Middle East J. of Management (30 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Influence of transformational leadership on employee engagement: a mediated moderation model  
  by Rooha Butt, Ahsan Ali Ashraf, Kaleem Ahmed, Alia Ahmed 
  Abstract: Leadership’s influential role in shaping organisations and inspiring employees is widely acknowledged. This study enriches the literature on work engagement by delving into Pakistan’s context, and investigating how leadership style impacts work engagement. The mediating factors of meaning in work, trust in managers, and the moderating role of person-environment fit are examined. A sample of 302 participants was used, and the analysis employed both SPSS and PLS-SEM. Results reveal statistical support for the positive link between transformational leadership and work engagement. This connection is mediated through trust in managers and meaning in work, with person-environment fit acting as a moderator. While direct correlation wasn’t observed, mediation effects proved significant. Trust in managers emerged as a pivotal mediator, and person-environment fit as a crucial boundary. These findings underscore the importance of ethical leadership behaviour and proper training for supervisors. Effective leadership, especially with a strong person-environment fit, fosters meaningful work and engagement.
  Keywords: transformational leadership; work engagement; trust in manager; meaning in work; person environment fit.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10059982
   
  
• Extended hedonic-motivation system adoption model on intention to use an e-wallet: does gender matter?  
  by Wong Quin Seng, Ong Choon Hee, Tan Owee Kowang 
  Abstract: This study endeavours to identify the significant determinants of behavioural intention to use e-wallets among users applying an extended version of the hedonic-motivation system adoption model. The findings show that perceived usefulness and control has a favourable impact on intentions to use e-wallets; however, curiosity, joy, and immersion are not significantly related. It is discovered that intrinsic motivations are correlated with gadget lover and personal innovativeness. Likewise, perceived usefulness, joy, and control have significant positive relationships with immersion. Moreover, perceived usefulness, joy, and control are significantly predicted by perceived ease of use. Gender is not found to have a moderating relationship between intrinsic motivations and intention to use e-wallets. The study presents novel findings regarding gadget lover and personal innovativeness traits having profound impact on intrinsic motivations. But, the moderating results contradict previous studies citing gender as a prominent moderator in technology acceptance models.
  Keywords: hedonic-motivation system adoption model; gadget lover; personal innovativeness; gender; e-wallets.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10060492
   
  
• Does job insecurity keep employees from the organisation?  
  by Öyküm Karçıka, Serdar Bozkurt, Ayşe Demirhan 
  Abstract: Along with the global economic imbalances, the rising trend of unemployment rates and the deterioration of working conditions cause employees to experience fear regarding potential job loss at any given time. The behavioural consequences of this situation, job insecurity (JI), which can harm organisations, remain essential in todays business world and organisational behaviour literature. In this direction, it is intended to test the role of work-family conflict (WFC) in the relationship between employees perceptions of JI and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) based on social exchange and diffusion theories. Data obtained from 251 participants working in the private sector were analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) program. Because of the research, it was seen that WFC partially mediates the relationship between JI and OCB.
  Keywords: job insecurity; organisational citizenship behaviour; OCB;work-family conflict; WFC; social exchange theory; SET.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10061503
   
  
• The relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance: reflections on the US technology industry  
  by Ayshe Hyusein 
  Abstract: The objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance (CFP) in the leading technology companies listed in Nasdaq, USA. Specifically, the main relationship between CSR and CFP was analysed through accounting and market performance of corporations and the individual impact of environmental, social, and governance categories. The relevant data was obtained from Refinitiv Asset 4 Database and applied OLS regression technique. Annual panel data of 89 technology companies from 2012 to 2022 was analysed. The findings reveal that there was a significant positive relationship between CSR and accounting performance and negative relationship between market performance. When it comes to CSR pillars, environmental pillar did not have significant relationship with accounting performance but there was a positive relationship with governance and negative with social pillar and accounting performance, while market performance had negative relationship with all three pillars. The study findings have implications for defining investment and CSR strategies for corporations in the technology industry, policy makers, governments, and financial regulators. Further implications for corporations are discussed.
  Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; environmental; social and governance; ESG; financial performance; accounting performance; market performance; technology industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2025.10067303
   
  
• Workplace envy and counterproductive behaviour: a mediation model of perceived injustice and social undermining  
  by Merajsadat Malakouti, Mohammad Yarivand 
  Abstract: Workplace envy is a phenomenon that can have a profound impact on employee behaviour and organisational results. Based on social identity and comparison theory, this study aims to explore the impact of workplace envy on employees’ counterproductive behaviour, perceived organisational injustice, and social undermining as mediating variables. The sample of 391 employees working in the telecommunication organisation in Tehran province, which is a public organisation, participated in this study by completing a self-administered questionnaire. The results generally support the hypotheses, indicating a positive relationship between variables. Furthermore, perceived injustice and social undermining were found to mediate the relationship between workplace envy and counterproductive behaviour. Furthermore, this research contributes to the existing body of research on workplace behaviour by offering new insights into the complex nature of envy and its impact on the workplace. We also delve into the practical implications of these findings and provide recommendations for future studies.
  Keywords: workplace envy; social undermining behaviour; perceived injustice; counterproductive behaviour; workplace behaviour.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10063067
   
  
• Can SMEs improve their innovation through a coopetition strategy? Evidence from Iranian IT SMEs  
  by Farzad Ghasemian, Ata Harandi 
  Abstract: Conducted in two vital dimensions, this study investigates the influence of COOPETITION (cooperative competition) on innovation in business processes and products within small and medium-sized knowledge-based enterprises (SMEs). In the initial dimension, the evaluation focuses on the general influence of coopetition on innovation, regardless of shared resources between SMEs; in the second dimension, the research delves more profoundly into the contribution of coopetition to innovation, with a specific emphasis on knowledge management and knowledge resources shared between them. We employed structural equation modelling on a sample of 265 senior managers from 167 knowledge-based SMEs operating in the information technology sector in Tehran. The analysis revealed that coopetition alone, regardless of resource sharing, does not lead to increased innovation in such companies. Conversely, the results indicated that coopetition, when channelled through the sharing of knowledge resources, can elevate innovation levels in this type of company. Furthermore, the findings highlighted that a higher level of social capital among partners in this type of relationship positively influences coopetition.
  Keywords: coopetition; innovation; SME; social capital; knowledge transfer; B2B partnership; strategic alliance.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10063401
   
  
• A study of adult learners learning approaches and lifelong learning in universities in Malaysia and Taiwan  
  by Lim Lee Ping, Ong Choon Hee, Wu Chi-Hua 
  Abstract: This study endeavours to examine adult learners’ lifelong learning in Malaysia and Taiwan and provides avenues to promote lifelong learning by identifying their learning approaches and information literacy self-efficacy. Survey questionnaires were collected from 196 participants from Malaysia and Taiwan universities and analysed using hierarchical multiple regression. The study results showed there is a significant difference in the level of adult learners’ lifelong learning and their learning approaches. In addition, the study results showed that the deep learning approach and career motive learning approach were positively associated with adult learners’ lifelong learning. However, the surface learning approach was not related to adult learners’ lifelong learning. Information literacy self-efficacy was found to be a quasi-moderator in the research model. The governments of both countries could use the findings of this study to establish roadmaps and blueprints on the enculturation of lifelong learning for Malaysia and Taiwan.
  Keywords: lifelong learning; LL; deep learning; career motive learning; surface learning; information literacy self-efficacy; adult learners; Taiwan; Malaysia.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10063402
   
  
• An examination of the entrepreneurial intention of business students in Portugal and Turkiye: a cross-cultural comparison  
  by Büşra Tuncer, Faruk Şahin 
  Abstract: The objective of this article is to assess the entrepreneurial intentions of business students in two diverse economic and cultural contexts: Portugal and Turkiye. Specifically, drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1991), this study aims to investigate whether attitude toward behaviour (ATB), subjective norms (SN), and perceived behavioural control (PBC) predict entrepreneurial intention (EI) in two different economic and cultural contexts. A total of 321 students from one Portuguese and one Turkish university participated in this study by responding to a structured questionnaire in classrooms. Data were analysed by using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results show that ATB and PBC were directly associated with students’ entrepreneurial tendencies, while SN was not. Overall, the analyses provide support for the need to incorporate the antecedents of EI (i.e., ATB, SN and PBC) into the existing theory of planned behaviour in cross-cultural EI studies. The study with a cross-cultural perspective includes theoretical and managerial contributions and directions for future research.
  Keywords: theory of planned behaviour; entrepreneurial intention; Portugal; Turkiye; partial least squares; PLS-SEM..
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10064117
   
  
• Intention to use AI among HR professionals; a UTAUT-based study  
  by Muhammad Tahir, Premkumar Arul 
  Abstract: In this study, we investigated the intention to use Artificial Intelligence and its actual usage by HR staff using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. Additionally, we tested demographic variables of gender, age, work experience, and voluntariness as moderators. The study utilises a quantitative approach and cross-sectional survey method for data collection (n = 185). The analysis consisted of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for testing the reliability and validity. Furthermore, we tested hypotheses and the result shows that UTAUT-based variables including effort expectancy (B = 0.436, P < 0.05); and social influence (B = 0.237, P < 0.05) exert a positive and significant effect on intention to use artificial intelligence. Furthermore, we found that facilitating conditions (B = 0.334, P < 0.05); and intention to use (B = 0.395, P < 0.05) have a positive and significant influence on the actual use of artificial intelligence. Based on the findings, a number of conclusions are drawn, and implications are discussed.
  Keywords: acceptance; theory; artificial intelligence; human resource.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10064124
   
  
• Exploring the role of servant leader in promoting organisational commitment and the mediating role of trusting managers: structural model analysis  
  by Hussein Dehhaghi, Hadi Ganji Zahraei, Masoumeh Sama Kush 
  Abstract: This study discusses the role of servant leadership in organisations and its impact on organisational commitment, with a focus on the mediating effect of trust. To conduct the study, cluster sampling was adopted to choose 352 samples. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to assess how servant leadership influences various dimensions of organisational commitment and whether trust plays a mediating role. The studys results indicate that servant leadership significantly and positively impacts affective commitment. However, its impact on normative and continuous commitment is not statistically significant. The findings also emphasise that trust plays a mediating role, significantly influencing the link between servant leadership and different aspects of organisational commitment. Also, the findings highlight the importance of servant leadership in enhancing affective commitment and emphasise the significant mediating role of trust in fostering organisational commitment. For data analysis, SmartPLS was employed.
  Keywords: servant leader; organisational commitment; trusting managers; mediating role of trust; servant leader and organisational commitment; servant leader and trust; SmartPLS; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2025.10064409
   
  
• Examining relationship between compulsive buying, perceived stress, negative coping and life satisfaction: evidence from Turkey  
  by Esra Öztürk, Aslıhan Yavuzalp Marangoz, Ünsal Yetim 
  Abstract: Although compulsive buying has emerged as a hot topic for both practical and theoretical research, the motivational determinants of compulsive buying still need to be further excavated. In this context, the aim of this study is to explore the relations between compulsive buying, perceived stress, negative coping, and their overall effects on life satisfaction. The online questionnaires were applied to 465 participants. The findings reveal that perceived stress positively predicts negative coping while negative coping positively predicts compulsive buying. Although the direct effect of perceived stress on compulsive buying and the direct effect of negative coping on life satisfaction are not significant, results indicated that negative coping mediates the effect of perceived stress on compulsive buying and compulsive buying mediates the effect of negative coping on life satisfaction. This study showed that compulsive buying may be seen as a mood regulator in times of crisis such as pandemics.
  Keywords: compulsive buying; perceived stress; negative coping; life satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10064602
   
  
• Revolutionising efficiency: unleashing the power of digital transformation through strategic human resources planning  
  by Mohamed Fawzy El-Bardan, Hanan Eid Bawdy, Naveed Akhtar Qureshi 
  Abstract: Digital transformation has changed the workplace nature, resulting in a demand for specific knowledge and skills of existing and potential employees and a reduction in its size due to the increasing automation of jobs, thereby enhancing productivity (Prd) of labours and glass companies. This study aims to investigate the relationship between digital transformation (DT) and Prd, by considering the mediating role of human resources planning (HRP) and its different dimensions (quantitative and qualitative changes in HR). The study focuses on glass manufacturing companies located in Sadat City, Industrial Area, Menofia Governorate, Egypt. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to managers and the analysis was conducted using SmartPLS software. The study’s findings have revealed that DT has a negative, positive, and negative impact on Prd, qualitative changes in HR, and quantitative changes in HR, respectively. Furthermore, qualitative changes in HR act as a mediator between DT and productivity.
  Keywords: digital transformation; human resources planning; HRP; productivity; Egyptian glass industry; Egypt.
  
  
• Cyberloafing and cognitive engagement: an empirical study among white-collar employees  
  by Büsra Müceldili, Edanur Doğan 
  Abstract: Recruiting the conservation of resource theory (COR), our research investigates the mediating role of emotional exhaustion in the relationship between cyberloafing and cognitive engagement. Data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire, yielding 236 replies, and structural equation modelling, utilising AMOS 23, was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings demonstrate that emotional exhaustion influences cyberloafing, and in turn, cyberloafing negatively impacts cognitive engagement. Moreover, the mediating role of cyberloafing was found to be significant and have important implications for managers and HR professionals as they can aid managers in deciding how to enhance cognitive engagement by curbing cyberloafing. Grounded in COR theory, this study suggests that cyberloafing acts as a mediator in the relationship among emotional exhaustion and cognitive engagement.
  Keywords: cyberloafing; cognitive engagement; emotional exhaustion; COR theory; procrastination.
  
  
• How do entrepreneurial networks change across generations in family firms in the Arab world? The case of Palestine  
  by Nidal A. Darwish 
  Abstract: This exploratory study examines how and why entrepreneurial networks change and develop across generations in family firms. Hence, we employed a case-based approach using family entrepreneurs as a unit of analysis. Eight case firms were selected deliberately for theoretical reasons rather than random sampling. The evidence suggests that the entrepreneurial networks in the present generation are diverse, flexible, and dynamic, while the prior generation was limited in size, static, and uniform. Furthermore, the prior generation had informal, personal, and friendly relations with network members relayed on honesty and mutual trust. It showed a passive approach in searching for new network ties. In contrast, the current generation seems more formal, objective, and professional in interacting with network members, showing a more proactive level of networking. Findings also imply that the new generation tends to change and adapt to their parents’ entrepreneurial networks once they take over the family business.
  Keywords: entrepreneurial networks; family firms; generational succession; Palestine; the Arab world.
  
  
• The impact of charismatic leadership on employee job satisfaction: exploring the employee position and experience with the mediating role of knowledge sharing and teamwork  
  by Taylan Budur, Chnar Abdullah Rashid, Dalia Khalid Faeq, Halil Demirer, Javad Tajdini 
  Abstract: This study aims to investigate the role of charismatic leadership (CL) in increasing employee job satisfaction (JS) through the support of knowledge sharing (KS) and teamwork (TW). Data were collected from a diverse sample of 209 individuals employed across multiple companies within the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling (SEM) with the assistance of AMOS software. Additionally, the study examined the significance of employee experience and position within the proposed model. The findings indicate that CL and JS have a significant and favourable connection. Furthermore, the presence of KS and TW was observed to increase the influence of CL on JS. Lastly, it has been found that while employee position negatively affects KS, employee experience in the workplace is positively related to their knowledge-sharing tendency. To boost employee satisfaction and overall performance, it is advised to establish an atmosphere that enables flexible leadership, promotes cooperation, and embraces a culture of knowledge sharing.
  Keywords: charismatic leadership; knowledge sharing; teamwork; job satisfaction; employee experience and position.
  
  
• Stimulus-organism-response model and the conformity effect on consumer purchase intention of organic food  
  by Ji DingGe, Ong Choon Hee 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the variables that influence Chinese consumers decisions to buy organic food. The stimulus-organic-response (S-O-R) model served as the research foundation for this investigation. To test the hypotheses, 310 replies were received and analysed with PLS-SEM. The findings indicate that Chinese consumers of organic food are objectively stimulated by brand image and organic labels. Purchase intention is a response, and customer-perceived values are strongly depicted through the model as the organism elements. The relationship between a customers perceived functional value and purchase intention is strongly moderated by conformity. This study adds to the body of knowledge by using the S-O-R theory to provide a deeper understanding of Chinese consumers purchasing intentions for organic food. It also provides Chinese policymakers and organic food suppliers with solutions to increase organic food sales to expand the Chinese organic food market.
  Keywords: Chinese organic food consumer; S-O-R theory; consumer perceived values; conformity; brand image; organic labelling; consumer purchase intention.
  
  
• The effect of family supportive organization perceptions and personality on kaleidoscope career: the case of Turkey  
  by Fatma Büşra Polat, Yasemin Özdemir 
  Abstract: Labour market shifts, economic and social changes, along with individual, organisational, and family factors, diversify career needs and require examining careers with new approaches. This study examines the relationship between family supportive organisation perception (FSOP) and the five-factor personality model (FFM) with the authenticity, balance, and challenge parameters of the kaleidoscope career model (KCM). 575 employees (white-collar) working in Turkey are the sample of the study. Our study suggests that openness, agreeableness, extraversion, and conscientiousness were positively related to authenticity, balance, and challenge. In addition, neuroticism was positively related to authenticity and negatively related to challenge. Another finding was that FSOP was negatively related to balance and authenticity. This study highlights neglected variables associated with new careers. The results provide valuable insight into employees’ career needs and how to retain qualified employees.
  Keywords: new careers; kaleidoscope career model; family supportive organisation perceptions; personality; five-factor personality traits; Turkey.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10067006
   
  
• Exploring masstige marketing strategy between American versus Asian smartwatch brands in an emerging market  
  by Hayat Ayar Senturk, Rabia Tuna 
  Abstract: The best possible way for the success of masstige marketing is capitalising on consumer insights from the upper-middle-income, mixed-market, emerging economies. However, its exploration has been restricted to specific product groups (i.e. car and smartphone) and geographical regions (i.e. USA and India). Our research contributes to the masstige marketing literature by investigating the masstige strategy in emerging markets and smartwatches as a techno-fashion product. We evaluated the competition among American, South Korean, and Chinese smartwatch brands in Turkey using the Masstige Mean Index. After conducting validity and reliability analyses, we measured the masstige value of these brands and examined the relationships between the demographic characteristics and perceptions of mass prestige, brand perception, and willingness to pay a premium price. Results show that the US brand’s smartwatches earned the highest masstige value compared to South Korean and Chinese brands. Additionally, perceptions of masstige value varied significantly by gender, income, and age.
  Keywords: masstige; emerging markets; smartwatches; marketing strategies; brand management.
  
  
• Recycling socialisation: a qualitative study on the role of socialisation agents  
  by Ebru Tumer, Inci Dursun, Cansu Gokmen Koksal, Hediye Yuruyen Kilic 
  Abstract: Understanding the dynamics of recycling behaviour is crucial to increase recycling rates. This research uses a socialisation perspective to discover how consumers grow into recyclers despite the well-accepted barriers to the behaviour. In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 recyclers in Turkiye to explore socialisation agents role in promoting behaviour. Findings revealed that media and family are prominent agents in recycling socialisation for Turkish recyclers. Media appeared as the primary source of information, while parents were found to build a fertile ground for recycling by transferring their environmental values and norms. The study also discussed the roles of schools, peers, society, government, and NGOs in the recycling socialisation process.
  Keywords: recycling; socialisation; agents; family; media; school; peers.
  
  
• Impact of abusive supervision and job insecurity on deviant workplace behaviour: mediating role of burnout in the telecom sector of Pakistan  
  by Ghulam Dastgeer, Zeeshan Anwar, Sidra Akhtar 
  Abstract: Increased workplace deviant behaviour and employee burnout have become major concerns in todays business climate, bringing real costs and serious dangers to organisational performance and efficiency. This study aims to investigate the factors that lead to these harmful behaviours, with a specific focus on the influence of abusive supervision and job insecurity. It is hypothesised that both abusive supervision and job insecurity are positively correlated with workplace deviant behaviour. In addition, the study examines how burnout acts as a mediator in the relationship between these factors and deviant behaviour in the workplace. A total of 213 people working in the Telecom sector of Pakistan were surveyed, and the collected information was analysed using process macros in SPSS. The results showed that both abusive supervision and job uncertainty have a large and favourable impact on both workplace behaviour and burnout. Moreover, it has been found that burnout acts as a mediator in the connection between abusive supervision, job insecurity, and workplace deviant behaviour. The study concludes by analysing the consequences and providing suggestions for more research.
  Keywords: abusive supervision; deviant workplace behaviour; burnout; job insecurity; process macro; Pakistan.
  
  
• Family care work conflict and motivation to continue work - moderating role of future time orientation and work support  
  by Ishfaq Ahmed, Ibrahim R. Al Shamsi 
  Abstract: The roles of women change with the change in culture, and in Eastern societies women have to carry their family and work roles in tandem. The working women often face conflicts due to excessive demands from one sphere of life, and one of such a conflict is the family care work conflict (FCWC). The current study aims to study the impact of FCWC on motivation to continue work (MCW). It also covers the investigation of moderation of future time perspective (FTP) and work support. The data is collected from 279 women working in banking, education and health sectors using questionnaire. The findings reveal that conflict caused by the family domain (FCWC) reduces women’s MCW. The findings also reveal that the relationship is stronger for those women who have no future orientation and vice versa. The moderation of work support is not supported by the findings. A profound look into existing body of knowledge highlights that there is dearth of literature that has focused on the FCWC and MCW relationship. Moreover, FTP and work support have been largely ignored as boundary conditions between the said association.
  Keywords: family care work conflict; FCWC; motivation to continue work; MCW; future time perspective; FTP; work support.
  
  
• Exploring the distress factors of weight-based stigmata in shopping: a qualitative study on obese females  
  by Özge Kirezli, Müge Öztunç, Melis Kaytaz Yiğit, Müge İrfanoğlu, Fatma Özge Baruönü 
  Abstract: The primary objective of this article is to explore the distress factors associated with weight-based stigmata experienced by obese women during clothes shopping. Despite the increasing scholarly attention regarding weight-based stigmatisation, linking stigmatisation to clothes shopping and investigating the factors that trigger stigmatisation remains a relatively new field of research. This study investigates the experiences of obese female consumers with weight-based stigmata in a shopping context. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study examined 30 middle-class obese Turkish women selected through criterion sampling. Subsequently, subcategories and patterns were derived and analysed from data gathered through in-depth interviews featuring semi-structured questions focusing on key themes. The findings indicate that women are often faced with environmental stigmatisation during shopping, which contradicts their desire to feel normal. Indirect stigmata emerged as the second distress factor, which includes more subtle forms of stigmatisation stemming from sales representatives dismissive attitudes or other shoppers judgements.
  Keywords: obesity; weight stigma; body image perceptions; distress in shopping.
  
  
• The relationship between perceived corporate social responsibilities initiatives and customer satisfaction in the Malaysian manufacturing sector  
  by Theng Kiong Chua, Lee Ping Lim, Choon Hee Ong 
  Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a crucial role in influencing the perception of a company’s brand among diverse stakeholders and the main objective of this study is to explore the relationship between perceived CSR initiatives and customer satisfaction in Malaysian manufacturing sector. A quantitative survey of 139 respondents was conducted and analysed using hierarchical multiple regression with the results reveal a significant positive correlation between socially and ethically responsible practices, philanthropic responsible practices, and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the electrical and electronic industry is identified as a moderating factor in the relationship between philanthropic practices and customer satisfaction. As a result, this study aims to offer valuable insights for business owners and its stakeholders by leveraging on CSR for enhanced brand perception and customer relationships in the Malaysian manufacturing sector.
  Keywords: customer satisfaction; socially and ethically responsible practices; environmental responsible practices; philanthropic responsible practices; fair employment practices; manufacturing industry.
  
  
• Influencer’s role, performance risk, and perception of generic medicine  
  by Shathees Baskaran, Yoeng Gok Hau, Nomahaza Mahadi, Kesavan Nallaluthan, Logaiswari Indiran 
  Abstract: Healthcare costs rising relentlessly becoming a fundamental deterrent to healthcare services access making generic medication an alternative to branded medication. Comparatively, generic medication acceptance is low owing to concerns of bioequivalent and therapeutic equivalent range to the branded medicines. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between perceived performance risk and perception of generic medication. Employing a quantitative approach, data from 399 respondents were analysed with PLS-SEM. The results demonstrated a negative significant relationship between perceived performance risk and perception of generic medication and the mediating effect of the influencer’s role was found in this relationship. The theoretical model presented in this study to bridge the critical knowledge gap of generic medicine perception phenomenon is neither formulated nor tested empirically in previous studies, locally or perhaps globally, therefore stands out as an original incremental contribution in generic medicines perception and as a new direction towards influencer’s role in the literature.
  Keywords: generic medicine; consumer perception; performance risk; influencer’s role.
  
  
• The mediating impact of decision-making in the relationship between artificial intelligence and crisis management in private banks in Yemen  
  by Abdolkareem K. Alsyaghi, Samah M. Al-Hayasi, Akram M. Alarshani, Muhammad A. Al-Shaibani 
  Abstract: The article aimed to identify the mediating impact of decision-making (quality, effectiveness, and acceptance) in the relationship between artificial intelligence (users, systems, and devices) and crisis management (signal detection, preparation/prevention, preparation/damage limitation, recovery, and learning) in private banks in Yemen. A quantitative approach was employed, and the questionnaires served as the primary tool for data collection. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods within the SPSS v26 software, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied using AMOS v26. The article concluded that the quantitative model achieved a goodness of fit index (very good), demonstrating the indirect relationship between artificial intelligence and crisis management mediated partially by decision-making. The research adds to the corpus of knowledge about decision-making, crisis management, and artificial intelligence. It also offers insights into how decision-makers might use AI to adopt effective crisis management techniques.
  Keywords: decision-making; artificial intelligence; crisis management; Yemen.
  
  
• From Asian premier airline to trouble airline: rebranding for revival of Pakistan International Airlines  
  by Muhammad Zafran 
  Abstract: This case study discusses the rebranding story of Pakistan International Airlines by changing its visual identity and logo design. PIA dropped the national flag in favour of the animal (Markhor) picture in an attempt to revive the airline trapped in a deep financial crisis for decades. Over the decades, PIA lost its prestige image and needed a fresh brand identity for the revival of business. The management decided to introduce the Markhor livery (a revolutionary logo design) as a move to build a global identity and new identity for the airline. Thus, the study critically analyses the visual properties and characteristics of old vs. new logo designs of PIA and their liking/dislikes for customers and stakeholders. The study utilises a brand orientation framework to guide the research problem and reflects on the evolution of the logo, history, communication style, brand identity, and organisational culture of PIA.
  Keywords: logo change; business revival; corporate rebranding; case study; Pakistan International Airlines; PIA.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10060422
   
  
• Factors influencing intention to purchase electric vehicles in Malaysia  
  by Lim Chiang Ming, Lim Lee Ping, Ong Choon Hee 
  Abstract: This study aims to research factors influencing intention to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia. Malaysians still need to be convinced about buying EVs, although they know their benefits to the environment. This study used a quantitative survey to collect 200 responses and analysed the data using hierarchical multiple regression. The study result showed that personal attitude and functional values positively correlate with the intention to purchase electric vehicles. However, infrastructure readiness was not associated with the intention to purchase electric vehicles. Gender was found to be a quasi-moderator in the research model. This study provides essential information to the government, manufacturers, distributors, and importers about the factors that lead Malaysians to purchase electric vehicles. The government could use the findings of this study to develop plans to attract more Malaysians to purchase electric vehicles towards achieving a carbon-neutral nation by 2050.
  Keywords: intention to purchase electric vehicles; personal attitude; functional values; infrastructure readiness; gender; Malaysia.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2025.10067500
   
  
• Bolstering employee well-being through ability, motivation, opportunity-enhancing HRM practices: a moderating and mediating mechanism  
  by Maham Jamil, Ahsan Ali Ashraf, Alia Ahmed, Sarah Azhar 
  Abstract: This study addresses persisting theoretical and methodological gaps in human resource management by investigating the impact of ability, motivation, and opportunity-enhancing HR practices on employee well-being, while considering moderating and mediating factors. Through a cross-sectional survey of 600 surgical industry employees in Sialkot, the research employs structural equation modelling to analyse data. Results reveal positive connections between HR practices and employee well-being. Organisational justice partially mediates the relationship between HR practices and well-being. Additionally, leader-member exchange moderates this association. The study emphasises the significance of ability, motivation, and opportunity-enhancing HR practices in enhancing employee well-being. It offers practical guidance to industry managers to cultivate these practices, thereby improving employee abilities, motivation, and opportunities, ultimately enhancing well-being. The research expands HR knowledge and introduces novel constructs like organisational justice and leader-member exchange to the discussion on employee well-being.
  Keywords: ability; motivation; opportunity; organisational justice; leader-member exchange.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2023.10059930
   
  
• Idiosyncratic risk and capital structure: the mediating role of corporate reputation and moderating role of corporate social responsibility  
  by Yu-Sheng Kong, Faiza Siddiqui, Vikesh Kumar 
  Abstract: This study examines the impact of idiosyncratic risk (I.Risk) and corporate reputation (CR) on the capital structure of non-financial companies. The study incorporated a generalised method of moments (GMM) model to examine the proposed association of firm-specific factors and capital structure. The Baron and Kenny modelling is used to estimate the mediating relationship of the study. The analysis is performed on panel data from the 2010 to 2019 period of 284 listed firms on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The research findings state that I.Risk has a negative significant effect on capital structure. In addition, the Sobel test findings evidenced that CR has significantly mediated the relationship between I.Risk and capital structure. Moreover, corporate social responsibility has significantly moderated the relationship between I.Risk and CR.
  Keywords: capital structure; idiosyncratic risk; corporate reputation; corporate social responsibility; CSR; generalised method of moments; GMM; generalised least squares; GLS.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10063510
   
  
• Driving innovation from within: the role of a supportive workplace in fostering managerial innovation in Turkey's export-oriented machinery sector  
  by Asghar Afshar Jahanshahi, Fatma Sonmez Cakir, Ozan Kalaycioglu, Zafer Adiguzel 
  Abstract: Innovation enables businesses to stay ahead of their competitors by offering unique and superior products, services, or processes. It allows companies to differentiate themselves and attract customers, ultimately leading to a competitive advantage in the market. This research investigates the impact of management innovation and a supportive innovative workplace climate on middle-level managers' innovative behaviour by considering the mediating role of strategic innovation orientation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 300 middle-level managers working in companies within the machinery industry. The research findings indicate that management innovation and the supportive innovative workplace climate enhance the strategic innovation orientation, which in turn improves middle-level managers' innovative behaviours. These findings hold substantial importance for organisations seeking to enhance their innovative capabilities, create a more engaging and productive work environment, and gain a competitive edge in the market. Moreover, these results provide valuable guidance for future research and can inform strategic decision-making at both organisational and policy levels.
  Keywords: middle-level managers; innovative behaviours; innovative workplace climate; machinery industry; Turkey.
  DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2024.10062048