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1 – 10 of 13Dania M. Kurdy, Husam-Aldin Nizar Al-Malkawi and Shahid Rizwan
The purpose of this study is to examine the various factors that influence the productivity (PR) of employees who worked remotely in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the various factors that influence the productivity (PR) of employees who worked remotely in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a quantitative approach to analyze data collected online from 110 respondents using the snowball sampling technique during the pandemic. The analysis of the data is conducted using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique of Smart PLS (Partial least squares) to evaluate the direct and moderating variables.
Findings
The results indicate that direct variables such as workload, job satisfaction, work–life balance and social support have a significant positive impact on employee PR in the UAE. However, the analysis of the moderating variable indicates that job level is not a significant moderator of the above relationships. The findings, generally, provide support for social exchange theory.
Practical implications
The findings of this study will help businesses of various domains in a variety of industries in understanding the core factors that should be considered to enhance the overall PR of their employees while working from home. Businesses can achieve their organizational goals by ensuring steady growth even during uncertain times.
Originality/value
This paper answers the question of whether remote working affects employee PR during the pandemic in an emerging market, namely the UAE. The current study contributes to the existing literature by combining the variables investigated in previous studies into a single study and by considering job level as a moderator variable.
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Shahid Rizwan, Husam-Aldin Al-Malkawi, Kamisan Gadar, Ilham Sentosa and Naziruddin Abdullah
Although 76% of the population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is Muslim, takāful (Islamic insurance) has a much smaller share of business in the UAE than conventional insurance…
Abstract
Purpose
Although 76% of the population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is Muslim, takāful (Islamic insurance) has a much smaller share of business in the UAE than conventional insurance does. The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of brand equity (BE), which is known as the incremental value that provides reason to buy a brand. This study provides useful insights that can help the health takāful industry to gain a feasible market share in the UAE.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a quantitative study in which stratified random sampling was adopted for data collection from 300 respondents through a self-administered questionnaire from August to November 2018. Underpinning the study is the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique has been used to examine the impact of BE on purchase intentions (PI) through the moderating role of demographic factors such as age, income, education and religion. Three dimensions of BE, i.e. brand awareness (BAW), brand association (BAS) and perceived quality (PQ), are evaluated in terms of their significance as dimensions of BE.
Findings
The major findings of this study confirm that BE has a strong positive influence on the PIs of health takāful customers in the UAE and that all three dimensions of BE make significant contributions to the overall BE. The results show that education does moderate the relationship between BE and PI while age, income and religion do not. A new finding of this study is the nonsignificant moderating role of religion, whereby it was found that takāful products in the UAE are not limited to Muslim customers but can include potential customers who are followers of other religions.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first of its kind to examine the impact of BE on the PI of health takāful customers in the UAE. The findings of the study give academia, researchers and marketers a better understanding of the importance of BE and of its vital role in promoting takāful products in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as the UAE.
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Husam-Aldin Nizar Al-Malkawi and Rekha Pillai
The purpose of this paper is to integrate conventional corporate governance (CG) mechanisms into the Islamic banking framework in order to examine their impact on Islamic banks…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to integrate conventional corporate governance (CG) mechanisms into the Islamic banking framework in order to examine their impact on Islamic banks (IBs) financial performance (IBFP) within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) context.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a sample of 22 full-fledged IBs operating in the GCC countries over an 11-year period from 2005 to 2015. Using panel data approach, the paper develops an empirical model consists of five CG mechanisms and three control variables. The model parameters are estimated using feasible generalized least squares framework.
Findings
The results show that five internal CG mechanisms have statistically significant relationship with IBFP, measured by Q-ratio. Insider shareholding is found to be positively associated with IBFP, while institutional and government shareholdings are found to be negatively related to Q-ratio, the results being consistent with the agency theory, strategic alignment theory and property rights theory, respectively. Moreover, the results reveal that large board size and CSR engagement negatively influence IBFP, once again lending support to agency theory and trade off theory, respectively. The control variables, namely, leverage, size and age are also found to have a statistically significant relationship with IBFP.
Practical implications
IBs are urged to ensure transparency in the provision of innovative products fundamentally in contrast to conventional banking products as well as cater to the untapped markets by weaving Islamic values into the existing CG fabric, as a feasible solution to remain competitive.
Originality/value
The paper examines the relationship between internal CG mechanisms and financial performance of listed and non-listed full-fledged IBs operating in the GCC countries.
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Husam-Aldin Nizar Al-Malkawi and Saima Javaid
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on corporate financial performance (CFP) using Zakat as a measure for CSR.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on corporate financial performance (CFP) using Zakat as a measure for CSR.
Design/methodology/approach
The study examines a sample of 107 non-financial firms listed on the Saudi Arabia stock market over a ten-year period from 2004 to 2013. The authors use the generalized method of moments framework developed by Arellano and Bover (1995) and Blundell and Bond (1998). In addition, for comparison purpose and as a robustness check, the present study uses other panel data techniques including fixed effects model, random effects model (and pooled ordinary least squares.
Findings
The results reveal that there is a strong positive relationship between CSR (Zakat) and CFP. This suggests that Zakat contribute positively to both firm’s profitability and value and can be considered as a win-win strategy to maximize returns and improve performance while considering the society as a whole. The results are robust to alternative econometric estimation methods.
Practical implications
The companies in Islamic economies can effectively and efficiently implement the basic Shari’a Law of paying Zakat, as a successful measure to implement CSR program, thus benefiting the society by narrowing the gap between the haves and have-nots, that, in turn, leads the company to achieve successfully its short-term as well as long-term goals and enhances the value of the firm in the market. Moreover, corporations are generally encouraged to adopt CSR because of its perceived benefits to both macro- and micro-performances.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first empirical study attempting to examine CSR-CFP relationship within Saudi context employing Zakat as a proxy for CSR. Additionally, the paper provides support for the stakeholder theory from an Islamic perspective.
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Lama Blaique, Ashly H. Pinnington, Husam-Aldin Al-Malkawi and Hazem Aldabbas
Despite continuing under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the literature still falls short on identifying and explaining…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite continuing under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the literature still falls short on identifying and explaining the factors that could contribute to women's persistence and commitment. The purpose of this research is to identify cognitive and behavioral factors that will support the occupational commitment of women in STEM.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative analysis is based on a questionnaire survey of 375 women working in STEM in the Middle East region. Multiple regression and bootstrapping methods were employed in the analysis of the data.
Findings
The results support the following hypotheses: personal skills development has a positive impact on affective occupational commitment and coping self-efficacy, and coping self-efficacy mediates the relationship between personal skills development and affective occupational commitment.
Originality/value
This study adds insights on the dynamic approaches adopted by women in STEM fields to overcome occupational career challenges by testing several internal drivers, coping self-efficacy and personal learning.
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Xuan-Hoa Nghiem, Walid Bakry, Husam-Aldin N. Al-Malkawi and Sherine Farouk
This paper aims to examine the impact of information and telecommunication technologies (ICT-proxied by mobile phone subscription and Internet usage) on carbon dioxide (CO2…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impact of information and telecommunication technologies (ICT-proxied by mobile phone subscription and Internet usage) on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries from 1990 to 2018.
Design/methodology/approach
The Cross-section Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) model is employed to address the potential cross-section dependence problem. Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators are used to test for robustness of results.
Findings
Results reveal contrasting effects of mobile phone subscription and Internet usage on CO2 emissions. While mobile phone penetration helps mitigate CO2 emissions, Internet usage tends to increase the emissions. Findings show that renewable energy is beneficial to the environment while economic growth is harmful to the environment. The effects of financial development and trade openness seem negligible.
Practical implications
This study offers practical implications for policymakers. As different proxies of ICT could have contradictory impact on CO2, governments should be cautious against utilizing ICT to mitigate CO2. Findings point to the benefits of renewable energy in alleviating CO2 emissions. Therefore, governments are strongly advised to implement policies facilitating renewable energy consumption.
Originality/value
Previous studies ignored the problem of cross-section dependence which could lead to biased results and cause misleading inferences. This study aims to fill this void in the literature.
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Abdelmounaim Lahrech, Anass Faribi, Husam-Aldin N. Al-Malkawi and Kevin Sylwester
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the global financial crisis (GFC) on Morocco’s export performance employing a gravity model framework.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the global financial crisis (GFC) on Morocco’s export performance employing a gravity model framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors investigate trade flows between Morocco and its 18 major trading partners from 2001 to 2015. The authors employ a trade gravity model using a first-order Taylor approximation of multilateral resistance terms and estimate by OLS and PPML.
Findings
Morocco’s export performance was affected by the GFC. The authors find evidence that the fall in aggregate demand from Morocco’s trading partners, particularly in Europe, led to a fall in its exports. The authors also find that Morocco’s exports are positively correlated with the market size of its partner but negatively associated with distance.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature in two distinct ways. First, it examines variables affecting export performance in one of the emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa region. Second, it assesses empirically whether there is a relationship between the GFC and the decline in Moroccan exports. The study also provides a number of important implications for policy makers and academics.
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This paper examines the determinants of corporate dividend policy in Jordan. The study uses a firm‐level panel data set of all publicly traded firms on the Amman Stock Exchange…
Abstract
This paper examines the determinants of corporate dividend policy in Jordan. The study uses a firm‐level panel data set of all publicly traded firms on the Amman Stock Exchange between 1989 and 2000. The study develops eight research hypotheses, which are used to represent the main theories of corporate dividends. A general‐to‐specific modeling approach is used to choose between the competing hypotheses. The study examines the determinants of the amount of dividends using Tobit specifications. The results suggest that the proportion of stocks held by insiders and state ownership significantly affect the amount of dividends paid. Size, age, and profitability of the firm seem to be determinant factors of corporate dividend policy in Jordan. The findings provide strong support for the agency costs hypothesis and are broadly consistent with the pecking order hypothesis. The results provide no support for the signaling hypothesis.
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Naziruddin Abdullah, Alias Mat Derus and Husam-Aldin Nizar Al-Malkawi
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of zakat (the Islamic tax) in alleviating poverty and inequality in Pakistan using a newly developed index, namely, the Basic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of zakat (the Islamic tax) in alleviating poverty and inequality in Pakistan using a newly developed index, namely, the Basic Needs Deficiency Index (BNDI).
Design/methodology/approach
The study formulates an index (BNDI) to measure the deficiency and effectiveness of zakat as one of the different items of government expenditure/spending to alleviate poverty. In this paper, Pakistan is chosen as a case study for two reasons: the availability and accessibility of data required for computing BNDI; and, in the past, no index such as this had been used to measure poverty in Pakistan.
Findings
The results obtained from the computation of the BNDI have been able to explain the effectiveness of zakat in alleviating poverty and inequality in Pakistan.
Practical implications
The findings of the study can be used by policymakers to measure and improve the effectiveness of zakat in reducing poverty and inequality.
Social implications
As the ultimate beneficiaries of zakat are the poor people, the outcome of this study may help improve their quality of life.
Originality/value
The paper develops a new methodology to measure poverty alleviation in Pakistan, focusing on the poor households’ consumption/expenditure on basic needs, government spending in terms of zakat and the number of zakat recipients as the three main determinants. The index developed in the present study can be applied to measure the performance of all Muslim countries whose provision of zakat is embedded in the national agenda to alleviate poverty.
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Husam‐Aldin N. Al‐Malkawi and Rekha Pillai
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance of real estate and construction companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the pre (2006‐2007) and post (2008‐2009…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance of real estate and construction companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the pre (2006‐2007) and post (2008‐2009) global financial crisis periods.
Design/methodology/approach
A ratio analysis was conducted on a sample of six companies in the real estate and construction sector. A nonparametric test, namely the Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed rank test, was employed to see whether the calculated ratios differ between the pre‐crisis and post‐crisis periods.
Findings
The findings reveal a negative impact of the business cycle on the performance of real estate companies in the UAE. There is a significant fall in the liquidity, profitability, leverage and activity ratios after the financial crisis.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of the study revolve around factors such as limited sample size, non‐availability of data for the aforesaid periods, low transparency in revealing some financial details and non‐availability of yearly industry averages.
Practical implications
The companies in this sector could be obligated to ensure better transparency in revealing financial information to the public. Implementation of stringent regulatory policies in the real estate sector will help the unprecedented downturn in these companies.
Originality/value
This is the first empirical study conducted to examine the impact of the global financial crisis on the performance of the real estate and construction companies in the UAE.
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