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This paper investigates how gender, ethnicity, and network membership interact to influence how small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner-managers become aware of finance support programmes developed by government policy and/or support schemes advanced by the banking industry.

Drawing on expectation states theory (EST), we develop eight sets of hypotheses and employ the UK SME Finance Monitor data to test them using bivariate probit regression analysis.

In general, network membership increases awareness, but more so for government programmes. We also find no differences between female and male owner-managers when in networks. However, we identify in-network and out-network differences by ethnicity, with minority females seemingly better off than minority males.

Business networks are better for disseminating government programmes than industry-led programmes. For native White women, network membership can enhance policy awareness advantage further, whilst for minorities, networks significantly offset the big policy awareness deficits minorities inherently face. However, policy and practice need to address intersectional inequalities that remain in access to networks themselves, information access within networks, and the significant out-network deficits in awareness of support programmes afflicting minorities.

This study provides one of the first large-scale empirical examinations of intersectional mechanisms in awareness of government and industry-led enterprise programmes. Our novel and nuanced findings advance our understanding of the ways in which gender and ethnicity interact with network dynamics in entrepreneurship.

Despite efforts to reduce environmental pollution and wasteful fossil fuel use, electric vehicles (EVs) are still rare on the road. Why is it so challenging to get widespread EV adoption? One significant factor on which it heavily depends is one's awareness and understanding of EVs. However, due to an absolute lack of knowledge on the part of the populace, this factor becomes a huge impediment to the uptake of EVs. A systematic review of the electronic database Scopus for the years 2003–2022 was carried out on ‘EV awareness and adoption of EV’ while considering the ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis’ (PRISMA) standards. A three-step identification process resulted in the ultimate detection of 41 papers, which were then thoroughly examined. A conceptual framework that encompasses the three key awareness aspects that influence EV adoption is developed. To encourage greater uniformity among EV researchers, this study's conclusions serve as a foundation for operationalising upcoming research efforts within a predetermined framework. The authors must therefore be optimistic that lingering technological, legislative, cultural, behavioural and business-model barriers may be overcome over time through widespread dissemination of knowledge and awareness related to EVs, making it possible for everyone to switch to greener, more economical and more efficient transportation solutions.

This study aims to explore small and medium enterprises (SMEs) acceptance of the halal certification policy in Indonesia, aiming to understand their perspectives and characteristics, as well as the primary considerations of business actors in implementing the policy. This study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of SME actors’ views toward halal certification policies, which is crucial for strengthening the government’s efforts in building a robust halal system and creating awareness in the community.

This study uses a mixed method. This study uses a random sampling technique on SMEs in Bandung, Indonesia. A total of 400 respondents participated in filling out the study questionnaire. Meanwhile, five SME actors were interviewed to gain deeper insight into the topic of this study. The data analysis technique used descriptive analysis and verification with confirmatory factor analysis.

The results of the study indicate that the halal certification policy is generally accepted by business actors, but there are criticisms regarding knowledge and information about halal certification. Halal awareness and perceived effectivity have the highest acceptance scores, while halal knowledge and information, religious behavior, individual background, and personal and social aims have the lowest scores. All acceptance indicators meet the criteria of a good fit model, with system indicators having a greater impact. Acceptance is based not only on theological–religious considerations but also on pragmatic considerations related to business operations.

This study has several limitations that should be considered. First, the topics and variables studied are focused only on the dimensions of acceptance of the halal certification policy. It would be more comprehensive if integrated with other variables in correlational and implicative studies. Second, the measurement model used in this study is modified from the policy acceptance model, which focuses on normative and systemic aspects of the policy without considering theological values of the halal certification policy. A more complex model is required to measure the acceptance of a comprehensive halal certification policy that considers both normative and theological aspects.

The implications of this study are as follows: First, the implementation of the halal certification policy must take into account the various indicators of policy acceptance, particularly from the business actors who are responsible for implementing the policy. Second, the implementation of the halal certification policy must also take into account the heterogeneous characteristics of the business actors. Third, the certification policy should focus on two critical indicators, namely, halal awareness and the perceived effectivity of policy implementation, which can be reinforced by other indicators.

The results of this study confirm that the government must take into account the response of business actors to ensure the effectiveness of implementing the halal certification policy. The government can take an important step in this regard by conducting a survey of business actors who have participated in the halal certification program to understand the benefits and satisfaction they receive from the policy and identify the factors that hinder them from accepting the halal certification policy.

This study highlights the response of SME actors regarding the acceptance of the halal certification policy. This study provides a new perspective regarding the acceptance of SMEs toward halal certification policies that are important for future implementation.

The number of open access repositories (OARs) has been growing globally, but faculty members have been reluctant to embrace OAR and submit their work. While there are studies that looked at sociotechnical factors that affect faculty participation in OARs, this study aims to explore how the individual characteristics of faculty might impact faculty willingness to deposit their work in an OAR.

The survey was distributed to all faculty at a large public university in the USA who were identified as having their primary job responsibilities in teaching and research. This study used a correlational analysis between faculty individual characteristics (i.e. age, rank, status and academic discipline) and their willingness to deposit their work.

The findings show that there is a difference in faculty familiarity with open access (OA) principles and faculty awareness of OA policy based on individual characteristics. Furthermore, these individual characteristics have a significant impact on faculty willingness to participate in OARs. While this study reveals a significant correlation between the faculty intent to deposit and the respondent’s academic discipline, rank and status, there are other factors that affect faculty intent to participate in OAR, such as familiarity with OA principles and awareness of institution’s OA Policy.

There were no significant responses from the Colleges of Science or Health and Public Service and, therefore, did not yield any statistically significant results. Measuring the university’s promotion system was outside the scope of this research.

Results of this research can provide insight on how individual characteristics of faculty might impact their willingness to embrace OA publishing in general and OARs in particular.

The findings from this research will be a valuable source of information for librarians and OA staff in developing more effective outreach programs to increase faculty participation in OA and OARs.

This study reveals that individual faculty traits do have an impact on faculty willingness to participate in OARs. The academic discipline was found to make the most significant difference in faculty intent to deposit their work in an OAR. However, due to the ever-changing landscape of OA publishing and the ongoing outreach efforts by librarians, the faculty members’ perception and participation in OARs is likely to evolve.

In the wake of labor shortages in the retail industry, there is value in highlighting a business case for employing neurodivergent individuals. Drawing on signaling theory, this study explores whether perceived neurodiversity management (neurodiversity policies and adjustments) helps enhance neurodiversity awareness and affective commitment and whether affective commitment leads to lower turnover intention.

A cursory content analysis of publicly available documents of randomly selected four retail organizations was undertaken, which was followed by an online survey of the Australian retail workforce, leading to 502 responses from supervisors and employees.

The content analysis shows that retail organizations barely acknowledge neurodiversity. The findings of the main study indicate that neurodiversity policies are positively associated with both neurodiversity awareness and affective commitment, while adjustments were positively linked to affective commitment. Moreover, affective commitment was negatively associated with turnover intention. Affective commitment also mediated the negative effects of neurodiversity policies and adjustments on turnover intention.

This study supports, extends and refines signaling theory and social exchange theory. It addresses knowledge gaps about the perceptions of co-workers and supervisors in regard to neurodiversity management. It provides unprecedented evidence for a business case for the positive attitudinal outcomes of neurodiversity policies and adjustments. The findings can help managers manage neurodiversity for positive attitudinal outcomes.

This study aims to investigate the potential influence of organisational responses to conflicting institutional demands towards barriers to environmental performance (EP) monitoring of government green procurement (GGP) in Malaysia.

The paper used a qualitative methodology based on a single case study involving policymakers, procurement officials and a monitoring authority. The study data were analysed drawing on the perspectives of organisational responses to conflicting institutional demands.

The three key challenges that hindered EP monitoring of GGP in Malaysia were policy irregularities, knowledge asymmetry and communication gaps. These challenges are likely the consequences of the acquiescence, avoidance, compromise and defiance strategies commonly used in dealing with the institutional complexity faced in Malaysia’s public policy arena.

The government, at various institutional levels, may benefit from the theoretical and empirical findings of the case study. Knowledge of barriers can facilitate the policymakers in designing the monitoring process meticulously. Meanwhile, awareness of the influence of organisational responses to institutional complexity on GGP barriers can help redefine field actors’ interests and values in improving policy monitoring. In addition, reporting of the monitored EP bridges the institutional gaps between the macro-state level and the micro-organisational level of GGP, besides increasing the government’s transparency and accountability regarding green procurement.

Fewer challenges in the EP monitoring system contribute to an improved GGP policy. In turn, an improved policy may enhance public health and reduce environmental degradation.

The study contributes to the GGP monitoring and institutional theory by showing that barriers to EP monitoring culminate from the organisational response to the institutional demands faced in the policy environment. The authors argue that this is one of the few studies that have examined the barriers to EP monitoring of public policy explicated in the context of organisational responses to institutional demands.

This study aims to investigate the factors determining the readiness for uptake of open data (OD) in Tanzania. Specifically, this study intended to answer the question that sought to find out the factors that influence the implementation of OD in universities under study in a view to aligning with recommended strategies for optimizing the use of data in the open science era.

This study used a cross-sectional survey design whereby data were collected using quantitative and qualitative research approaches. A sample size of 212 respondents was drawn from the sampling frame of a population of 1,846 researchers from the participating universities using both probability and nonprobability sampling techniques. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from researchers while interviews were administered to decision-makers. These two groups were believed to have the necessary knowledge for this study.

The findings indicate low or lack of skills and awareness on issues related to OD among researchers and decision-makers. This study also reveals inadequate infrastructure to support open science initiatives including OD. Moreover, this study shows a lack of supportive institutional strategies and policies that trigger the implementation of OD initiatives in Tanzania. This study recommends that universities should uplift the level of confidence of researchers by ensuring all necessary factors determining the uptake of OD are in place before and during the implementation of OD initiatives.

This study was conducted during the time when researchers in universities are in an infant stage of adopting the concept from the developed world. In this regard, it is important to carry out a tracer study on establishing the OD phenomena after a number of universities have implemented OD initiatives in the country.

The researchers recommend the establishment of institutional policy and strategies to guide the implementation of OD among universities in Tanzania. Including awareness creation awareness through providing training among researchers and academics in universities. The results shed light to decision-makers on the understanding of the role of sharing research data in enhancing openness and validation of findings to increase the authenticity of results among researchers.

The authors have revealed the factors affecting the implementation of OD among scholars in universities. This study reveals the level of acceptance of OD initiatives and the factors that could trigger adoption of OD.

This paper presents factors that determine the readiness for the uptake of OD in universities in Tanzania from the researcher’s perspective. This study was conducted to fill the knowledge gap that sought to establish understanding of researchers about OD. The gap was established through literature and it was found that none of the presented studies researched on this phenomenon in Tanzania.

Information security (InfoSec) policy violations are of great concern to all organisations worldwide, especially in the financial industry. Although the importance of InfoSec policy has been highlighted for many decades, InfoSec breaches still occur due to a low level of employee compliance and a lack of engagement and competence in high-level management. However, previous studies have primarily investigated the behavioural aspects of InfoSec policy compliance at the individual level rather than the managerial factors involved in constructing InfoSec policy and developing its effectiveness. Thus, drawing on neo-institutional theory and a transformational leadership framework, this research investigated the influence of external mechanisms and transformational leadership on InfoSec policy effectiveness.

The research model was implemented using field survey data from professional managers in the financial sector.

The results reported that neo-institutional mechanisms and transformational leadership shape InfoSec policy effectiveness in an organisation.

This study broadens current InfoSec policy research from an individual level to a managerial perspective and enhances the existing literature on neo-institutional and transformational leadership in the context of InfoSec. It highlights the need to evaluate InfoSec policy based on external factors and to support transformational leadership styles that promote InfoSec policy enforcement and effectiveness.

A research line has emerged that is concerned with investigating human factors in information systems and cyber-security in organizations using various behavioural and socio-cognitive theories. This study aims to explore human and contextual factors influencing cyber security behaviour in organizations while drawing implications for cyber-security in higher education institutions.

A systematic literature review has been implemented. The reviewed studies have revealed various human and contextual factors that influence cyber-security behaviour in organizations, notably higher education institutions.

This review study offers practical implications for constructing and keeping a robust cyber-security organizational culture in higher education institutions for the sustainable development goals of cyber-security training and education.

The value of the current review arises in that it presents a comprehensive account of human factors affecting cyber-security in organizations, a topic that is rarely investigated in previous related literature. Furthermore, the current review sheds light on cyber-security in higher education from the weakest link perspective. Simultaneously, the study contributes to relevant literature by gaining insight into human factors and socio-technological controls related to cyber-security in higher education institutions.

The adoption of green building concepts and practices is rapidly gaining momentum globally due to their tendency to mitigate adverse effects of construction activities on the environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the challenges and benefits of implementing green building development in Nigeria.

Primary data were collected from questionnaires administered to 122 participants selected using stratified sampling techniques in North-East Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews complemented survey findings with proposed solutions. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics to identify the benefits and challenges, while thematic analysis was used to identify effective measures to the challenges of green building.

Results show that “conservation of natural resources”, “reducing maintenance” and “heightened aesthetic” were rated higher as environmental, economic and social benefits, and thus were significant to green building development. The study revealed “economic issues”, “government issues” and “absence of standard assessment system” were the key factors as internal, external and general challenges to green building. Most practical solutions were related broadly to policy, awareness and support as measures to challenges of green building development.

The study is imperative to bridge the knowledge gaps and provide empirical information for green building policy guidelines specific to North-East Nigeria’s built environment sector. The understanding of policy implications will assist in building regulatory and monitoring agencies in developing new internal management policies to inform the public and investors about the effects of green building development.