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1 – 10 of over 63000Financial inclusion washing has not been considered to be a crime although it should be. This paper aims to present a discussion about financial inclusion washing. It was argued…
Abstract
Purpose
Financial inclusion washing has not been considered to be a crime although it should be. This paper aims to present a discussion about financial inclusion washing. It was argued that financial inclusion washing is the deliberate or unintentional use of exaggerated claims or misleading claims to describe an entity’s commitment to increase the level of financial inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper used the conceptual discourse analysis methodology.
Findings
This paper showed that many entities are at risk of practicing financial inclusion washing such as international development organizations, aid organizations, government agencies, central banks, financial institutions, financial inclusion support groups and associations, among others. This paper also highlighted the manifestations, motivations and consequences of financial inclusion washing. This paper also identified ways through which entities can avoid financial inclusion washing.
Originality/value
The literature has not examined how exaggerated claims about financial inclusion efforts mislead people.
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George Okello Candiya Bongomin, Pierre Yourougou, Rebecca Balinda and Joseph Baleke Yiga Lubega
Currently, consumers of financial products and services have become more vulnerable to predatory financial institutions, especially in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic…
Abstract
Purpose
Currently, consumers of financial products and services have become more vulnerable to predatory financial institutions, especially in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, financial consumers like the persons with disabilities (PWDs) should be equipped with knowledge and skills to help them to evaluate complex financial products on offer in financial markets, especially in developing countries to avoid being victims of fraudulent lending. The purpose of this study is to establish whether customized financial literacy mediates the relationship between financial consumer protection and financial inclusion of PWDs’ owned MSMEs in rural Uganda post Covid-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
SmartPLS 4.0 was used to construct the measurement and structural equation models to test whether customized financial literacy significantly mediates the relationship between financial consumer protection and financial inclusion of PWDs’ owned MSMEs in rural Uganda post Covid-19 pandemic.
Findings
The results revealed a partial mediating effect of customized financial literacy in the relationship between financial consumer protection and financial inclusion of PWDs’ owned MSMEs in rural Uganda post Covid-19 pandemic. Conducting customized financial literacy increases financial consumer protection by 12 percentage points to promote financial inclusion of PWDs’ owned MSMEs in rural Uganda post Covid-19 pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
This study focused only on customized financial literacy and financial consumer protection to promote universal financial inclusion of PWDs’ owned MSMEs post Covid-19 pandemic. Future studies may use data collected from other vulnerable groups amongst the unbanked population in developing countries, Uganda inclusive. In addition, this study also collected only quantitative data from the selected population. Further studies can be conducted using key informant interviews and focused group discussion to get the perceptions of the PWDs on being protected from exploitation by unscrupulous financial institutions.
Practical implications
The findings from this study can help policymakers in developing countries like Uganda to revise the existing consumer protection law to include strong clauses on protection of people with special needs like the PWDs. The law must ensure that they are not exploited by financial institutions because of their conditions. The law ought to make sure that the PWDs are educated about their rights in the financial market place and all information on financial products offered by financial institutions should be simplified and interpreted to them before they make consumption decisions.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is amongst the first few studies to provide a meticulous and unique discourse on the ever increasing role of financial literacy combined with consumer protection to reduce consumption risks within the financial markets, especially in developing countries in the aftermath of global pandemic shocks. This study uses the social learning theory, theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behaviour to elucidate how customized financial literacy can enhance consumer protection to increase financial inclusion of groups with special needs like the PWDs who have become more susceptible to exploitation by unscrupulous financial institutions in under-developed financial markets, especially in post Covid-19 pandemic.
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The article aims to investigate how washing practices focused on appeasing sceptics of diversity work in for-profit organizations play out in corporate online communication of…
Abstract
Purpose
The article aims to investigate how washing practices focused on appeasing sceptics of diversity work in for-profit organizations play out in corporate online communication of diversity and inclusion efforts, and how these enable communication to a wide audience that includes social equity advocates.
Design/methodology/approach
Online corporate communication data of diversity and inclusion themes were compiled from the websites of eight Swedish-based multinational corporations. The data included content from the companies’ official websites and annual reports and sustainability reports as well as diversity and inclusion-themed blog posts. A thematic analysis was conducted on the website content.
Findings
The study showcases how tensions between conflicting external demands are navigated by keeping the communication open to several interpretations and thereby achieving multivocality. In the studied corporate texts on diversity and inclusion, this is achieved by alternating between elements catering to a business case audience and those that appeal to a social justice audience, with some procedures managing to appease both audiences at the same time.
Originality/value
The article complements previously described forms of washing by introducing an additional type of washing – business case washing – an articulation of the business case rhetoric that characterizes the diversity management discourse. While much has been written about washing to satisfy advocates of social change and equity, washing to appease shareholders and boardroom members, who are focused on profit and economic growth, has received less attention. The article suggests that online corporate communication on diversity and inclusion, by appeasing diverse audiences, can be seen as aspirational talk.
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Jeff Bailey and Diana du Plessis
Reports that including students with disabilities in regular schools is a movement which is attracting considerable community support. Inclusion is both a philosophy based on…
Abstract
Reports that including students with disabilities in regular schools is a movement which is attracting considerable community support. Inclusion is both a philosophy based on social justice, and a practice requiring, in many cases, significant adaptations by the school community. Suggests that, as school principals have a significant role in implementing policies in schools, to be able to predict their approach to inclusion, it is important to understand their attitudes towards inclusion. Reports on qualitative data on the attitudes towards inclusion of more than 200 school principals in Queensland schools. Although the majority are supportive of inclusion, their responses suggest they are “qualified” inclusionists. Concludes that, while responding to the social justice imperatives and recognizing the rights of students with disabilities, the principals were also concerned about the resource implications which attend the implementation of inclusion.
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Akriti Chaubey and Sunaina Kuknor
This paper aims to examine the barriers that act as a hindrance and are the reason behind the struggles for the successful practice of diversity and inclusion. It also provides…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the barriers that act as a hindrance and are the reason behind the struggles for the successful practice of diversity and inclusion. It also provides suggestions that organisations across the Asian region can adopt to have a conducive work environment to flourish diversity and inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data were collected from 21 in-depth semi-structured interviews, where the male and female interviewee ratio was 6:4. The interviewees were diversity and inclusion leaders, diversity and inclusion consultants and human resources (HR) experts from Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, UAE, Singapore, Bangladesh and Nepal. The interviewees belonged to varied industries, including information technology, automobile, manufacturing, engineering, logistics and independent consultants. Every interview recorded was transcribed, and an inductive content analysis technique was used using NVivo. Broad themes and several antecedents were identified which hinder the successful practice of diversity and inclusion.
Findings
There exists a patriarchal mindset in society as the main reason; that is why Asian countries are finding it difficult and are struggling to embrace diversity and inclusion successfully. There is a lack of awareness amongst managers about how inclusive gender diversity impacts the company’s financial status. Reports show that companies that have female board members have better profit margins in comparison to those that do not.
Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted within one industry setting, the service sector; therefore, the findings may not apply to other industries because of the different organisational cultures and HR policies.
Practical implications
This study offers managerial implications that can help the organisation foster and embrace diversity and inclusion by overcoming the barriers.
Social implications
There should be fair and equitable inclusivity of females in the workplace. Female employees should be heard without biases and discrimination and allowed to speak up with equity. Females should not be seen differently during organisational decision-making, participation and empowerment.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few to explore the challenges faced by Asian region organisations to embrace diversity and inclusion by empirical evidence. The study shows how the Asian region struggles to go beyond gender diversity and move away from patriarchal hegemony, which is the study’s unique contribution.
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Xiao‐Jun Yan, Hao‐Yue Li and Jing‐Xu Nie
Inclusions have been shown to be the most significant factor to decrease the low cycle fatigue (LCF) life in powder metallurgy (PM) alloys used by most of turbine discs for…
Abstract
Inclusions have been shown to be the most significant factor to decrease the low cycle fatigue (LCF) life in powder metallurgy (PM) alloys used by most of turbine discs for advanced turboengines. In this paper, effects of inclusions on PM alloys' LCF life are evaluated through the definition of initial damage value D0 based on damage mechanics. By investigating the relationship between D0 and characteristic dimension of inclusions, Bussac's probabilistic model is extended to consider surface and internal inclusions together.
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Fan Yi, Wang Qingfeng and Yang Wenxiu
The purpose of this study is to study the pitting caused by Ca-Al-O-S composite inclusions of low-alloy steel in 3 Wt.% NaCl solution and 0.01M NaHSO3 solution.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to study the pitting caused by Ca-Al-O-S composite inclusions of low-alloy steel in 3 Wt.% NaCl solution and 0.01M NaHSO3 solution.
Design/methodology/approach
The corrosion in 0.01M NaHSO3 was much weaker than in 3 Wt.% NaCl 3D display of the pitting formation and development process that has been calculated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). In addition, a corrosion mechanism of pitting formation by galvanic interaction of composite inclusion and base metal has been proposed.
Findings
Results show that in immersion test, metal base around inclusions was dissolved due to corrosion. Corrosion on the metal base closer to inclusions was more severe.
Originality/value
A corrosion mechanism of pitting formation by galvanic interaction of composite inclusion and base metal has been proposed.
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Nowadays, employees are more concerned about their career and the same has become challenging for the organizations. Therefore, this study aims to highlight the importance of fun…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays, employees are more concerned about their career and the same has become challenging for the organizations. Therefore, this study aims to highlight the importance of fun at work towards employees' career satisfaction through organizational inclusion. Further, it sheds light on how inclusive leadership moderates the association between fun at work and organizational inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a questionnaire-based survey to collect data from 321 employees working in the information technology (IT) sector between January to March 2023. Specifically, the study used a cross-sectional time-lag design to collect data using convenience sampling.
Findings
Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that employees' perceptions of fun at work positively influence their career satisfaction. In addition, organizational inclusion mediated this association, whereas inclusive leadership strengthened the association between fun at work and organizational inclusion.
Research limitations/implications
The foremost limitation is the cross-sectional time lag design which restricts causality. However, the findings offer some implications for the management by focusing on the working environment (e.g. social gatherings, parties and celebrations), and leadership (that values employees) can create feelings of inclusion among employees which makes them feel energized and enthusiastic about their organization and career.
Originality/value
Building on evolutionary emancipatory and social exchange theory, this study highlights the importance of organizational inclusion and inclusive leadership between employees' perceptions of fun at work and career satisfaction.
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Tariq Ahmad Mir, R. Gopinathan and D.P. Priyadarshi Joshi
This study aims to analyze the long-run dynamic relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth for developing nations.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the long-run dynamic relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth for developing nations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study develops a comprehensive financial inclusion index based on the UNDP methodology for 53 developing nations. The authors use second-generation unit root tests, cointegration techniques and an advanced dynamic common correlated effects estimator model called cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lags (CS-ARDL) to examine long-run dynamics among variables.
Findings
The tests confirm the presence of slope-heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependency. The second-generation panel unit root tests show the chosen variables are stationary at first difference. The bootstrap Westerlund cointegration result shows the variables are cointegrated in the long run. The CS-ARDL estimates conclude that financial inclusion positively enhances gross domestic product per capita in selected developing countries. The robustness check through augmented mean group estimation validates the findings.
Originality/value
The study makes three important contributions: first, it constructs a comprehensive financial inclusion index using 10 variables for a panel of 53 developing nations; second, the potential cross-section dependence and slope heterogeneity of panel data have been accounted for by applying the second-generation unit root tests; third, the study uses the dynamic common correlated effects estimator model (CS-ARDL) to examine long-run dynamics among variables.
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Josephine Ofosu-Mensah Ababio, Eric B. Yiadom, Emmanuel Sarpong-Kumankoma and Isaac Boadi
This study aims to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and financial system development in emerging and frontier markets.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and financial system development in emerging and frontier markets.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data across 35 countries over 19 years (2004–2022), the improved GMM estimation technique reveals that financial inclusion significantly contributes to the development of financial systems.
Findings
The study uses a segmented approach, dividing financial development indices into subindices: financial depth, financial access and financial efficiency. Indicators of bank financial inclusion show a positive and highly significant relationship with bank depth and access but a negative relationship with bank efficiency. Similarly, indicators of the debt market and stock market financial inclusion demonstrate positive relationships with market depth and access but negative relationships with debt and stock market efficiency. The study further examines composite indexes of financial inclusion for bank, debt and stock market segments, finding strong and highly significant relationships with market development. These results underscore the importance of promoting financial inclusion across all segments of the financial sector to achieve an inclusive financial system.
Practical implications
The implications of this research highlight the need for policymakers and practitioners to implement policies and regulations that enhance financial inclusion and foster the development of robust financial systems. By extending access to mainstream financial instruments and services, financial institutions can stimulate financial intermediation and support, thereby accelerating the development of the banking, debt and stock markets.
Originality/value
The study is robust to the use of several indicators of financial inclusion and financial development, and it forms part of the early studies that examine the close relationship between the two variables.
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