeria is the biggest crude oil exporter in Africa and ranks 13th globally with daily output of about 2.4 m barrels. Thus, the negation of resource curse in air pollution–life expectancy nexus de-emphasises the effectiveness of rich resources on health and environment. Future studies could address this limitation by incorporating resource curse in environmental-health models for Nigeria.Practical implicationsIt is imperative for the country to adopt stringent anti-air pollution strategies that would establish a balance between FDI attraction and agricultural expansion to the benefits of her citizens' longevity. Also, education should be considered as a strategic action to enhance life expectancy through expansion in the provision, accessibility and affordability to improved school enrolment rate. The choice of quarterly time series over annual data helped to establish the current relationship between air pollution and life expectancy using efficient estimators.Originality/valueThe study contributes to literature by disaggregating yearly series into quarterly series, which has implications for the efficiency of the estimates, unlike earlier studies which ignored this fundamental process. The result of this study produced reliable policy direction for improvement in life expectancy in an emerging economy since quarterly estimates are more robust and reliable for forecasting than its yearly counterpart. The outcome of the study extended the original tenets of the Grossman's health stock theory using the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) and pollution haven hypotheses (PHH).

Impact of financial inclusion on economic growth: review of existing literature and directions for future research

Abstract: PurposeThe impact of financial inclusion on economic growth is a topic that is generating widespread interest among researchers and practitioners. In this paper, the authors review the existing literature to highlight the state of research in the literature and identify new opportunities for innovative research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a thematic literature review methodology which involves dividing the review along relevant themes.FindingsThe authors find that significant research on the topic emerged in the post-2016 years. Most of the existing studies are from developing countries and from the Asian and African regions. Existing studies have not utilized relevant theories in explaining the impact of financial inclusion on economic growth. Most studies report a positive impact of financial inclusion on economic growth while very few studies show a negative impact. The most common channel through which financial inclusion affects economic growth is through greater access to financial products and services offered by financial institutions that increases financial intermediation and translates to positive economic growth. The common empirical methodology used in the literature are causality tests, cointegration and regression methods. Multiple proxies of financial inclusion and economic growth were used in the literature which partly explains the conflicting result among existing studies. The review paper concludes by identifying some directions for future research.Originality/valueThis paper presents the first rigorous thematic review of the existing literature on the impact of financial inclusion on economic growth. It highlights the main approach that researchers have taken on this topic and identifies some important research areas for future investigation.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2022-0339.

Impact of financial inclusion on food security: evidence from developing countries

Abstract: Purpose The paper empirically investigates the impact of financial inclusion on food security. Subsequently, it examines the overall effect of various dimensions of financial inclusion on food security of developing countries using the panel data for the time period of 2004–2019. Design/methodology/approach To overcome the problem of endogeneity, the study has used a fixed-effect model, two-stage least-square and system generalized method of moments estimation techniques. Secondary data was collected from various websites such as WDI, FAO, UNICEF and UNESCO. Findings It was found in the study that there is a significant effect of financial inclusion on food security. The evidence shows that if there is more financial inclusion in the country, it will help poor people to cope with difficult situations they face and provide them food security. Financial development, per capita income, agriculture growth and education positively affect food security, while militarization and urbanization have a negative impact on food security. The crux of the analysis is that any country's financial sector is an integral part of any country that supports food security. Originality/value The literature does not clearly show the impact of financial inclusion dimensions on developing countries' food security. Therefore, there is a need to use all the dimensions of financial inclusion to check the overall impact on food security. For this purpose, the financial inclusion index is developed. A new dimension of non-life insurance is introduced that has not been used previously by any researcher to check financial inclusion impact.

Achieving SDG 5, gender equality and empower all women and girls, in developing countries: how aid for trade can help?

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether aggregate and sectoral disbursement of aid for trade (AfT) facilitates achieving gender equality and women empowerment in aid-recipient developing countries for the period 2005–2019.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops static and dynamic panel data and empirical specifications and employs fixed effects and generalised method of moments (GMM) estimation techniques to estimate the impact of aggregate AfT and different categories of AfT on women empowerment. The study uses the Gender Inequality Index (GII) and Global Gender Gap Index (GGI) as the proxy measures of SDG-5, where the higher (lower) value of GII (GGI) implies higher gender disparities and lower women empowerment, and vice versa.FindingsThe study finds that aggregate AfT and aid disbursement for the development of economic infrastructure, productive capability building and trade policy and regulations contribute significantly to achieve women empowerment by reducing gender inequalities concerning the labour force and political participation, education enrolment and better healthcare and by increasing gender gap index in relation to economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival and political empowerment. The impact of aggregate AfT and its different categories is found significant only in low- and lower-middle-income developing countries. The findings also indicate that the impact of AfT is not noticeably different across different regions of the world as well as the religious belief of the developing countries.Practical implicationsThe study recommends that more allocation of gender-responsive AfT, whether aggregated or disaggregated, significantly helps women empowerment and assists developing economies to achieve SDG-5.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few that investigate the impact of aggregate AfT on gender inequality and women empowerment. This is the foremost study that examines the effects of each individual category of AfT on women empowerment vis-à-vis SDG-5.

Cash transfer and multidimensional child poverty: evidence from Ghana

Abstract: Purpose The impact of cash transfers on improving the living conditions of children and reducing early-life deprivations and vulnerabilities are crucial to safeguarding equality of opportunities and achieving sustainable, equitable and inclusive growth within the Sustainable Development Goals. The study aims to examine the change in deprivation rate among children aged 0–17 years between 2010 and 2012, as well as the impact of cash transfer on multidimensional child poverty in Ghana using the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Design/methodology/approach The study used the Ghana Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Impact Evaluation Survey data, which has the baseline data collected in 2010, and the follow-up was collected in 2012. The authors used the difference-in-difference estimation technique to assess the impact of the cash transfer program on the MPI of pre-school (0–5 years) and school-aged (5–17 years) children, and compared the results with that of Propensity Score Matching. Findings The deprivation trend reveals that deprivation among pre-school children increased for nutrition, water and sanitation. The estimated result shows that cash transfer significantly reduces MPI of pre-school and school-aged in beneficiary households by 10.5 and 1.3% relative to non-beneficiary children, respectively. Originality/value For cash transfer programs to efficiently alleviate child poverty in Ghana, the paper recommends that the conditionality aspect of the program that has been neglected by managers of the program should be enforced. Also, the program should be supplemented with food nutrients for children to reduce the deprivation of nutrition.

Examining the interstate variations and interlinkage between water poverty and multidimensional poverty in India: evidence from household-level data

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of the present study is to examine the inter-relationship between the multi-dimensional poverty and water poverty using household level data for Indian states.Design/methodology/approachA modified water poverty index (MWPI) for both rural and urban households was created using the five components approach and various quantifiable proxies. Principal component analysis (PCA) has been used for the construction of MWPI. Multidimensionality of poverty (MPI) is measured using the Alkire and Foster methodology. Further, the study has utilized correlation and Tobit regression analysis to show the relationship between MWPI and MPI.FindingsThe empirical findings suggest that there is a positive and significant relationship between multidimensional poverty and water poverty, with the extent of relationship being greater in rural areas. The results show that in rural areas all the components of water poverty has significant impact on multidimensional poverty, whereas in urban areas except use component all others have significant impact on multidimensional poverty. Further, components of multidimensional poverty were also found to be significantly impacting water poverty.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that policymakers cannot treat both forms of poverty in isolation. If India aims to reduce poverty, then it needs to pay significant attention to improving water conditions.Originality/valueThis is a pioneering attempt to construct water poverty index at the household level while accounting for micro-level differences for Indian economy. It highlights that water poverty leads to multi-dimensional poverty and vice-versa.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2021-0731.

Determinants of financial inclusion across gender in Saudi Arabia: evidence from the World Bank's Global Financial Inclusion survey

Abstract: PurposeThis paper investigates the magnitude of financial inclusion in terms of ownership and usage of financial products across gender in Saudi Arabia based on the World Bank's Global Financial Inclusion (GFI) survey data.Design/methodology/approachThis study derives the data from the GFI survey, covering 1,009 respondents from Saudi Arabia. The data on ownership and usage of financial products along with demographic characteristics of the surveyed respondents have been extracted for the analysis. The data have been analyzed with the help of statistical techniques, such as the chi-square test, and marginal effects for identifying the factors affecting financial inclusion across gender.FindingsThere is a significant association between financial inclusion and gender in terms of ownership and usage. About 82% of males have reported having a bank account with financial institutions, whereas only 60% females have reported ownership of a bank account in Saudi Arabia. The ownership and usage of financial products are comparatively more among males than females. The analysis of the marginal effect of gender shows a significant and positive impact on financial inclusion, implying that males are 10 and 13% more likely to own and use financial products, respectively, as compared to females. Further, marginal effect estimates for ownership and usage for males and females indicate that a set of independent variables related to age, level of education, occupation and income level of the respondents have a significant impact on financial inclusion.Practical implicationsFinancial inclusion across gender is the first step of creating an inclusive society and empowering both males and females equally. Findings indicated an inclination of financial inclusion towards males. The research findings provide key policy insights for achieving the Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia by strengthening gender inclusion in its growth story and ensuring the participation of females at workplaces.Originality/valueMost of the studies have included bank account ownership in a financial institution as an indicator of financial inclusion. The authors have included ownership and usage of a variety of financial products for assessing the determinants of financial inclusion across gender, which provides empirical evidence on the magnitude of financial inclusion.

The impact of national culture on COVID-19 pandemic outcomes

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to uncover the extent to which cultural traits may explain the puzzling international divergence in COVID-19 outcomes, and how those traits interact with state action to produce compliance with pandemic health policy. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical framework illustrates the surprising possibility that culture and state action may not reinforce each other but rather act as substitutes in eliciting anti-pandemic behavior. This possibility is tested empirically in two specifications: a cross-sectional regression that includes several novel COVID-related measures, and a panel model that controls for contemporaneous disease burden. Across these models, we use the measures of national culture developed by Hofstede (1984) and a newer metric developed by Schwartz (1990). Findings Individualism and egalitarianism have a positive effect on disease prevalence, while cultural heterogeneity was associated with a more robust public health response. Consistent with our model, we find that culture and state action served as substitutes in motivating compliance with COVID-19 policy. Practical implications The results of this study imply that culture and state interact in determining the effectiveness of public health measures aimed at combating COVID-19; these results recommend culturally aware state intervention when combating pandemics. Originality/value This study offers several new contributions. First, it proposes a model to help contextualize the empirical analysis. Second, it examines a wider range of traits than previous studies, including cultural homogeneity and the Schwartz variables. Third, it employs a richer econometric specification that explores the interaction between state and culture in a panel context.

Overcoming barriers to financial inclusion: empirical evidence from India

Abstract: PurposeThis paper attempts to measure the state-wise impact of Prime Minister's Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in 30 states and 6 union territories of India for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018; and tries to develop a state-wise plan for geographical expansion of outlets optimizing the overall impact of the scheme.Design/methodology/approachThe state-wise impact factor is calculated using demographic penetration of the scheme in rural areas, demographic penetration of the scheme in urban areas, percentage of accounts with Rupay cards and average balance in these accounts. The impact factor is postulated to be a linear function of literacy, per capita GDP, demographic and geographic penetration of banks and the number of poor people. The weights for the sub-parameters are derived through principal component analysis. A generalized linear model with heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation consistency method for estimation of the equation with robust standard errors is used.FindingsIt is found that the scheme has been more effective in the states with higher levels of illiteracy which is contrary to the findings of existing studies where illiteracy is identified as a barrier to financial inclusion. A state-wise plan for geographical expansion of outlets is proposed with a view to optimizing the overall impact of the scheme, along with suggestions for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe data for ATMs and bank mitras are available for some of the years, for some states and hence missing data were estimated using extrapolation or on an average basis. Furthermore, the panel data are available for three years making the period of panel small. These aspects might have affected the efficacy of our estimates.Originality/valueThe paper evaluates the newly launched ambitious program PMJDY by the Government of India (GoI), it will have far reaching impact on financial inclusion.

Vietnamese living habits, wellbeing and working adaptation in face of COVID-19's strictest lockdown

Abstract: PurposeThis study explores the impacts of COVID-19's strictest lockdown on Vietnamese citizens' living habits, wellbeing and work-from-home effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a survey questionnaire to gather relevant data from Vietnamese adults during the most recent, strictest lockdown in their cities/provinces since July 2021. The study employs ordinal regression and mediation models to examine the effects of the strict lockdown difficulties on the changes in living habits, wellbeing and work effectiveness of Vietnamese respondents.FindingsThe empirical result demonstrates that the strictest lockdown adversely affected the living habits of Vietnamese citizens, thus impacting people's wellbeing. Work-from-home lockdown difficulties led to unexpected health issues that bring produce lower working effectiveness.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate the changes in citizens' living habits, health and working conditions in adherence to Vietnam's strictest COVID-19 lockdown. This is also the first study to examine the impacts of lockdown difficulties on human wellbeing with the mediating effect of changes in living habits, and the influence of work-from-home lockdown difficulties on work effectiveness, with the mediating effect of lower wellbeing based on the literature. Our study suggests solutions to improve Vietnamese people's health and working productivity during and after a strict lockdown.

Farmers' livelihood and adaptive capacity in the face of climate vulnerability

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change on farmers' livelihoods and adaptive capacity while highlighting specific adaptation strategies in the local climate context.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a survey questionnaire and analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Respondents were selected from seven farmer organizations (Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan) located in Kedah, Malaysia.FindingsThe study revealed that farmers perceive the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change. These adverse effects of climate change have an impact on their livelihoods as well as their adaptive capacity. The findings also demonstrated that farmers' livelihoods mediate the relationship between economic and environmental impacts of climate change as well as the adaptive capacity of farmers.Originality/valueClimate change severely affects the agricultural sector as well as farmers' livelihoods. To minimize its effect, scientists and policymakers emphasize the improvement of farmers' adaptive capacity as well as appropriate adaptation methods. However, there is little research on how climate change affects the livelihoods of farmers in the context of Malaysia. Therefore, the results of the study will provide a new perspective for policymakers to formulate a better adaptation policy framework as well as select appropriate adaptation strategies for sustainable agricultural development.

Assessing the role of information and communication technology in reducing the gap between rich and poor: the case of South Asia

Abstract: PurposeThe widening income gap between rich and poor has gained worldwide recognition in recent decades. This income gap between rich and poor is defined as the extent of income unevenly distributed in a host country. This study provides an empirical view of the association between information and communication technology and the widening of the income gap.Design/methodology/approachThe study used panel data from 2005 to 2019. To detect unit root issues, Levin and Lin (LL) and Im, Pesaran and Shin (IPS) tests were first employed. The pooled mean group and mean group estimators were employed to investigate the short and long -term impact of information and communication technology and other control factors on reducing the gap between rich and poor in South Asia.FindingsThe results showed that the Pooled mean group's findings are more efficient and consistent as compared to mean group estimators. The results of the paper showed that the greater penetration of information and communication technologies in the economy negatively and significantly affects income inequality. Moreover, the information and communication technology, foreign remittances and foreign direct investment (FDI) significantly reduce the gap between rich and poor in the long run.Practical implicationsAt last, the findings of the study serve as an excellent roadmap for policymakers seeking to address the issue of growing income inequality in the South Asian regions and worldwide.Originality/valueBased on the findings of this study, South Asia can reduce the gap between rich and poor by investing more in the information and communication technology sector.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2021-0638

Impact of institutional quality and human capital creation on economic growth in Bangladesh: evidence from an ARDL approach

Abstract: PurposeThis study examines the impact of institutional quality (INQ) and human capital creation (HCC) on economic growth (EG) linkage in Bangladesh using an ARDL approach.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses time-series annual data over the period 1990–2019. It formulates an INQ index based on international country risk guide (ICRG) data, employs public education outlay and expenditure on health data each as a portion of real gross domestic product (GDP) to measure HCC, while an increase in real GDP is used as a proxy for EG. It employs the ARDL technique and Toda–Yamamoto (T-Y) causality check to realize the study.FindingsThe ARDL analysis divulges that the variables have a long-run association; INQ affects long-run EG positively; expenditure on health stimulates EG rate in the long run, but does not impact the latter in the short-run; whilst government spending on education impacts long-term EG rate negatively but positively in the short-term. The T-Y causality test results reveal a feedback relationship between INQ and EG, and one-way causation from health expenditure to EG rate, and education outlay to EG rate and authenticate the ARDL estimation results.Originality/valueThe study is original. The novelty of the study is to employ an INQ index using the ICRG data on 12 different components which are converted into a single index through principal component analysis.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2021-0732

Determinants of agricultural households to join farmer producer organisations (FPOs) in Northeast India: evidence from Sikkim

Abstract: PurposeGovernment of India has launched FPOs to organise small and marginal farmers into farmer collectives called FPOs. These FPOs, through economies of scale, aim to provide better collective strength to farmers for better access to production technology, value-addition services, high-quality inputs and marketing services for improving their incomes. Recently, the government has launched a scheme for creation and promotion of 10,000 more FPOs in the country. Despite potential benefits of FPOs and encouragement from the Government, there are many farmers in India, particularly Sikkim, who do not join the FPOs. This study aims to identify the major determinants that motivate farmers to join FPOs.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data for this study was collected during October, 2019–February, 2020 from 560 farm households in all four districts of Sikkim, India. The study used two-sample t-test and FPO participation probit model for determining the factors influencing a household's decision to participate in an FPO.FindingsThe results of this study illustrate that education, farming experience, farming as the primary occupation, size of landholding, access to Internet, distance to the nearest market, medium level of social participation, extension contact, transportation facility and plan to expand the scale of operation in future are the major explanatory variables that have statistically significant impact on the farm households' participation in FPOs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was based on a cross-sectional survey. As a result, the findings may be subjected to some limitations though the study made all possible efforts to minimise the limitations.Originality/valueThis paper is based on or a novel data set, collected specifically to examine the determinants of membership in Sikkim, India that has not been studied before. Moreover, this study has identified the importance of information and awareness initiatives among the farmers as responsible for farmers' participation in FPOs. The findings of this study will have important implications and lessons to draw from for the Central Government's effort towards Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new FPOs, especially in the hilly states of India.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2022-0216.

Early human capital: the driving force to economic growth in island economies

Abstract: PurposeThe paper investigates into the human capital–economic growth nexus by arguing that investment in early education and health helps in achieving higher economic growth. Early investment in human capital matters most for economic growth than the increase in human capital over the years.Design/methodology/approachA dynamic vector error correction model (VECM) together with the impulse response function and variance decomposition are used on data for Mauritius from 1983 to 2019. The paper distinguishes between the short-run and the long-run effects of human capital measured by the pupil–teacher ratio in pre-primary education and life expectancy at birth.FindingsThis study’s findings reveal that investment in early education and health has contributed positively to growth performance. There is evidence for long-run growth effects arising from a positive shock in the education and health indicators.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to both the theoretical and empirical literature on the human capital–growth nexus. Mauritius as a natural resource poor small economy is an important case study as it has started early in investing in its people to promote economic growth.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2021-0674.

Probing the impact of cognitive heuristics on strategic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from an emerging economy

Abstract: PurposeThis study aims to explore and clarify the mechanism by which cognitive heuristics influence strategic decision-making during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in an emerging economy.Design/methodology/approachData collection was conducted through a survey completed by 213 top-level managers from firms located in the twin cities of Pakistan. A convenient, purposively sampling technique and snowball method were used for data collection. To examine the relationship between cognitive heuristics and strategic decision-making, hypotheses were tested by using correlation and regression analysis.FindingsThe article provides further insights into the relationship between cognitive heuristics and strategic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results suggest that cognitive heuristics (under-confidence, self-attribution and disposition effect) have a markedly negative influence on the strategic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic in an emerging economy.Practical implicationsThe article encourages strategic decision-makers to avoid relying on cognitive heuristics or their feelings when making strategic decisions. It provides awareness and understanding of cognitive heuristics in strategic decision-making, which could be very useful for business actors such as managers and entire organizations. The findings of this study will help academicians, researchers and policymakers of emerging countries. Academicians can formulate new behavioural models that can depict the solutions to dealing with an uncertain situation like COVID-19. Policymakers and strategic decision-making teams can develop crisis management strategies based on concepts from behavioral strategy to better deal with similar circumstances in the future, such as COVID-19.Originality/valueThe paper’s novelty is that the authors have explored the mechanism by which cognitive heuristics influence strategic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic in an emerging economy. It adds to the literature in strategic management, explicitly probing the impact of cognitive heuristics on strategic decision-making; this field is in its initial stage, even in developed countries, while little work has been done in emerging countries.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2021-0636.

Corporate social responsibility disclosure and banks' performance: the role of economic performance and institutional quality

Abstract: PurposeThis study aims to examine the moderating role of a country's economic activities and institutional quality (IQ) on the relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) and banks' operational, financial and market performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines 245 banks from emerging markets for 13 years (2008–2020), yielding unbalanced panel of 1899 bank-year observations. The independent variable is CSRD. The dependent variables are return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and Tobin Q. The authors used ordinary least square (OLS), panel fixed-effect and instrumental variables-generalized method of moments (IV-GMM) to estimate the parameters of the models.FindingsThe authors find that the CSRD scores negatively influence banks’ performance. The moderator of CSRD and the level of economic activities have a positive relationship with banks' performance. However, the moderator (CSRD and IQ), while showing positive relationship with banks' performance, has a significant effect only on banks' operational and financial performance.Originality/valueThis study provides new evidence on the ways in which economic performance and IQ (IQ) influence the CSRD practices of banks in emerging markets.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2020-0757.

Do comprehensive labor measures reduce the severity of the pandemic? Evidence from India

Abstract: PurposeAs a developing country, India initiated several labor measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. This study analyzes the impact of the Covid-19-induced comprehensive labor measures by Indian states on the Case Fatality Ratios and Recovery Rates. Such an analysis will provide deeper insights into the importance of labor measures during a health emergency. It will also be a reality check to the existing National Health Policy.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines the four major aspects of labor measures on migration, social security, state-specific needs and health and human rights. The authors use these to formulate a composite labor measure index to comprehend the Covid-19-induced various labor measures. Additionally, the authors apply pooled ordinary least squares and panel random-effects models with the state-wise monthly data to examine the impact of Covid-19-induced labor measures on the severity of the pandemic.FindingsCovid-19-induced comprehensive labor measures reduce fatalities and increase recovery rates. In particular, the measures on labor migration, state-specific needs and health and human rights adopted by the Indian states successfully reduce the Covid-19 fatalities and improve the recovery rates. However, the measures taken to address social security have been ineffective in reducing the severity of the pandemic. The study results are robust to various other specifications.Research limitations/implicationsThe time period covered in this research is very brief and does not account for the qualitative impact of labor measures on the severity of the pandemic. This study specifically addresses the number of Covid-19-induced labor measures and not the resources allocated to their implementations or the number of people who benefited from the measures.Practical implicationsThis study emphasizes the need for subnational comprehensive labor measures to reduce the severity of the pandemic in developing countries. The study confirms the need for effective Covid-19-induced social security measures to cope with the pandemic in India. This study also ascertains the beneficial impact of the measures on migration, state-specific needs and health and human rights.Originality/valueThe authors make a composite labor measure index that captures state-level Covid-19-induced labor measures on diverse aspects, namely migration, social security, state-specific need and health and human rights, hitherto unexplored. In addition, the authors analyze the impact of these labor measures on the severity of the pandemic.

Impact of cooperative entrepreneurship on territorial human development in Morocco – Spatial analysis

Abstract: PurposeThis paper deals with the spatial impact of cooperative entrepreneurship on territorial human development in Morocco. Within the background of the new development model in Morocco, this study aims to explore how the social and solidarity economy (SSE) through the cooperative model can reduce territorial inequalities by promoting economic dynamics in territories with suboptimal human development.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical material is compiled from a database of 75 provinces in Morocco. After establishing a typology of the SSE in these territories, a test of the spatial effect of some indicators, such as the rate of urbanization and female employment, was undertaken. Moreover, a spatial impact study of the cooperatives' entrepreneurship and the local human development index will be carried out among the cooperatives' numbers and the share of their members.FindingsThis study's results indicate a diversity in the participation of the SSE in the regulation of territories. First, there is a heterogeneous relationship in the Moroccan space. Then, the cooperative model in Morocco shows that it plays a central role in readjusting social and spatial inequalities, pointing territories with suboptimal human development.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough our theoretical contribution covers the impact of the three components of the SSE on territorial human development in Morocco. The empirical work of this study is limited to only one component of the SSE which are the cooperatives. The future perspectives of this work are to follow the impact of the three components after the implementation of the new development model in Morocco.Practical implicationsThe main implication of this study is to map out the spatial role of cooperatives in territorial planning in Morocco. Policy makers still need to consolidate the implication of the cooperatives as a tool for promoting spatial equity, through the governance and the convergence between the different support and accompaniment programs for cooperatives in areas of human development deprivation.Originality/valueThe originality of this work comes from the exploration of the spatial dimension for the analysis of the role of the cooperatives for the promotion of a territorial human development. The SSE typologies described in the Moroccan provinces can allow actors to develop a business plan for the implementation of SSE initiatives.

Poverty-alleviation programs in Tunisia: selection processes and targeting performance indicators at the regional level

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the social safety nets in Tunisia using targeting performance indicators which consider the divergence observed between the beneficiary selection process at the regional level and the official identification of poor. Design/methodology/approach In the first part of this research, the author intend to quantify the degree of association between social programs coverage and poverty incidence, with special emphasis on the contribution of the center's targeting of regions and on the efforts of the regions themselves to reach their poor households. Next, the author measure four targeting errors: inclusion and exclusion errors, by eligibility and by poverty. These targeting errors help policymakers to understand how well a program is performing in terms of its specific eligibility criteria and knowing whether a social transfer is reaching poor people at the regional level. Findings The author’s empirical findings show there is a positive targeting differential which rejects the nullity of independence between poverty incidence and coverage of the program in Tunisia. The author then found that the overall targeting differential is accounted for by the intra-region component. After estimating the eligibility thresholds at the regional level, the author found that the targeting performance differs from one region to another, while some recorded gains that others did not. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, no research has addressed the distinction between eligibility and poverty in the measurement of targeting errors. Thus, this paper contains research to fill this gap. It differs from previous studies in two important ways. First, the targeting errors will be estimated on the basis of the official eligibility criteria used at the regional level. Second, we estimate the eligibility thresholds by considering the programs coverage rate variations between regions based on quotas allocated to each governorate by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA).

Financial inclusion – does digital financial literacy matter for women entrepreneurs?

Abstract: PurposeWomen's financial inclusion has become a global research agenda, and past studies provide mixed evidence on the determinants of financial inclusion among women entrepreneurs across the globe. However, the impact of digital financial literacy on women's financial inclusion has seldom been addressed in the past literature.Design/methodology/approachThe authors perform a cross-sectional analysis of 144 countries using the World Bank Global Findex Database.FindingsThis study’s probabilistic regression results indicate that women entrepreneurs with a higher degree of digital financial literacy are more likely to engage in formal banking channels.Practical implicationsThe study findings have practical implications in terms of allowing regulators and banks to draw effective policies to attract women customers. Lack of effective regulatory intervention could lead to women exploring financial crimes, such as money laundering, due to their lack of involvement with the formal banking channel.Originality/valueThe authors explore the impact of digital financial literacy on women's financial inclusion. Such evidence is rare in the existing literature.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2022-0277