Journal of Management Science Research Review
The Journal of Management Science Research Review (JMSRR) is a double-blind peer-reviewed scholarly journal that publishes high-quality empirical and theoretical research articles in all areas of management science. The journal is committed to publishing rigorous and relevant research that makes a significant contribution to the field of management science.
Sociology of Digital Control: Datafication, Online Surveillance, and Gendered Norms in Everyday Life in Higher Education in Pakistan
This qualitative study examines the sociology of digital control by exploring how datafication, online surveillance, and gendered norms shape everyday life, particularly within higher education contexts. Using thematic content analysis, secondary literature was systematically reviewed from multiple databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and institutional repositories. Purposive sampling was employed to select studies related to AI applications in higher education, such as learning analytics, automated assessment, and surveillance, alongside themes of digital inequality, and governance, with emphasis on Pakistan and comparable Global South settings. Through inductive-deductive analysis, nine major themes emerged, highlighting the mechanisms of digital control, gendered experiences of surveillance, and the role of digital platforms in reinforcing social norms. The findings indicate that digital technologies function as instruments of both governance and inequality, where data-driven systems intensify visibility, normalize monitoring, and reproduce gendered expectations. The study concludes that whereas digital control is pervasive, individuals and communities exhibit forms of resistance and agency, underscoring the need for ethical governance and gender-sensitive digital policies to ensure equitable participation in digital spaces.
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A Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Digital Transformation and AI in Driving Resilience and Sustainability of Construction Firms
This paper is a multi-dimensional evaluation of how digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) can increase the resilience and sustainability of construction companies. Based on empirical evidence gathered among construction organizations of various maturity stages, the research determines the impact of the digital capabilities, analytics powered by AI, and integrated information on the operational stability, environmental performance, and long-term competitiveness. Quantitative data show that highly transformed digital firms are characterized by around 35-45 greater operational resilience (manifested by better response time to disruption, proactive risk management and continued initiation of projects). The further impact of AI usage is the 30 percent efficiency of resources and the 25 percent decrease in the overruns, which is achieved through predictive maintenance, data-based scheduling, and real-time decision support. The results of sustainability indicate that there was a decrease in material waste by 28% and a decrease in carbon-related inefficiencies by 22% in digitally mature firms, which seemed to be closely connected between AI-enabled digital processes and environmental performance. A Digital Resiliency and Sustainability Index (DRSI) was created based on the weighted scores of digital integration (0.35), AI capability (0.30), organizational adaptability (0.20), and sustainability governance (0.15). Companies with a score of the index above 0.70 showed a substantially greater financial stability and ESG performance than the low-scoring ones. The results prove that digital transformation and AI are complementary enablers of resilience and sustainability and not separate technological interventions. The research paper adds to the literature of construction management as it provides empirical support and a systematic examination framework in order to drive strategic digital investment and the design of policies in the built environment sector.
Examining the Impact of Financial Innovation on Secure Transaction Management in Pakistan’s Banking Sector: A Case Study of Faisal Bank of Pakistan Using a PLS-SEM Approach
The rapid diffusion of financial innovation has fundamentally transformed transaction processing and service delivery in the banking sector, particularly in emerging economies such as Pakistan. While digital banking innovations enhance operational efficiency, accessibility, and customer convenience, they simultaneously introduce new challenges related to transaction security, data privacy, and fraud risk. This study examines the impact of financial innovation on secure transaction management within Pakistan’s banking sector, using Faisal Bank of Pakistan as an empirical case study. The research aims to provide robust evidence on how innovation-driven banking practices contribute to the effectiveness of secure transaction management mechanisms in a digitally evolving financial environment. Drawing on innovation diffusion theory and trust-based technology adoption perspectives, the study proposes a structural model in which financial innovation influences secure transaction management both directly and indirectly through digital trust. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to Faisal Bank customers actively using digital banking services. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to assess the measurement and structural models due to its suitability for predictive analysis and theory development in complex, multivariate research settings. The results indicate that financial innovation has a significant and positive effect on secure transaction management, suggesting that the adoption of advanced digital banking technologies strengthens authentication procedures, fraud detection capabilities, transaction reliability, and data confidentiality. Furthermore, financial innovation was found to significantly enhance digital trust, which in turn positively influences secure transaction management. The mediation analysis confirms that digital trust partially mediates the relationship between financial innovation and secure transaction management, highlighting the critical role of customer confidence in the effectiveness of secure digital transactions. These findings contribute to the existing literature by offering empirical evidence from a developing country context, where secure digital banking adoption remains underexplored. From a practical perspective, the study provides valuable insights for banking managers and policymakers by emphasizing the need to align financial innovation strategies with robust security frameworks and trust-building mechanisms. The results suggest that sustained investment in innovative financial technologies, coupled with transparent security practices and regulatory compliance, can enhance transaction security and support the long-term stability of Pakistan’s digital banking ecosystem.
Tax Revenue, Institutional Quality, and Sustainable Growth in Afghanistan (1996–2024): A Dual Source ARDL–ECM Analysis
This study examines whether domestic revenue mobilization is associated with sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan and whether institutional quality moderates that relationship in a fragile and conflict-affected setting. A reconciled dual-source annual dataset for 1996–2024 is constructed by harmonizing World Development Indicators with official Afghan fiscal and macroeconomic series, with observation-level provenance flags documenting source priority and reconciliation decisions. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds-testing framework and its error-correction representation are estimated to accommodate mixed integration orders, structural breaks, and a small annual sample. Political transitions are captured using regime-segmented indicators interpreted relative to the Taliban I baseline regime. Bounds tests support a stable long-run relationship between real GDP growth, tax revenue, institutional quality, and standard controls. The error-correction term indicates rapid convergence to equilibrium (ECT ≈ −1.24). In the long run, the tax revenue coefficient is positive but imprecisely estimated (1.54; p = 0.284). The interaction between tax revenue and institutional quality is positive and economically large (9.68; p = 0.180), suggesting that stronger institutions increase the growth payoff to taxation, although statistical support is indicative rather than definitive. Overall, the findings imply that revenue-led growth strategies in Afghanistan and comparable fragile contexts are more likely to be effective when paired with institutional improvements that enhance budget credibility, reduce leakages, and strengthen policy predictability and compliance.
Too Much or Too Little Cash? Optimal Cash Holdings and Firm Value in Family-Owned and Shariah-Compliant Firms
This study examines whether deviations from optimal cash holdings affect firm value under different ownership and governance structures. Using panel data from 100 non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2009–2018, we employ a threshold model to capture the nonlinear association between corporate cash holdings and firm value. The results reveal a significant nonlinear relationship, confirming the existence of an optimal level of cash holdings that maximizes firm value. Deviations from this optimal level, either in the form of excess or insufficient cash are associated with a decline in firm value. Moreover, the negative value effects of such deviations are more pronounced in family-owned and Shariah-compliant firms, suggesting that concentrated ownership and religious governance frameworks intensify the costs of suboptimal cash policies. These findings offer important implications for corporate managers and policymakers, highlighting the need for carefully calibrated cash management strategies, particularly in firms characterized by family control and Shariah compliance. By providing evidence from a developing economy with relatively weak governance mechanisms, this study extends the cash holdings literature and uncovers previously overlooked moderating roles of family ownership and Shariah compliance in shaping the value consequences of corporate cash policies.
Determinants of Psychological Satisfaction towards Purchasing Counterfeit Green Clothing Brands in Karachi
This study is to investigate the mediation role of psychological satisfaction (PSAT) on purchase intention (PI) of counterfeit brands in the presence of psychological and attitudinal factors (PAF) of apparel consumers of Karachi. The target audience for the study is people from 18 to 65 years of age with buying power and knowledge of green fashion and counterfeits. A diverse sample of 312 respondents was collected through a combination of convenience snowball non-probability sampling methods to access consumers who may be hesitant to reveal counterfeiting purchasing behavior. The data were collected through structured survey with 5-point Likert scale. The analysis was done using PLS-SEM. These factors can significantly influence PSAT: FoMO, social-adjustive function, schadenfreude, similar perceptions, value-expressive function. Moreover, PI can be predicted through the PSAT. Also, the PSAT mediates their purchase intention. Managers of successful sustainable apparel brands must know how to nourish emotional engagement, social desirability, and digital presence and differentiate on product-related authenticity, design, and affordability. Officials advised to boost anti-fake campaigns consumer awareness. With these insights, it will be possible to decrease the consumption of counterfeit products and promote authentic sustainable fashion in Pakistan.
Analyzation Of Financial Performance of Sector-Wise Life Insurance Companies of Pakistan: (With Special Reference to Public Sector and Private Sector Life Insurance Companies of Pakistan)
This study is looking at the life insurance market in Pakistan, especially the financial performance based on net premium growth of the top companies in the market. Public and private sector enterprises are the primary actors being targeted. The data for this study came from the financial reports of different public and private sector firms, as well as the financial statements analysis of financial sector 2017-2023 released by the statistics & DWH department, state bank of Pakistan - SBP. Inductive research is the research approach employed here, which implies that data is acquired first, and then a conceptual framework is constructed based on the collected data. This framework aided in the creation of a financial model, which was subsequently evaluated using regression analysis. The research intends to acquire insights into the financial performance of the life insurance business in Pakistan and how the major participants, both in the public and private sectors, have performed based on net premium growth from 2017 to 2021 by analysing these important variables. The regression analysis is most commonly used to identify links and patterns between variables, allowing for a better knowledge of the industry's dynamics and the elements that influence its financial performance.
Investigating the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility in Local Community Development: A Case Study of Pakistan Beverages Ltd SITE Area Hyderabad
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has increasingly been identified as a significant tool whereby organizations play their part in societal well-being on the one hand, and sustainable development on the other in contexts where developing nations still have fatalities as far as services by the state go. This paper discusses the practice and perception of CSR in Pakistan Beverages Ltd. (PBL), SITE Area Hyderabad, and how it is perceived to develop the local communities. Because of the non-test approach, the qualitative, interpretivist approach, as well as the single-case study design, is employed. Direct observations together with review of documents were used to complement the primary data that are presented as 10 in-depth and unstructured interviews that are conducted with the purposely chosen employees of various levels of the organization. To determine recurring themes and patterns, the qualitative content analysis was applied. It is reported that CSR at PBL is perceived as a multi-dimensional concept that involves community-oriented, including educational support, charitable activities, partnerships, and internships, as well as internal CSR which is regarded as employee welfare, occupational health and safety, rewards, healthcare benefits, and volunteering. It is important to note that the theme of internal CSR became prevalent, indicating that employees have a strong connection of corporate responsibility to the daily workplace practices that can make them feel well, safe, and satisfied with their jobs. The study also shows that although CSR activities are seen to bear significant direct and indirect benefits in the community, there is still a room to mature CSR in terms of, making the environmental responsibility more responsible and more systematic CSR reporting. The proposed findings make a contribution to a body of literature in CSR by demonstrating the developmental applicability of internal CSR and providing context-driven results within the manufacturing industry of Pakistan.
The Impact of Legal Resource Factors on Social Entrepreneurship
This study is a quantitative research study exploring the impact of legal resources on social entrepreneurship in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. The legal resources, including regulatory frameworks, intellectual property rights, contract enforcement and government legal support are very important in defining the operational environment of social enterprises. A total of 246 respondents who represented different social entrepreneurs all over KPK were used to collect data using a structured questionnaire. The study employed statistical methods such as correlation and regression analysis to determine the degree to which the social entrepreneurship growth and sustainability are dependent on the legal factors. The results indicate that there is a strong positive correlation between the factors related to the legal resources and social entrepreneurship, which implies that the favorable legal systems boost the entrepreneurial activity with the social aim. The research will be very helpful in informing the policy makers and development practitioners to enhance legal frameworks that promote a favorable environment in the region to promote social innovation and enterprise development.
Leadership Style Innovation Capability Knowledge Management and Firm Growth in Pakistan’s Small and Medium Enterprises
Digital transformation has become a strategic priority for financial institutions seeking sustainable performance in increasingly competitive environments. This study investigates the impact of digital transformation on organizational performance in Pakistan’s banking sector, with particular emphasis on the mediating roles of customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Using survey data collected from banking professionals, the study employs Structural Equation Modeling to examine the proposed relationships. The empirical findings indicate that digital transformation has a significant positive effect on organizational performance, both directly and indirectly. Customer satisfaction and employee engagement are found to partially mediate this relationship, highlighting their critical role in translating digital initiatives into performance outcomes. The results suggest that effective digital transformation enhances service quality, operational efficiency, and workforce involvement, thereby strengthening overall organizational performance. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from an emerging economy context and offers practical insights for banking managers and policymakers aiming to leverage digital innovation for sustained competitive advantage.
Impact of Green Digital Campaigns on Green Brand Attitude: An Empirical Study of the Fast-Food Sector in Pakistan
The growing impetus for environmental sustainability has encouraged fast-food brands in particular to incorporate green messages in their digital marketing endeavors, especially in emerging economies. The present study investigates the impact of green digital campaigns on green brand attitude in the fast-food industry in Pakistan while assessing mediating roles of brand trust, brand authenticity, and customer engagement. The study adopts the Stakeholder Theory and customer-based brand equity models. The study is based on a quantitative cross-sectional approach. The perception of sustainability-oriented digital marketing by fast food brands was measured using structured research instruments administered among 205 undergraduate students in Lahore. The relationships were tested through Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for the direct and indirect effects between the constructs. The findings show a significant and positive influence of green digital campaigns on green brand attitude. Apart from this, the brand trust, brand authenticity, and customer engagement are found to act as partial mediators. It is evident that greenwashing and transparency within sustainability communication have great significance to consumers. The current study empirically confirms the green marketing and digital branding literature theory from a psychological perspective that defines how green digital communication affects sustainable consumer attitude towards it in emerging markets. From a practical perspective, the results indicate that fast-food brands should consider communicating their sustainability initiatives in transparent, authentic, and engaging ways in order to nurture trust and positively enhance green brand attitudes. The research also suggests directions for future research such as extending the demographic coverage and using longitudinal designs to capture long-term effects of sustainable digital marketing.
Strengthening Sustainable Sales Performance through Digital Sales Capability and Adaptive Selling Behavior: Evidence from Pakistan’s Textile Export Industry under Market Uncertainty
This study investigates how digital sales capability and adaptive selling behavior jointly contribute to strengthening sustainable sales performance within Pakistan’s textile export industry under conditions of heightened market uncertainty. The textile export sector represents a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, yet it faces persistent challenges stemming from global demand volatility, technological disruption, shifting buyer expectations, and intensified international competition. In response, exporting firms are increasingly compelled to transition from traditional relationship-based selling approaches toward digitally enabled, data-driven, and adaptive sales practices. Drawing upon sales capability theory, adaptive selling theory, and uncertainty management perspectives, this research develops and empirically tests a comprehensive conceptual framework that positions digital sales capability as a strategic enabler of adaptive selling behavior, sales innovation capability, and ultimately sustainable sales performance, while explicitly accounting for the moderating influence of market uncertainty. Keywords : Digital Sales Capability; Adaptive Selling Behavior; Sustainable Sales Performance; Market Uncertainty; Sales Innovation Capability; Textile Export Industry; Pakistan; B2B Sales; Export Performance; Sales Strategy; Customer Analytics Utilization; Sales Training Effectiveness; Intrinsic Motivation; Work Enthusiasm; Sales Force Effectiveness; Digital Transformation; Emerging Markets; Competitive Advantage; Sales Sustainability; Export Marketing https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18464490
Monitoring Sedimentation Dynamics Through SBAS-InSAR for Sustainable Management
Sedimentation is a critical geomorphological process that influences the sustainability of river systems, reservoirs, floodplains, and coastal environments. Accelerated sediment deposition driven by natural processes and human activities can lead to reduced storage capacity, increased flood risk, and degradation of ecosystems and infrastructure. Effective monitoring of sedimentation dynamics is therefore essential for sustainable environmental management. This study investigates the potential of the Small Baseline Subset Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SBAS-InSAR) technique to monitor sedimentation dynamics through the analysis of surface deformation. Multi-temporal Synthetic Aperture Radar data were processed using the SBAS-InSAR approach to generate deformation velocity maps, cumulative displacement patterns, and deformation time series for the study area. The results reveal spatially coherent subsidence patterns concentrated in sediment-rich environments such as river floodplains, reservoir margins, and depositional zones. Temporal analysis indicates predominantly gradual and sustained deformation, with variations linked to hydrological conditions and sediment supply. These deformation trends are interpreted as indicators of sediment loading and consolidation processes. The findings demonstrate that SBAS-InSAR provides reliable indirect information on sedimentation dynamics over large spatial extents and long time periods. By integrating remote sensing-derived deformation data with environmental context, this approach offers valuable support for sediment risk identification, resource planning, and sustainable management. The study highlights the potential of SBAS-InSAR as a complementary tool to conventional sediment monitoring methods, particularly in data-scarce regions and under changing climatic conditions.
STRATEGIC BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR ENHANCING TOURISM UNDER CPEC: A CROSS-BORDER PERSPECTIVE
This study quantifies how strategic business and management practices can unlock tourism potential along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Using a 2015-2023 panel of 378 district-year observations and a cross-section of 1,822 tourism SMEs, we estimate a Spatial Durbin Model and double-hurdle revenue equation. Results show that a 1 % increase in road density raises district tourist arrivals by 0.46 % and spills over 0.21 % to neighbours (p < 0.01), while heritage density amplifies the total effect to 0.49 %. PPP intensity, visa facilitation and digital-platform adoption exert significant positive elasticities. Stakeholder surveys reveal that 54 % of SMEs cite regulatory uncertainty and 82 % of Chinese operators demand one-stop digital licensing, whereas 63 % of local communities insist on KPI-linked revenue sharing. Two pilots confirm policy impact: a tri-sector governance board in Gilgit-Baltistan lifted satisfaction by 18 % and cut poaching by 35 %, while a Gwadar Blue-Economy PPP achieved 72 % occupancy and created 400 local jobs. Simulations indicate that joint visa and PPP reforms could raise arrivals 12.8 % and yield a USD 2.3 billion net present value over five years. The study concludes that CPEC hardware must be complemented by governance software—digital platforms, heritage-linked PPPs and community revenue-sharing—to generate inclusive, sustainable tourism growth.
Integrated Cyber Defense Strategies for the Modern Digital Ecosystem: Evaluating Zero Trust Models, AI-Driven Threat Intelligence, and Secure Cloud Architecture for Resilient Infrastructure Protection
The rapid expansion of digital ecosystems, driven by cloud computing, interconnected networks, and data-centric operations, has intensified the need for advanced and adaptive cybersecurity strategies. This study evaluates the combined effectiveness of Zero Trust Architecture, AI-driven threat intelligence, and secure cloud infrastructure in strengthening organizational resilience against evolving cyber threats. Using simulated cyberattacks, access control analytics, intrusion detection logs, and cloud performance assessments, the research examines how each component contributes to proactive risk mitigation and enhanced system reliability. The implementation of Zero Trust principles demonstrated substantial improvements in access governance, reducing unauthorized lateral movement and limiting attack surfaces. Meanwhile, AI-based threat intelligence engines significantly improved detection accuracy, enabling real-time identification of anomalies and automated incident response. Additionally, secure cloud architecture—with its encryption layers, segmentation controls, and dynamic policy enforcement—proved essential in sustaining system performance while maintaining strict security compliance. The integrated approach produced measurable gains in threat prevention, resilience, and operational continuity across public, private, and hybrid cloud environments. The findings confirm that traditional perimeter-focused models are insufficient for modern infrastructures and that a unified, multilayered defense strategy is crucial. This research concludes that organizations adopting intelligent, Zero Trust-aligned cloud frameworks can effectively navigate emerging threats and build a more robust, adaptable cybersecurity posture.
Accounting for words: Financial Performance as a driver of Managers’ Discussion in 10-Ks
This paper examines the impact of topics extracted from annual 10-K reports that are contextually focused by managers on the financial performance indicators of the firms. The paper goes beyond the conventional tone-based sentiment analysis and uses topic modelling to identify five economically significant themes in the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) section with the help of Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). We use a sample of publicly listed companies in the United States, and the dependence of financial ratios and managerial discussion content is investigated by a dynamic System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) model. The results indicate that the financial performance is selective in managerial disclosure. The profitability and efficiency indicators have a strong impact on the income, growth, and cost-related stories, whereas liquidity and solvency measures show a weak ability to explain. The performance in the market influences cost of operation discourses, as opposed to profitability discourses. Comprehensively, the findings reveal that the thematic organization of disclosures is strategically adjusted by the managers based on underlying financial conditions, which provides novel information about the role of narrative reporting in capital markets.
Advancing Sustainable Investment Strategies through Green Finance and ESG Integration: A Data-Driven Approach to Portfolio Optimization, Risk Management and Long-Term Value Creation
The rapid expansion of sustainable finance has positioned green finance instruments and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration as central pillars of modern investment decision-making. However, despite growing investor demand and regulatory momentum, significant challenges persist in effectively translating ESG information and green finance signals into robust portfolio construction, risk management, and long-term value creation. ESG data heterogeneity, rating disagreement among providers, sectoral materiality differences, and uncertainties associated with climate transition risks continue to limit the practical and financial effectiveness of sustainable investment strategies. Addressing these gaps, this study proposes a comprehensive data-driven framework capable to systematically integrate green finance indicators and ESG metrics in portfolio optimization and risk management processes. The proposed framework brings together multi-source ESG data harmonization, sector-specific materiality weighting and green finance exposure metrics like green revenue intensity, green bond allocation and climate transition proxies to create a consistent and investable sustainability signal set. These sustainability variables are simultaneously integrated with the traditional financial factors in a multi-objective portfolio optimization model that aims to maximize risk-adjusted returns while minimizing downside risk while improving sustainability performance. The optimization process explicitly takes into account practical investment constraints such as transaction costs, turnover limits, liquidity considerations and ESG-based exclusion and tilt requirements. Risk management is taken care of through dynamic estimation of volatility, measures of tail-risk such as Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR), and climate aware stress testing in adverse market and transition scenarios. The empirical analysis uses the rolling window backtesting and out-of-sample validation among the diversified equity portfolio in order to analyze the consistency of their performance, drawdown behavior, and portfolio resiliency under different market regimes. Sustainability outcomes are measured with composite ESG scores, carbon intensity and green exposure measures to align with long-term goals for environmental and social outcomes. The results demonstrate that portfolios constructed using the proposed integrated ESG–green finance framework exhibit improved downside protection, reduced tail risk, and enhanced resilience during periods of market stress compared to conventional and ESG-only investment strategies. Importantly, these benefits are achieved without systematically sacrificing long-term return potential, supporting the argument that disciplined ESG integration can coexist with fiduciary performance objectives. This study contributes to the sustainable finance literature by providing a transparent, replicable, and data-driven methodology that bridges the gap between sustainability goals and financial performance, offering practical insights for asset managers, institutional investors, and policymakers seeking to advance resilient, value-creating sustainable investment strategies.
Organizational Culture and Human Resource Practices under Industry 5.0 across the Asia–Pacific Region: A Comparative Sociological Analysis of Entrepreneurial Orientation, Human-Centric Innovation, Workforce Adaptation, and Managerial Change.
The transition toward Industry 5.0 represents a fundamental shift from technology-centric automation toward human-centric, resilient, and sustainable organizational systems. While prior research has predominantly focused on Industry 4.0 technologies, limited scholarly attention has been given to the sociological transformation of organizational culture and human resource (HR) practices required to support Industry 5.0, particularly within the heterogeneous institutional landscape of the Asia–Pacific region. This study addresses this gap by developing a comparative sociological analysis of how organizational culture and HR practices jointly shape entrepreneurial orientation, human-centric innovation, workforce adaptation, and managerial change across diverse Asia–Pacific contexts. Grounded in organizational sociology and human resource management theory, the study conceptualizes Industry 5.0 as a socio-technical paradigm in which cultural values, leadership norms, and HR systems play a central role in mediating human–technology collaboration. Drawing on comparative data from organizations operating in multiple Asia–Pacific economies, the research examines how variations in institutional environments, labor market structures, and cultural norms influence the configuration and effectiveness of culture–HR systems. The analysis focuses on the alignment between organizational culture types and HR practice bundles, including talent development, participatory decision-making, performance management, and reskilling strategies, and evaluates their impact on key Industry 5.0 outcomes. The findings reveal that organizations characterized by adaptive and innovation-oriented cultures, supported by high-involvement HR practices, demonstrate stronger entrepreneurial orientation, greater capacity for human-centric innovation, and higher levels of workforce adaptability. In contrast, control-oriented cultural environments relying on rigid HR systems tend to experience slower managerial transformation and greater resistance to human-AI integration. The study further highlights the moderating role of institutional context, showing that the effectiveness of human-centric HR practices is contingent upon national skill systems, regulatory frameworks, and socio-cultural expectations prevalent across the Asia–Pacific region. This research makes three key contributions. First, it extends Industry 5.0 scholarship by foregrounding organizational culture and HR practices as critical sociological drivers of human-centric transformation. Second, it provides a comparative framework that explains cross-regional differences in Industry 5.0 adoption within the Asia–Pacific context. Third, it offers practical insights for managers and policymakers seeking to design culturally aligned HR systems that foster sustainable innovation, entrepreneurial behavior, and inclusive managerial change in the emerging Industry 5.0 era.
Factors shaping E-trust and purchasing intentions in Pakistan's online market: A structural equation modeling analysis
The fast expansion of online shopping has changed the buying habit of consumers; nonetheless, the issue of trust in online shopping platforms has been a major challenge especially in emerging economies. The study proposed was to investigate the determinants of consumer trust in online shopping and the impact that such determinants have on online purchase behavior in Pakistan. The quantitative and cross-sectional design was used to collect the data of 302 consumers with a prior experience of online shopping using a structured questionnaire. The relationships between perceived security, privacy protection, the quality of the site, perceived risk, the reputation of the vendors, consumer trust as well as online purchase behavior were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). According to the findings, consumer trust significantly depends on perceived security, privacy protection, the quality of the web site, and reputation of the vendor, whereas perceived risk has a hefty negative impact on consumer trust. The online purchase behavior was found to be strongly positively related to consumer trust. The mediation analysis also showed that consumer trust partly mediates the associations between determinants of trust and online purchasing behavior. The structural model had a high explanatory power as it had a significant percentage of variance in consumer trust and online purchase behavior. This paper is significant to the literature on e-commerce since it shows empirical data on Pakistan, which is a developing digital market and consumer trust is a key factor in online buying behavior. The results can be used by online retailers and policy makers as a guideline as they can see the need of enhancing security, privacy protection, the quality of the websites and the reputation of vendors to increase consumer trust and encourage long-term expansion of online shopping.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND THE FIRM’S CAPITAL STRUCTURE (CASE STUDY OF LISTED COMPANIES IN TEXTILE INDUSTRY OF PAKISTAN)
Corporate governance is an evolving area of research in management. Hence, study in hand has observed the relationship of corporate governance with that of the capital structure in listed organizations of Textile Industry in Pakistan Stock Exchange. Related literature is reviewed to extract results of earlier studies regarding corporate governance. Moreover, related variables have been studied and analyzed through the annual reports of selected firms for five years. Corporate governance is explained by board size, independent members on companies’ board non-executive members on the companies’ board and chairman duality. Capital structure is explained through debt-equity ratio. Correlation of independent variables including size of board (total number of the directors on companies’ board), non-executive directors on board and directors independent on board with the dependent variable Debt Equity Ratio was calculated through statistical software SPSS. Significant correlation was observed between percentage of debt equity ratio with independent directors on company’s board and non-executive directors on company’s board. However, correlation was not found significant in between debt-equity ratio and board size of the listed textile companies in Pakistan Stock Exchange. It is apparent from the said study that corporate governance observance is still at its initial stage in the listed companies of Pakistan and require considerable time and policy implementations to meet the international corporate governance practices.
Determinants Of Customers Perception Towards Islamic Banking: A Quantitative Study In Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan
This paper explores the determinants of customer perceptions towards Islamic banking in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, with a focus on customer satisfaction, adoption, and long-term engagement. The research aims to examine the influence of factors such as customer awareness, bank profitability, and service quality on consumer preferences for Islamic banking products. A quantitative approach was employed, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 150 respondents. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, and statistical techniques such as correlation analysis, reliability testing (Cronbach’s Alpha), and multiple linear regression were applied. The results show a strong positive relationship between customer awareness and consumer preferences, while service quality emerged as the most significant factor influencing customer satisfaction. The findings also indicate that profitability had a weaker, insignificant impact on customer preferences. The study highlights the need for Islamic banks to improve service quality and profitability to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction in the region.
Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Income: The Mediating Role of Motivation and Access to finance
This study examines the relationship between human capital and entrepreneurial income, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of entrepreneurial motivation and access to finance. Drawing on human capital theory, the study argues that education, skills and experience alone may not fully translate into higher entrepreneurial income unless supported by psychological and financial mechanisms. A quantitative research design was adopted and data were collected from registered small and medium enterprise entrepreneurs. The analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis and mediation analysis. The results reveal that human capital has a strong and positive direct effect on entrepreneurial income (β = 0.57, B = 0.62, t = 6.20, p < 0.001), explaining 32.5% of the variance in income (R² = 0.325). Correlation results indicate significant positive associations among all variables, with human capital correlating with entrepreneurial income (r = 0.57), entrepreneurial motivation (r = 0.52) and access to finance (r = 0.48). Mediation analysis further demonstrates that entrepreneurial motivation significantly mediates the relationship between human capital and entrepreneurial income (indirect effect = 0.18, t = 3.60, p < 0.001). Similarly, access to finance is found to be a significant mediator (indirect effect = 0.15, t = 3.00, p = 0.003). Importantly, the serial mediation path involving entrepreneurial motivation and access to finance is also statistically significant (indirect effect = 0.008, t = 2.67, p = 0.008), indicating a sequential mechanism through which human capital enhances income. Overall, the findings suggest that while human capital directly improves entrepreneurial income, its impact is substantially strengthened when entrepreneurs are highly motivated and have better access to financial resources. The study contributes to entrepreneurship literature by highlighting the combined psychological and financial pathways through which human capital translates into income generation.
Influence of Digital CSR Messages on Gen Z Brand Engagement
The growing significance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the digital domain has influenced and brought about changes concerning the engagement approach being adopted by brands and socially conscious consumers, particularly Gen Z. Gen Z consumers, as online natives, scrutinize brands based on their ideologically driven values and commitments articulated on online platforms. The impact of online CSR messages toward Gen Z engagement with brands is explored in this research study specifically related to emotional engagement, trust, value concordance, and interactivity. This study on CSR messages and Gen Z engagement applies a qualitative research approach using help from eight semi structured interviews conducted on Gen Z students across different universities in Pakistan to examine and explore the personal constructs and perceptions related to Gen Z consumers about online CSR message interpretation and meanings derived through this study based on its dataset. The data collected through research has been explored using thematic data analysis to extract key dimensions and determining drivers related to Gen Z engagement as revealed through findings presented below. Emotional engagement was identified as an important mechanism by which CSR communication helps to humanize brands and create positive brand attitudes. Trust was indicated to vary from being dependent on consistency, credibility, and congruence between espoused values and brand performance. Also, interactive and richly visual CSR communication, including short video messages, voting universals, and campaigns led by influencers, was indicated to enhance cognitive, emotional and behavioral engagement among Gen Z. The symbolic CSR communication type was shown to create distrust and disengage Gen Z. The study makes an original contribution to both CSR communication and brand engagement literature by introducing a consumer and qualitative perspective on Gen Z response behaviors toward online CSR communication.
Culture, Habitus, and Society: A Multidimensional Sociological Perspective on Social Practices of Students in Higher Education in Pakistan
This study explores the interconnections between culture, habitus, and social practices among students in higher education in Pakistan. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional survey, the research targeted 316 students enrolled in BS (4-year) programs within the Faculty of Social Sciences at a public sector university, using stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing students’ attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors, with reliability confirmed via a pilot study (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.70). Analysis using descriptive statistics revealed that students’ social interactions, academic engagement, and everyday practices are shaped by the interplay of internalized dispositions, cultural norms, and institutional structures. The concept of habitus highlighted how prior experiences and social backgrounds influence students’ adaptation to the academic field, whereas cultural capital accounted for variations in access to knowledge, resources, and recognition. The findings demonstrate that student behaviors reflect negotiated identities, symbolic boundaries, and socially mediated expectations, positioning higher education simultaneously as a site of social reproduction and a space for agency and transformation. This study underscores the value of a multidimensional sociological lens in understanding student practices within Pakistan’s educational and cultural context.
Determinants Influencing the Growth of Women-Owned Micro and Small Businesses: A Quantitative Study of Rural Areas in Sindh Province
This study looks into the multi faceted drivers that determine the development of women owned micro and small businesses in rural Sindh Province in Pakistan. Following a quantitative approach, where data was gathered on 300 nascent female entrepreneurs in various rural districts of Sindh area, the analysis has been done using SPSS in its preliminary analysis and hence structural model and moderation analysis using smart PLS-SEM. The seven significant hypotheses in the research are the direct effects of the skills of the owner, family, social, market, and technological variables on the development of the business, as well as the modifying activities of the type of the business sector and governmental support. The findings support the hypothesis of innovative ability of the owner, the family support mechanism, and the digital adoption as key contributors to the growth of the business with significant and positive effects, whereas social aspects manifest a more complicated dual effect. Market factors indicate indirect and not direct effects. Notably, the examined study determines that the statistical significance of the moderating effects of both business industry and government subsistence has been important to multiple growth associations. These results offer the empirical evidence of the intersectional nature of the entrepreneurial success in conservative rural areas and present specific advice to policymakers, development organizations, and support organizations. The study enhances the use of the Resource-Based View and the Institutional Theory in the understanding of women micro-enterprises in third world economies and provides practical information necessary in the designing of context sensitive interventions, which can mitigate the never-ending obstacle women entrepreneurs in various fields of business.
Impact of data privacy practices on mobile app adoption
Rapid growth in mobile applications has changed people's ideas about accessing services, communicating, and performing daily activities. It has also posed a barrier in using these applications because of increasing data privacy-related issues. The present study investigates the impact of data privacy practices on mobile app adoption, considering perceptions, trust, transparency, security measures, and data-sharing behaviors. Following a qualitative research design, the study was done by conducting seven semi-structured interviews with mobile app users in Lahore, Pakistan, from different professional and educational backgrounds. Thematic analysis was employed to derive major patterns and insights regarding privacy-driven adoption behavior. Findings reveal that users become much discomforted towards applications that require excessive and unnecessary personal information, significantly deterring their adoption intention. Transparencies within the privacy policies, particularly full and clear disclosure of data usage, appeared to be significant determinants creating trust among users. Trust was conceptualized as a mediating variable to use in linking privacy practices to the adoption decisions, especially for applications handling sensitive financial or personal data. Visible security features, such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and login alert, among others, positively influenced the hastening tendencies of users towards the adoption of mobile applications. The authors have also categorized users based on their selective data-sharing approaches whereby sensitive information would be withheld unless absolutely required for the core app functionality. It contributes to the literature by providing a round perspective on how privacy practices influence mobile app adoption on the user side. Findings of this study are helpful for the app developers, marketers, and policymakers with the need for privacy-centric design, transparent communication, and sound security measures to build up trust, adoption, and continuous user engagement.
Leading for Creativity in Projects: How Authentic Leadership Translates into Project Success through Employee Creativity and Cross-Functional Integration
Purpose: This research investigates the contribution of authentic leadership to project success in project-based organizations under what circumstances and how through looking at the mediating role played by employee creativity and the moderating role played by cross-functional integration. Design/methodology/approach: It is suggested that a moderated mediation model be developed based on the leadership and project management literature, with employee creativity linking the authentic leadership and project success, and cross-functional integration linking the authentic leadership and employee creativity. The study involved the use of cross-sectional survey of 215 project-based organization employees in Pakistan. Regression-based mediation and moderation analyses together with the bootstrapping procedures were used to test hypotheses. Findings: The findings show that authentic leadership is also in a positive association with employee creativity, which subsequently has a positive impact on the project success. There is a complete mediation between authentic leadership and project success with employee creativity implying that leadership has a major influence on project outcomes via innovative work behaviors. Moreover, cross-functional integration also enhances the positive correlation between authentic leadership and employee creativity that creates an indirect impact on project success in project environments characterized by high levels of integration. Originality/value: The research contributes to the project management literature by shedding light on the behavioral process, via which authentic leadership is converted to project success and cross-functional integration is designated as one of the contextual boundaries’ conditions. Its results provide practical information to those involved in projects and organizations who are aiming to improve the performance of projects by developing their leaders, fostering creativity and inter-functional cooperation.