Demystifying postgraduate research delays: perceptions of graduate students in a selected public university

The primary purpose of this paper is to illustrate the significance of several underlying theories of organizational sustainability from a motivational perspective. This paper adopts three theories from three distinct perspectives, including the institutional or organizational perspective, the employee perspective, and the stakeholder perspective, to construct and develop strong relationships among different variables to form a research framework connecting these three perspectives with organizational sustainability. The study then suggested a conceptual model for organizational sustainability based on three theories: the institutional theory (IT), the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) theory, and the stakeholder theory (ST). Several theoretical perspectives of organizational sustainability, including IT, AMO theory, and ST perspectives of sustainability concerns, were used to explore and determine the motivational viewpoint of these theories. This study began with a review of multiple studies and an analysis of the numerous ideas driving organizational sustainability. After that, the examined studies were appraised for their evidence and inadequacies. This paper included environmental, social, and economic aspects in one comprehensive review and focused on recent studies based on IT, AMO theory, and ST from a motivational perspective. Previous organizational sustainability reviews of several theories in different sectors or industries were primarily based on resource base view theory, resource dependency theory, social exchange theory, dynamic capability theory, and so on. This study examined current changes in IT, AMO theory, and ST theory from a motivational viewpoint. Additionally, the development of organizational sustainability in the industrial arena was addressed. This paper may be used as a guide for different stakeholders, especially practitioners and policymakers so that they can set up their strategies, action plans, and policies in a way that will ensure the sustainability of their organizations.

While improving wellbeing is a prominent policy goal, political analysis of wellbeing is a vital but to date under-researched sub-field. This article is focused on the politics surrounding concern about the wellbeing of postgraduate researchers (PGRs) at higher education institutions in the UK. There have been several recent policy interventions to support PGR wellbeing within the context of ongoing debate about the status of PGRs, including whether they are students or staff. This article asks how and why PGRs’ status ambiguity affects the policy capacities to support PGR wellbeing. It does this through an analysis of capacities to steer, design and benefit from interventions. It is based on 15 interviews with individuals who had prominent leadership roles in recent ‘flagship’ PGR support projects, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. It shows that while support for PGR wellbeing features prominently in the UK policy context, there appear to be gaps in the effective design and implementation of that support. Specifically, there is evidence of low political capacity at Individual, Organisational and Systemic levels, which leads to significant gaps in operational capacity. These in turn can amplify low political capacity. The article concludes with some implications for a political analysis of wellbeing, consequent policy implications, and some promising lines for future research.

Existing research on the HRM-P link has been unable to establish whether or not an HRM-P `link´ exists. Research reviewers have given factors such as inadequate theory, weak research design, and inappropriate methodology as responsible for the research problem. I argue that at the root of the problem is (a) a lack of theory underpinning research in the area, coupled with (b) a neglect of meta-theory. To overcome this, I integrate theories that may contribute to an explanation of the HRM-P `link´, and a meta-theory that might help gain some methodological clarity apropos data collection and data analysis. I argue for an alternative approach - a Critical Realist approach to solving the problem. Drawing mainly on Institutional approaches (comprising modified versions of Transaction Cost Economics theory, Social Exchange theory, Organisational Support theory, and the Resource-Based view; and Institutional theory) whose components constitute a newly developed integrated theoretical framework, I conduct empirical research to answer two questions, simply put: Is there a HRM-P `link´? ; If yes, what causal mechanisms mediate the link? Based then on a Critical Realist descriptive and interpretive crosssectional qualitative case study research design, survey data was collected by administering questionnaires on and interviewing employees and managers in a case study of three Nigeria-based petroleum companies with service capabilities. Data was analysed using an integration of existing Critical Realist data analysis frameworks with the core elements of a classical Grounded Theory data analysis technique. The empirical research finds that there is a HRM-P `link´, highlighting that human resource practices (HRPs) causally tend to influence organisational financial performance (OFP) and other HR outcomes. The causal mechanisms found operating to establish this `link´ are eight mediating mechanisms combining and interpenetrating one another, stimulating the perceptions and emotions of human actors (starting from employees but also influencing managers and clients). These empirical findings are at variance with extant research which suggests that a system of HR practices (SHRP) influences employees through a single-path influence on their skills and motivation and on organisational structures or through only employees’ perceived organisational support. Contributions to HR management practice and theory and future research directions are also discussed.

Postgraduate research students have a unique position in the debate on integrity in research as students and novice researchers. To assess how far policies for integrity in postgraduate research meet the needs of students as “research trainees,” we reviewed online policies for integrity in postgraduate research at nine particular Australian universities against the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research (the Code) and the five core elements of exemplary academic integrity policy identified by Bretag et al. (2011), i.e., access, approach, responsibility, detail, and support. We found inconsistency with the Code in the definition of research misconduct and a lack of adequate detail and support. Based on our analysis, previous research, and the literature, we propose a framework for policy and support for postgraduate research that encompasses a consistent and educative approach to integrity maintained across the university at all levels of scholarship and for all stakeholders.

Corporate governance (CG) is often split among rule and principle-based methods to regulation in distinctive institutional contexts. Relying on an alternative theoretical framework (i.e. institutional theory), rather than the dominant agency theory, this study conceptualizes corporate governance practices and structures as institutionally resolute and directed and explores the key institutional determinants of good CG practices in an emerging economy. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative methods, this study conducted semi-structured interviews from eight CG professionals, followed by a survey questionnaire (N=105) from PSX listed firms. The study explores the extent to which certain underlying formal and informal institutional determinants, such as the auditing, political, legal, board, shareholders awareness, voting, culture, and values play a determining role in corporate governance. Using exploratory factor analysis, this study identified five major barriers, i.e. firm-level barriers, external barriers, social barriers, education and training barriers and legal barriers which restrain good CG practices in Pakistan. In addition, this study identified four major drivers, i.e. internal drivers, regulatory drivers, motivational drivers and collaborative drivers which can promote good CG practices in Pakistan. The findings of multiple hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the CGI score has a significant positive relationship with both return on assets and return on equity. This study emphasizes the necessity to revisit the foundation of institutional and agency theories in the environment of developing countries.

The Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978 plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s construction industry, particularly in the context of sustainable development. This study investigates the implications of the Land Use Act on sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. The paper examines how the centralization of land ownership, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inconsistencies in policy implementation have hindered the adoption of eco-friendly building practices. Conversely, it also explores the potential of the Act to support sustainability through provisions like Environmental Impact Assessments and the possibility for localized green initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The qualitative component involved a review of relevant literature and policy documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders such as government officials, construction professionals, and environmental advocates. The quantitative analysis was based on secondary data from government reports and industry publications to evaluate trends in the adoption of sustainable construction methods. Findings indicate that while the Land Use Act contains elements that can support sustainable construction, its current implementation lacks the clarity and enforcement mechanisms needed to be effective. High land registration costs and lengthy acquisition processes were identified as major barriers. However, stakeholders also recognized the Act’s potential if reformed to reduce bureaucracy, introduce policy incentives, and enhance stakeholder engagement. This study recommends key reforms to streamline land acquisition, promote eco-friendly materials, and strengthen institutional capacity. With these improvements, the Land Use Act could serve as a powerful tool for advancing sustainable development goals within Nigeria’s built environment.

Recent sociological studies of power in organizations, although oriented toward practical ends, offer promise for a general sociological theory of power. Empirically grounded organizational studies examine social life as practiced by actors and preserve the tension between structure and action. Exchange theory and structural theories of power, in contrast, are abstract and theoretical; by asserting the primacy of structures (structural theories) or action (exchange theory), they cannot account well for the dialectic of human agency and structural constraint. We suggest the theoretical implications of organizational analysis and compare this perspective with traditional sociological approaches to power.

Agricultural credit is crucial for improving productivity, sustaining economic growth, and supporting smallholder farmers' livelihoods. However, in Tanzania, the sector receives a disproportionately low share of total credit from formal financial institutions. This study analyzes the trends and patterns of agricultural credit from 2005 to 2018 and its implications for agricultural productivity and GDP. The research is guided by Credit Rationing Theory, Financial Intermediation Theory, and Institutional Theory, which provide insights into the challenges affecting credit accessibility. A longitudinal quantitative research design was employed, utilizing secondary time-series data from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and other institutional reports. Data analysis included trend analysis, structural break tests (Zivot-Andrews), and comparative sectoral lending assessments. Findings indicate that agriculture receives less than 10% of total commercial bank lending, despite its substantial GDP contribution. The 2009 global financial crisis led to a structural decline in agricultural credit, which has not fully recovered. Key barriers include high interest rates, stringent collateral requirements, and risk perceptions, limiting access, especially for smallholder farmers. Although financial innovations such as value chain financing and government-backed programs have been introduced, their effectiveness is undermined by policy inconsistencies and institutional inefficiencies. To improve access to agricultural credit, targeted financial policies, risk management frameworks, and digital financial solutions are essential. Strengthening financial literacy, promoting inclusive credit mechanisms, and expanding agricultural insurance programs will be critical in fostering a sustainable and equitable credit system.

Drawing on Institutional Theory and Transaction Cost Economics, this study investigates how procedural inefficiencies and bureaucratic barriers within state management institutions affect the competitiveness of businesses in Vietnam's import-export sector. Through a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, the research examines the relationships between institutional inefficiencies, transaction costs, and business performance. The findings reveal significant negative impacts: procedural inefficiencies reduce business competitiveness (β = -0.45, p < 0.01), while bureaucratic barriers increase operational costs (β = 0.39, p < 0.05), particularly affecting SMEs. These challenges manifest through lengthy customs clearance processes (averaging 20 hours delay), excessive documentation requirements (12 documents versus the regional standard of 7), and frequent regulatory changes. Digital solutions demonstrate significant moderating effects (β = 0.28, p < 0.05), potentially reducing negative impacts by up to 20%. Based on these findings, the study recommends expanding the National Single Window system, implementing standardized documentation templates, enhancing digital infrastructure, and establishing clear performance metrics. These evidence-based reforms are essential for improving Vietnam's trade competitiveness and creating a more efficient, transparent business environment in the import-export sector.

The internet and social media are now an essential part of life, with employees considering the internet as a primary need aided by companies providing Wi-Fi facilities and internet-connected electronics to support work. This study aims to analyze the influence of workload on cyberloafing with burnout as a mediating variable in employees. Cyberloafing is a behavior that uses electronic devices during work hours that are not related to work. High work pressure in the company can cause employees to feel burnout, which is emotional exhaustion due to individuals facing workloads. The study is based on the Social Exchange Theory, which explains that the reciprocal relationship between individuals and organizations can influence work behavior. A high workload has the potential to trigger burnout, which is a state of emotional exhaustion due to individuals facing high work pressure, which can ultimately encourage cyberloafing as a stress diversion mechanism. The approach used is a quantitative approach with a survey method through a questionnaire that is distributed to all employees. Data analysis was carried out using the Path Analysis technique with the help of SPSS. The results show that workload has a significant positive effect on burnout, which in turn has a significant positive effect on cyberloafing, and burnout acts as a significant mediating variable between workload and cyberloafing, so that workload is not only directly but also indirectly affected through burnout. The implications of this study are the importance of paying attention to employee workload and trying to reduce burnout factors as well as implementing clear internet usage policies and providing training on internet use ethics and time management, which is expected to contribute to the development of management science, especially in the field of human resource management and organizational behavior.

Purpose This study aims to develop and elaborate the concept of leadership as institutional mechanism (LaIM), providing an integrative framework that bridges leadership theory and institutional theory. It seeks to reconceptualize leadership not merely as individual traits or behaviors but as socially embedded and institutionally structured mechanisms that sustain organizational authority, governance direction and institutional durability. The study addresses theoretical gaps by transcending individual-focused and purely structural paradigms, offering practical insights for building resilient and legitimate governance systems that balance stability, adaptability, authority and participatory legitimacy. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a conceptual and theoretical approach, synthesizing existing leadership and institutional theories to develop the LaIM framework. It integrates insights from classical sociology, institutional theory and contemporary leadership scholarship to articulate leadership as a socially embedded and institutionally structured process. The methodology involves extensive literature review and theoretical analysis to identify core dimensions of authority, governance direction and institutionalized structures. Empirical evidence from organizational and governance research is drawn upon to support and illustrate the framework’s multidimensional and dynamic nature. This approach bridges gaps between agency-focused and structuralist paradigms without primary data collection. Findings The LaIM framework reveals that leadership functions as a socially embedded and institutionally structured process essential for organizational authority, governance direction, and institutional durability. Empirical evidence supports LaIM’s three core dimensions – authority and power as dynamic legitimacy mechanisms; governance direction as adaptive sense-making amid complexity and institutionalized structure as embedding leadership into enduring routines. These dimensions collectively explain why governance systems succeed or fail based on the strength of institutionalized leadership mechanisms, beyond individual charisma or formal rules. LaIM provides critical insights into sustaining resilient, legitimate governance in pluralistic and complex environments. Research limitations/implications This study is primarily conceptual and theoretical, relying on literature synthesis without empirical data collection, which may limit direct practical applicability and contextual specificity. Future empirical research is needed to test and refine the LaIM framework across diverse organizational and cultural settings. Nonetheless, LaIM offers valuable implications for leadership development and institutional reform, emphasizing the importance of embedding leadership within institutional structures to enhance governance resilience, legitimacy and adaptability. Practitioners should focus on balancing authority with participatory legitimacy and fostering ethical, inclusive and reflexive leadership to meet contemporary governance challenges. Practical implications The LaIM framework guides leaders and organizations to embed leadership within institutional structures to enhance governance resilience and legitimacy. Practitioners should focus on institutionalizing authority beyond individual charisma, fostering adaptive governance direction that balances stability with innovation and building durable organizational routines supporting leadership continuity. Emphasizing ethical, inclusive, and reflexive leadership promotes participatory legitimacy and responsiveness to complex, pluralistic environments. Organizations can improve leadership development and succession planning by integrating these dimensions, thereby strengthening institutional adaptability and sustaining effective governance amidst changing social and political conditions. Social implications The LaIM framework highlights the critical role of leadership in fostering social cohesion, legitimacy and trust within institutions and governance systems. By embedding leadership in inclusive, ethical and reflexive practices, LaIM promotes democratic participation and equity, addressing societal fragmentation and diversity. It encourages leaders to act as custodians of collective well-being, facilitating collaboration across pluralistic stakeholders and complex networks. This approach supports sustainable social order and resilience, enhancing public confidence and institutional adaptability in the face of globalization, technological change and social challenges. Ultimately, LaIM contributes to more just, transparent and accountable governance. Originality/value This study uniquely bridges the divide between leadership studies and institutional theory by conceptualizing LaIM rather than isolated individual traits or structural constraints. LaIM introduces a multidimensional framework – authority and power, governance direction and institutionalized structure – that captures leadership’s embeddedness in institutional processes. It advances theoretical discourse by integrating agency and structure, addressing persistent gaps in understanding institutional continuity and change. Empirically informed and normatively relevant, LaIM offers novel insights for governance resilience and legitimacy, providing scholars and practitioners with a robust lens to analyze and design leadership and institutional reforms in complex, pluralistic environments.

The development of tertiary education, particularly Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes, is critical for addressing the growing demand for qualified teachers in Nigeria. However, North-Central Nigeria faces numerous challenges that hinder the growth and effectiveness of these programmes. Constituency allowances, allocated to legislators for community development projects, have been touted as a potential mechanism for addressing some of these shortfalls within tertiary institutions. This study therefore investigated the Effects of Constituency Allowances on Tertiary Education (NCE Programmes) Development in North-Central Nigeria. The research employed survey research design with 150 sampled populations. A structured questionnaire was administered on the respondents to gather data which were analyzed using ANOVA and Cramer's v statistics. The Institutional and Resource Dependency theories were adopted as theoretical framework for the study. From the research findings, it is established that, although legislators expend constituency funds for the development of tertiary education particularly NCE programmes in North-Central Nigeria, dispensation of such funds is challenged by inefficiency, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and lack of accountability. The study concludes that the judicious utilization of constituency allowances has the potential to enhance academic infrastructure, increase student enrolment, and improve the quality of teachers’ education in North-Central Nigeria. The study therefore recommends amongst others that accountability mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that constituency allowances are effectively utilized for tertiary education development.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the current application of organization theory (OT) in the humanitarian supply chain (HSC) and identify the future OT-based research opportunities that can advance knowledge of humanitarian operations.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a systematic literature review methodology to identify the current status and future direction of the OT-based study in HSC literature. The applied theories are those that have been mentioned in at least two research articles in the HSC literature. The proposed theories are either adopted from the top four referred organizational theories in the supply chain literature or those that can explain the issue of information asymmetry in HSC.FindingsThe study identifies and describes eight organizational theories and their possible future research questions in HSC. Among these, the first four theories (i.e. resource-based theory, resource dependence theory, social exchange theory and contingency theory) have already been initially applied in the humanitarian field, while the remaining theories (i.e. institutional theory, stakeholder theory, transactional cost theory and information theory) have potential for future application.Research limitations/implicationsThe reviewed literature is limited to peer-reviewed journals listed in Thomson Reuters’ journal citation reports.Practical implicationsThis study may help future researchers better understand and solve, using organizational theory, the behavioral challenges faced by humanitarian operations.Originality/valueThe study presents current applications of and future prospects for OT-based research in HSC, effectively providing the first review of OT applications in this area. The novel framework and new theories proposed herein may enable fresh directions for HSC research.

Value-based selling (VBS) has become an increasingly important selling practice in contemporary business-to-business (B2B) markets, but currently most VBS studies are limited to exploratory and descriptive case studies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical toolbox that provides a foundation for more theory-driven research on VBS and thereby advances both the theoretical and managerial understanding of VBS. Specifically, we consider equity theory, framing theory, mental accounting, social exchange theory, signaling theory, agency theory, game theory, and institutional theory in terms of their implications for VBS. We provide a brief overview of each theory and its applications, highlight the key implications and potential research questions for VBS, and summarize our insights into a research agenda. This paper contributes to the contemporary VBS literature by developing a theory-driven research agenda. It also provides managerial insights on how different theories can inform decision-making for the implementation and management of VBS in B2B markets.

The increasing demands placed on employees in the public sector have heightened the need for effective work-life balance (WLB) strategies to enhance employee performance. This study proposed to examine the influence of work-life balance on employee performance at Meru County Government, Kenya. The study was anchored on four theories; The resource-based view theory, the institutional theory, the stakeholder theory, and the social exchange theory. This study utilized a descriptive research design. The study targeted 200 respondents from the Meru County Government, categorized into 87 administrative staff, 63 technical staff and 50 support staff. The sample size was determined using Slovin’s formula (1960). A stratified proportionate random sampling method was employed to select the sample respondents. This study exclusively utilized primary data collection methods through semi-structured questionnaires. To enhance the reliability and validity of the study, the questionnaire was pre-tested with 13 respondents who did not participate in the main study. Cronbach’s alpha was utilized to evaluate the average correlation or internal consistency of the research items based on the summed scales. Values for Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0 to 1, and the researcher aimed for a value greater than 0.7. Data analysis involved synthesizing the responses collected from participants to derive meaningful conclusions. The data file was exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for analysis. Descriptive analysis included frequency distributions, proportions, and measures of central tendency. A qualitative data analysis method was employed for analyzing responses from open-ended questions. The findings revealed that work-family balance has a significant positive impact on employee performance (r = 0.556, p = 0.000), while work-health balance showed a weak, marginally significant negative effect (r = -0.160, p = 0.079). The study concludes that work-family balance plays a significant role in enhancing employee performance at Meru County Government. In addition, the study concludes that work-health balance, while important, has a weaker influence on employee performance. The study recommends that Meru County Government prioritize policies and initiatives that foster a supportive work-family balance for its employees. In light of the findings, the study recommends that the current wellness programs at Meru County Government be reassessed and enhanced. Further research could explore the long-term impact of work-family balance, work-health balance, and wellness programs on employee performance across different sectors and regions.