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Article
Publication date: 20 April 2023

Mudaser Ahad Bhat and Mirza Nazrana Beg

This paper documents a robust empirical regularity: higher trade openness is associated with a lower unemployment rate. This paper also examines whether or not the effects of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper documents a robust empirical regularity: higher trade openness is associated with a lower unemployment rate. This paper also examines whether or not the effects of trade liberalisation depend on countries' income levels. Further, the dynamic causation between trade openness and unemployment is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to obtain insight into the openness–unemployment nexus, following empirical methods were utilised - static panel models, dynamic panel models and a novel panel Granger causality approach proposed by Juodis et al. (2021).

Findings

Results suggest that openness negatively affects unemployment; the extent to which trade liberalisation affects unemployment depends on the income level of each country. The Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis (JKS) test confirmed that the past values of trade openness, inflation, foreign direct investment and gross domestic product per capita contain information that helps to predict unemployment in a more robust manner. To simply put, opening upto trade may eventually become a requirement for creating more job opportunities, but this alone may not be enough. The extent to which nations benefit from trade liberalisation is largely dependent on the overall economic conditions and their capability to move up the income scale.

Originality/value

A major difference between this study and those performed previously is that this study does not only examine the impact of trade openness on unemployment, but also investigates whether the unemployment effect of liberalisation is affected by countries' income levels – an issue that has received little attention in the past. Additionally, the unique panel non-causality approach put forth by Juodis et al. (2021) is used in the first instance to look into the causal link between trade openness and unemployment. This method has advantages in that the method enables capturing Granger-causality in homogeneous or heterogeneous panels amongst multiple variables.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 50 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2023

Shobhana Sikhawal

This study examines the non-linear impact of financial development on income inequality and analyses the mediators through which financial development affects income inequality.

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the non-linear impact of financial development on income inequality and analyses the mediators through which financial development affects income inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a dynamic panel threshold method with an endogeneous threshold variable on a comprehensive sample of 85 countries over the period of 1996-2015.

Findings

The author finds that financial development activities increase income inequality in developed countries. However, financial development promotes income equality in developing countries. Further, the study finds that education and institutional quality are the channels through which financial development has non-linear impacts on income inequality.

Originality/value

The study explores relatively new method to examine the nonlinear impact of financial development and also considers new dataset for the main explanatory variable.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 May 2022

Shailesh Rastogi and Jagjeevan Kanoujiya

The purpose of the study is to explore the association of disclosures for the performance of banks in India.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore the association of disclosures for the performance of banks in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data analysis (utilising static and dynamic models) is applied on the data of 34 Indian banks (for time-frame 2015–2019) to explore the association of disclosures (as transparency and disclosure index) with the performance of banks (as profitability, risk-taking and technical efficiency (TE)). The regulation, competition and ownership concentration variables are taken as control variables.

Findings

None of the banks' performance measures applied in the study is significantly associated with the disclosures. This situation implies that disclosures do not impact the performance of the banks in India. The reason is that disclosures and performance are two different activities that aim at different purposes.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not provide output for the association between disclosures and the value of the banks and confines itself to explore the association between disclosures and performance of the banks only. This limitation can be the future scope of the study.

Originality/value

There is no other study that solely focuses on exploring the association of disclosures with the performance of the banks. Disclosure has more significant importance in banks because of the inherent nature of opaqueness in banking operations. Therefore, the current study's findings have substantial implications for policymakers, managers and investors of the banks.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2022

Nidhi Agarwala, Ritu Pareek and Tarak Nath Sahu

The study aims to explore and establish the relationship that exists between board independence and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of Indian firms.

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to explore and establish the relationship that exists between board independence and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of Indian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 76 non-financial companies listed on the National Stock Exchange has been considered for a period of seven years (from 2013 to 2019). The study has used several statistical tools such as the static panel data model and the Arellano–Bond dynamic panel data model based on generalized method of moments approach.

Findings

The results of the analysis have indicated board independence to have a significant positive relationship with the firms’ CSR performance. However, board size and number of board meetings have been found to have a negative relationship with CSR. Further, outcomes have also revealed that variables such as companies’ size and liquidity have a positive effect on the extent of CSR activities performed.

Practical implications

The firms which have the intention to engage in impactful CSR activities should support the independent directors’ participation in companies’ boards. The study’s findings suggest the companies to appoint independent directors strategically, keeping in mind the requirements of their board. Also, the independent directors selected should be independent in true sense, i.e. they should not be acquaintances of the company’s chief executive officer. This would ensure unbiased decision-making and would enhance the company’s CSR performance.

Originality/value

In India, CSR has gained great importance. So much so that it was made mandatory by the Companies Act, 2013. However, research studies that may assist in understanding the influence of board independence on Indian firms’ CSR performance are still scarce. The present study would foster value to the existing set of limited literature. Besides, the study has considered the dynamic nature of the relationship and has also controlled the endogeneity bias which has been examined by few studies in the past.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 19 July 2023

Debabrata Mukhopadhyay and Dipankar Das

Adoption of digital technology at different levels of economic activity is an important indicator of development. Countries are adopting digital technology at business and…

Abstract

Adoption of digital technology at different levels of economic activity is an important indicator of development. Countries are adopting digital technology at business and government levels to increase efficiency and accountability of service delivery to appropriate user groups. Many countries are using digital technology in banking, education, and many other sectors and recasting the relationship among customers, workers, and employers. The digital transformation progressively changes productivity across all sectors and industries. The empirical investigation shows that mainly the role of per capita income (state of living) and supply-side factors explain cross-country variations in Digital Adoption Index (DAI) in business using a static panel data model with fixed effect (FE) approach for 169 countries over the period 2014–2016. In this context, this study makes an attempt to understand the state of digital adoption in business across 169 countries in 2016 using World Bank data. The empirical results state that only major variable like labour force are positively and statistically significant with DAI across the countries. Although there are caveats that the International Monetary Fund has made about the digital economy, they state that we should think carefully about how to devise policies that will allow us to fully exploit the digital revolution’s benefits while minimizing job dislocation.

Details

Inclusive Developments Through Socio-economic Indicators: New Theoretical and Empirical Insights
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-554-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2023

Liton Chandra Voumik, Shohel Md. Nafi, Shapan Chandra Majumder and Md. Azharul Islam

This study aims to explore the relationship between tourism and women’s employment in 32 South American and Caribbean countries from 1996 to 2020.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between tourism and women’s employment in 32 South American and Caribbean countries from 1996 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, both static (fixed effects and random effects) and dynamic panel data models (system and differenced generalized method of moments) are used. In addition to gross domestic product, trade, education and urban population are also considered in this study.

Findings

According to the findings, a boost in tourism led to an increase in women’s engagement in the economy and service sectors. This paper also explores the efficiency of alternate methods to deal with various models of women labor force (WLF) involvement in various sectors. Women’s employment opportunities in the service sector expand as a result of tourism, but in the agricultural and industrial sectors, that employment opportunity is reduced.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigated the impact of tourism on WLF participation and found that it had a significant impact. This study, on the other hand, specifically contributed to the tourism sector in some specific study areas, such as tourism and agriculture, service and industry sectors. This study also displays that female participation in South America and the Caribbean countries is increasing and women are shifting away from traditional economic sectors.

Originality/value

This is the pioneering study to discover tourism and female participation in employment in South American and Caribbean countries. The findings of this study have important implications for future studies and policy debates examining the consequence of the tourism industry on WLF.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 35 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2021

Airil Khalid and Zamri Ahmad

This study aims to observe the extent of asset diversification benefits in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-5 market by examining the effect of financial…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to observe the extent of asset diversification benefits in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-5 market by examining the effect of financial integration (FI) and financial development (FD) on domestic stock–bond co-movements, SBcorr.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic conditional correlation - multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (DCC-MGARCH) technique is adopted to construct FI and stock−bond co-movement variables. Then, the study uses static panel data analysis to examine the effect of FI on stock−bond co-movements.

Findings

FI does not provide asset diversification benefits due to high country risks in ASEAN-5. However, when FI is moderated by FD, FI × FD, the study shows that FI × FD provides higher asset diversification benefits in ASEAN-5.

Originality/value

This study shows the importance of incorporating the level of FD when assessing the effect of FI on stock–bond co-movements in ASEAN-5. In the presence of FI, a well-diversified investor should always consider the state of FD, which will show a better representation of asset diversification strategy in the emerging markets. Additionally, policymakers of ASEAN-5 countries should prioritise enhancing their financial system to attract more investment into the countries.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2021

Abdullah Bugshan, Walid Bakry and Yongqing Li

This study examines the impact of oil price volatility on firm profitability. As Shariah-compliant firms operate under restrictions, the study also explores whether oil price…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the impact of oil price volatility on firm profitability. As Shariah-compliant firms operate under restrictions, the study also explores whether oil price volatility affects Shariah-compliant firms differently from their non-Shariah-compliant counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample includes all non-financial firms listed on Gulf Cooperation Council stock exchanges from 2005 to 2019. In evaluating the oil price volatility–profitability relationship, static (panel fixed effects) and dynamic (system generalised method of moments) models were used.

Findings

Oil price volatility significantly depresses firm profitability. In addition, Shariah-compliant firms are more significantly affected by oil price volatility than their non-Shariah-compliant peers. The results suggest that high oil price volatility exposes Shariah-compliant firms to higher bankruptcy risk than non-Shariah-compliant firms and that positive and negative oil price shocks have asymmetric effects on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the paper call for more economic diversification by supporting non-oil sectors in the region and raise the need for more development of Islam-compliant products that compete with traditional instruments to help Shariah-compliant firms cope with uncertainty. Moreover, managers need to prepare quick alert and response procedures to reduce the negative impacts of oil price volatility on profitability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the relationship between oil price volatility and profitability of non-financial firms. Further, the study extends prior Islamic corporate finance literature by enhancing the understanding of how Islamic corporate decisions affect firm performance during instability.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2023

Mahfooz Alam, Shakeb Akhtar and Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Faryan

This paper aims to investigate the role of corporate governance on the bank profitability of Indian banks vis-à-vis South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of corporate governance on the bank profitability of Indian banks vis-à-vis South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations.

Design/methodology/approach

For the Corporate Governance Index, the authors examined board accountability, transparency and disclosure and audit committee, while Tobin’s Q, return on equity and return on assets are used to measure the bank’s profitability. The study used a two-stage analysis based on balanced panel data for robust findings. Sample of this study consists of 60 commercial banks from India and 60 banks from SAARC nations for the period of 2009–2021. This study used panel regression and a generalized method of moment approach using the CAMELS framework on banking industry-specific variables to determine their respective impacts.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that board accountability is positive and significantly affects the profitability of banks as indicated by return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q. In contrast, the audit committee has a positive and insignificant impact on return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q, while transparency and disclosure have a negative and significant impact on these metrics. Furthermore, the country dummy result shows a significant positive impact on all the bank performance parameters, implying that Indian banks have the highest degree of convergence with corporate governance as compared to other SAARC nations.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides insight to the regulators, policymakers and financial institutions to evaluate the role of corporate governance in emerging economies. However, the findings of the study should be interpreted with caution, as the results are sensitive to the disparity between India and other SAARC nations' government policies, climatic circumstances and cultural or religious traditions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to gauge the performance of Indian banks vis-à-vis SAARC nations using the CAMELS framework approach. Further, findings of this study suggest some novel evidence tying corporate governance quality with the profitability of banks among SAARC nations.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 February 2023

Hazera-Tun- Nessa and Katsushi S. Imai

Existence of working poverty reduces the effectiveness of the strategy of “increasing employment to reduce poverty”. Developed countries are already concerned about it but…

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Abstract

Purpose

Existence of working poverty reduces the effectiveness of the strategy of “increasing employment to reduce poverty”. Developed countries are already concerned about it but insufficient attention has been made by developing countries. Focusing on developing countries this study identifies (1) the effects of trade openness (TO) on working poverty and (2) whether the working poverty trap exists or not in developing countries. Both objectives are also analyzed for three subsamples of low income, lower-middle income and upper-middle income developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data for 98 developing countries over the period of 2000–2016 have been collected for the study. Fixed effect and GMM methods are applied for static and dynamic analysis, respectively.

Findings

The study finds that TO significantly reduces working poverty rate (WPR) (mainly driven up by upper-middle income developing countries). The positive association between WPR with its previous year's rate proves the existence of working poverty trap.

Research limitations/implications

The study's outcome is subject to selected time, countries and methods. Future research should use more improve methods and should identify the channels through which TO could affect working poverty.

Practical implications

Middle income and upper-middle income developing countries should increase TO to reduce the working poverty. Low income developing countries that have the highest working poverty should search the way to derive beneficial effects of trade on working poverty.

Social implications

Working poverty is not only a developed country issue rather it is a global phenomenon. Hence, it is expected that the study will raise the social consciousness about this phenomenon in developing countries too.

Originality/value

The study fulfills the gaps of identifying the effects of TO on working poverty and existence of in-work poverty trap in developing countries.

Details

International Trade, Politics and Development, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2586-3932

Keywords

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