Search results

1 – 10 of 14
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 July 2024

S. Sri Sakuntala, Srinivas Sarakanam, Avinash Dhavan, Rashi Taggar and Garima Kohli

The paper examines the recent trends in information technology for combating corruption and its impact on the Indian economy. It further explores how technology is being used to…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper examines the recent trends in information technology for combating corruption and its impact on the Indian economy. It further explores how technology is being used to tackle corruption in India and the resulting economic benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology encompasses qualitative analysis to investigate corruption comprehensively. It involves content analysis of corruption-related documents, case studies, and expert interviews. Recent information technological advancements are explored, including blockchain and AI, for their anti-corruption potential.

Findings

This study reveals that the negative impacts of corruption on society include reduced economic growth, weakened institutions, and decreased public trust in government. Various technological advancements such as e-governance, blockchain, AI, and big data analytics have been implemented to enhance transparency and accountability in government processes. Special cases and examples of application of such technology tools and techniques adopted by the organizations to control corruption are discussed.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the need for legal reforms, institutional strengthening, and awareness-raising campaigns to complement technological advancements in the fight against corruption.

Details

Public Administration and Policy, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1727-2645

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2024

Bhavna Mahadew

The purpose of this paper is to bring clarity to the concept of piercing the veil of incorporation in Mauritius. This will allow students, researchers, academics and practitioners…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bring clarity to the concept of piercing the veil of incorporation in Mauritius. This will allow students, researchers, academics and practitioners to engage further in research on the topic of incorporation of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct the study, the doctrinal legal research approach will be used. The inquiry will examine the numerous laws and case laws that permit the lifting of the corporate veil, so exposing the agents of the corporation to accountability on both a criminal and civil level. A comparison of Mauritius and the UK legal systems will be conducted to assess the efficacy of the former.

Findings

There are significant loopholes in the legislative framework of Mauritius regarding various corporate offences that are highly encouraged because of the limited circumstances under which courts may lift the corporate veil. There is a need for specific legislation to be enacted by Parliament to address these specific offences. Inspiration should be drawn from the UK’s robust legislative framework on the matter.

Originality/value

Literature on the subject in Mauritius deals mostly with factual information on the doctrine of separate legal personality and the various exceptions under which the veil of incorporation may be lifted. However, there is a scarcity of research on the various fraudulent activities and their implications on the company that go unnoticed and unpunished because of loopholes in the legal framework. This paper attempts to fill this important gap.

Details

International Journal of Law and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-243X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2024

Maria Ilieva

This study aims to build on the well-documented case of the Olympus scandal to dissect how social networks and corporate culture enabled corporate elites to commit fraud across…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to build on the well-documented case of the Olympus scandal to dissect how social networks and corporate culture enabled corporate elites to commit fraud across multiple generations of leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

A flexible pattern matching approach was used to identify matches and mismatches between behavioural theory in corporate governance and the patterns observed in data from diverse sources.

Findings

The study applies the behavioural theory of corporate governance from different perspectives. Social networks and relationships were essential for the execution of the fraud and keeping it secret. The group of corporate elites actively created opportunities for committing misappropriation. This research presents individuals committing embezzlement because the opportunity already exists, and they can enrich themselves. The group of insiders who committed the fraud elaborated the rationalizations to others and asked outside associates to help rationalise the activities, while usually individuals provide rationalizations to themselves only.

Practical implications

The social processes among actors described in this case can inform the design of mechanisms to detect these behaviours in similar contexts.

Originality/value

This study provides both perspectives on the fraud scandal: the one of the whistle-blowers, and the opposing side of the transgressors and their associates. The extant case studies on Olympus presented the timeframe of the scandal right after the exposure. The current study dissects the events during the fraud execution and presents the case in a neutral or a negative light.

Details

Critical Perspectives on International Business, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-2043

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2023

Rajyalakshmi Kandukuri

Stockbrokers’ frauds in India frequently occur, causing investors significant financial loss. This study aims to unfold the various dubious practices adopted by stock brokers in…

Abstract

Purpose

Stockbrokers’ frauds in India frequently occur, causing investors significant financial loss. This study aims to unfold the various dubious practices adopted by stock brokers in the recent past to defraud investors and the necessary corrective regulations passed by the market regulator to prevent and detect fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct exploratory research using a collective model of literature review, case studies and regulatory changes.

Findings

The authors find tightening the system’s loopholes and strengthening the regulatory system using technology helps in the early detection and prevention of fraud. Media activism and investors’ awareness play a role in reducing incidences of fraud.

Research limitations/implications

This study unfolds the practices followed by stock brokers to defraud investors, indicative of regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses. Regulators are evolving a robust system to curb these practices and make them on par with international standards. But, it has a long way to go.

Practical implications

Robust fraud detection and prevention mechanism is desirable to restore investors’ confidence in the stock market. Regulators should focus on investors’ protection and education and whistleblowers’ protection. Compared to the market regulators worldwide, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has less power to identify, detect and punish fraudulent brokers and needs to be empowered.

Social implications

Besides the regulatory changes, strict enforcement and investor campaigns are required to increase public awareness and restore trust in the stock market to combat the recurrence of fraud.

Originality/value

This paper can be helpful to regulators, investors and financial intermediaries like stock brokers and aid in strengthening the reliability of capital markets and restoring investors’ confidence.

Article
Publication date: 21 April 2022

Hani El-Chaarani and Zouhour El-Abiad

The purpose of this research is to reveal the impact of public legal protection on the efficiency of internal corporate governance in banks. In addition, this research proposes a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to reveal the impact of public legal protection on the efficiency of internal corporate governance in banks. In addition, this research proposes a new corporate governance index that could be employed by the banking sector to evaluate the performance of their internal corporate governance mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Orbis database, annual reports and direct questionnaire are used to collect corporate governance data of 127 banks from 14 countries during 2020. The Mann–Whitney U-test is employed to compare the efficiency of corporate governance mechanisms based on three subsamples of countries having different legal protection levels (weak, middle and strong).

Findings

This research suggests a new corporate governance index for banks based on seven constructs and 62 variables. This new non-parametric index could be used by bankers to improve the monitoring process and enhance the overall performance of banking. The results of this research show that the existence of a strong public legal protection environment within a specific country enhances the efficiency of corporate governance mechanisms in the banking sector and thus, leads to improve the protection of shareholders, depositors and other relevant stakeholders. However, in countries that are characterized by weak legal protection level, the efficiency of corporate governance mechanisms is very low and there are possibilities of entrenchment, expropriation and extraction of private benefits. These findings could be interpreted within the prediction of agency, moral hazard, asymmetric information, political and entrenchment theories.

Originality/value

This research paper provides information that bankers and other relevant stakeholders in the banking sector working in MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) and European countries. A strong public legal protection level could improve the efficiency of internal corporate governance mechanisms within banks.

Details

Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2054-6238

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 August 2024

Aliyu Abubakar Lawan and Pekka Henttonen

This study aims to investigate the specific difficulties involved in implementing electronic recordkeeping for anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria. It recognises the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the specific difficulties involved in implementing electronic recordkeeping for anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria. It recognises the importance of technological advancements in such investigations and the need for efficient, internationally recognised services, especially in a country where manual processes are prevalent.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative, exploratory case study approach. Data were gathered through interviews with 15 anti-corruption investigators in Nigeria in the year 2020 and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

This study identified two main challenges: resistance to adopting technological change and indifference towards information technology.

Originality/value

This study highlights the transformative potential of technology, specifically cloud computing and forensic technology, in an investigative context. By intentionally integrating technology, existing deficiencies can be addressed, investigative processes can be streamlined and a culture of accountability can be cultivated. It contributes to ongoing discussions and emphasises the capacity of technology to drive significant transformation in the pursuit of integrity and justice.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Tatyana Gibbs

This study aims to conceptualize the UAE’s whistleblowing model by reviewing recent legislative updates directed toward removing potential legal deterrents, introducing legal…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conceptualize the UAE’s whistleblowing model by reviewing recent legislative updates directed toward removing potential legal deterrents, introducing legal protection and establishing numerous external whistleblowing channels. The study surveys these initiatives through the prism of the country’s unique socio-economic and judicial environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a conceptual approach to probe the potential impact of the UAE’s legislative initiatives on the country’s whistleblowing regime by connecting the demographic data, the UAE’s legal and regulatory frameworks, academic literature and media reports.

Findings

Recent legislative updates to the UAE whistleblowing regime are geared toward removal of potential legal deterrents, introduction of legal protection and establishment of external whistleblowing channels for reporting. These constitute the conceptual model of the UAE’s whistleblowing strategy, which is broad in scope and application yet may appear fragmented.

Originality/value

The study merges a comprehensive review of legislative initiatives and regulatory framework with academic literature to conceptualize the UAE’s whistleblowing model.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Jiping Niu, Salih Zeki Ozdemir and Young Un Kim

The timeliness and quality of information provided to board members are crucial for them to effectively monitor and advise a firm. This study examines the influence of board…

Abstract

Purpose

The timeliness and quality of information provided to board members are crucial for them to effectively monitor and advise a firm. This study examines the influence of board composition and structure on (1) the board’s actions to mitigate the information asymmetry problem by implementing enterprise information systems (EIS) and (2) the board of directors’ awareness of information asymmetry, their perception of its causes and their efforts to address it.

Design/methodology/approach

Our research employs a mixed-methods approach. First, using data from 115 publicly listed Chinese companies, we empirically assess the likelihood of top-level EIS modules adoption at the firm level. Subsequently, through 23 semi-structured interviews, we aim to gain deeper insights into the behavioral motivations behind directors’ attempts to reduce information asymmetry.

Findings

The study reveals that boards with a higher number of independent directors or with a strategy committee – indicative of a greater concern regarding information asymmetry problems – are more inclined to adopt top-level EIS modules. Additionally, we identify three primary sources of information asymmetry that directors consider significant in prompting the adoption of top-level EIS modules to alleviate perceived information asymmetry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to both the corporate governance and information systems literature. The implementation and utilization of EIS at the board level have not been extensively explored previously. Moreover, while the issue of information asymmetry at the board level is recognized as a critical governance challenge, the ways in which directors perceive and address this issue remain largely unknown. Our research seeks to illuminate this relatively less-explored area.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2024

Meysam Manesh, Assad Tavakoli, Adebukola E. Oyewunmi and Soma Pillay

This paper aims to understand employees’ propensity to blow the whistle in two East African countries. This study develops a model of ethical decision-making (EDM) to assist…

145

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to understand employees’ propensity to blow the whistle in two East African countries. This study develops a model of ethical decision-making (EDM) to assist management in predicting the probability of whistleblowing in Kenya and Uganda. It also seeks to find the moderating effect of perceived retaliation on whistleblowing intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study administers a standardized questionnaire to employees in Kenya and Uganda to measure their perceptions about whistleblowing in their organizations. This study uses partial least square structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. This study uses four constructs, namely, awareness, judgment, retaliation and likelihood, of blowing the whistle. These constructs are measured with multiple-item scales.

Findings

The results show that ethical awareness and judgment significantly increase willingness to engage in whistleblowing in East Africa. However, this study does not find a significant retaliation effect on whistleblowing intention. Instead, this study finds that awareness and judgment mediate between retaliation and willingness to engage in whistleblowing.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to EDM topics. It advances the understanding of the whistleblowing concept, the retaliation effect and the reasons to encourage blowing the whistle in Africa. However, this study did not consider cultural factors, such as nationality, patriotism and ethnicity. Moreover, the results are only based on data from Uganda and Kenya and may not apply to other sub-Saharan nations.

Practical implications

These findings are particularly significant for managers and policymakers in East Africa, where fear of retaliation and lack of awareness are the main barriers to whistleblowing. The results may help managers develop human resource practices to include policies to support moral behavior. It may also provide insights to the policymakers to understand the factors that facilitate whistleblowing practices and help them to adopt new strategies or policies to stimulate whistleblowing culture.

Originality/value

This study is one of the initial empirical studies in the East Africa context to explore the EDM predictors and the impact of retaliation on the whistleblowing intention.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2024

Graeme Newell and Muhammad Jufri Marzuki

ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) has taken on increased importance in recent years for all stakeholders, with the S dimension now taking on a stronger focus in the real…

Abstract

Purpose

ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) has taken on increased importance in recent years for all stakeholders, with the S dimension now taking on a stronger focus in the real estate space. This paper proposes a new metric to be used in the S space to assess improvements in aspects such as gender equality and cultural diversity in real estate. It adds to the S metrics currently available to see the more effective delivery of the S dimension into real estate investment decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

A new S metric in ESG is proposed and validated. Using this metric, examples regarding gender equality and cultural diversity are assessed among leading real estate players in Australia. This S metric is assessed over a number of time periods to demonstrate the improvements in gender equality and cultural diversity in these major real estate players.

Findings

This new S metric is seen to be highly effective and robust in capturing the changes in various aspects of the S dimension in ESG in the real estate space today; particularly concerning gender equality and cultural diversity. It is clearly able to demonstrate the significant changes in increased participation of women at the more senior leadership levels by leading players in the real estate space.

Practical implications

With ESG becoming a critical issue in the real estate sector, issues involved in the S space will take on increased significance going forward. This is critical, as the elements of the S dimension such as gender equality and cultural diversity are important aspects for an effectively functioning real estate industry. The S metric developed in this paper can be used for benchmarking purposes over time, as well as between real estate players, between sub-sections within a real estate organisation, and comparing against other industry sectors. It is also relevant in all organisations, and is not just limited to the real estate sector. Additional metrics in the S space are an important development to further empirically assess the effective delivery of the S dimension of ESG in the real estate sector and more broadly.

Originality/value

This paper specifically proposes this new S metric in ESG in the real estate industry. This is a key issue for the real estate industry going forward at all levels, as it will facilitate a more diverse real estate industry and more effective real estate investment decision-making. This S metric is applicable in all organisational sectors where the S dimension of ESG is important.

Details

Journal of Property Investment & Finance, vol. 42 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-578X

Keywords

1 – 10 of 14