Search results
1 – 3 of 3Joyce Koe Hwee Nga and Aristo Kesumo
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between shared prosperity and financial well-being from the individual grassroot perspective in Malaysia through the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between shared prosperity and financial well-being from the individual grassroot perspective in Malaysia through the mediating influence of technological empowerment and responsible citizenship. The study also incorporates the effects of political stability on developmental policies such as shared prosperity as well as behavioural mindset change on financial well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed the quantitative survey method using convenience sampling selected based on ethnicity and income levels. The questionnaire was developed for this study based on extant literature and the Malaysian Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV2030) policy document. The instrument was validated and data was then analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling approach.
Findings
The findings suggest that technological empowerment and responsible citizenship serve as mediators in ensuring that shared prosperity translates into financial well-being. Additionally, political stability and behavioural mindset are crucial in supporting SPV2030 and financial well-being, respectively.
Research limitations/implications
The study highlights the need for political awareness and education, as well as the importance of revising legacy policies and enhancing policy feedback mechanisms to support financial well-being.
Practical implications
This study suggests that individuals need to shift their mindset to create opportunities and take risks to improve their financial status and in embracing shared prosperity. It also calls for the integration of more open policy feedback mechanisms and social mobility through technological empowerment.
Social implications
Socially, this study underscores the importance of social cohesion and mobility, facilitated by technological empowerment, in the pursuit of shared prosperity and financial well-being. It also emphasizes the role of education in fostering political awareness necessary for sustaining these efforts.
Originality/value
This is a nascent study, with its focusing on individual grassroots perspectives and its identification of mediators like technological empowerment and responsible citizenship within the context of a developing, multi-ethnic nation. Methodologically, the study contributes a reliable and valid instrument for the further exploration of shared prosperity and financial well-being in literature.
Details
Keywords
Economic prosperity has often come at the expense of the natural environment. Environmental degradation has surfaced in problems such as pollution, increased carbon dioxide…
Abstract
Purpose
Economic prosperity has often come at the expense of the natural environment. Environmental degradation has surfaced in problems such as pollution, increased carbon dioxide emissions via burning of fossil fuels and environmental waste. Ignoring the ecological costs through indiscriminate use of non‐renewable resources may lead to increase in the cost of doing business in the future. This unsustainable trend exacerbates inter‐generational poverty and equity. Responsible firms have resorted to ISO 14000 certifications, which comprise guidelines for environmental management systems which promote green, efficient production processes. However, ISO 14000 is not a performance standard and does formulate financial key performance indicators. Nonetheless, extant literature has documented the perception that ISO 14000 certification leads to increased competitive advantage, pre‐emption of regulations, increased financial performance, enhanced reputation and reduction of cost of business. This study seeks to bridge the lacuna in research on the influence of ISO 14000 certification on firm financial performance in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
Methodologically, certain matching criteria have been used to enhance the comparability of ISO 14000 certified firms with their non‐certified counterparts based on the work of Collins, and Collins and Porras.
Findings
The findings indicate that ISO 14000 certification improves average return of equity but not necessarily in terms of sales and capitalisation.
Originality/value
The study suggests that there may be a business case for ISO 14000 certification terms of return on equity in the medium term within the Malaysian context.
Details
Keywords
Joyce Koe Hwee Nga and Soo Wai Mun
The direct selling industry is experiencing phenomenal growth in Malaysia. The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry projects that there will be a 20 percent…
Abstract
Purpose
The direct selling industry is experiencing phenomenal growth in Malaysia. The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry projects that there will be a 20 percent increase in volume of direct sales growth to RM5.5 billion in 2010, RM6.2 billion in 2011 and RM7 billion in 2012. The Direct Selling Act 1993 has been reinforced to accord protection to potential consumers. With the real wages in Malaysia decreasing and increasing unemployment especially among fresh graduates there may be a greater incentive to explore multilevel marketing (MLM) to supplement their income and maintain their desired modern lifestyle. However, the perception of MLM has in the past been tainted by unscrupulous pyramid and Ponzi schemes which aims at quick profits and are not sustainable. This paper aims to investigate the influence of perception of MLM companies and agent attributes on the willingness to undertake MLM as a career among youth.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample of this study comprised 218 students pursuing business and management degrees at a private higher education institution in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methodologically, this study developed statistically valid and reliable scales for all the constructs of this study namely perception of attributes of MLM companies (general, schemes and service) an agents (general and trust) as well as willingness to undertake MLM as a career option.
Findings
The findings indicate that all MLM company and agent attributes have a significant influence on the willingness to undertake MLM as a career option except MLM schemes. General agent attributes displayed a significant negative influence.
Practical implications
MLM companies need to make their schemes more understandable and transparent to solidify the legitimacy and sustainability as the employer of choice.
Originality/value
The paper shows that MLM remains a viable career option for youth and they need to be equipped with adequate training in personal selling, entrepreneurship and soft skills. MLM companies can tap and nurture this pool of young talent to meet their human resource needs for future growth of this industry in Malaysia.
Details