Chief Directors Research Articles

From Shareholder Primacy to Stakeholder Approach: Readiness of Indian Firms for Value Creation and Distribution

With the fast adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by firms, stakeholder value creation has been the focus of policymakers and corporate leaders across the globe. The present study focuses on India and intends to understand the readiness of Indian firms towards the adoption of stakeholder primacy and creating and distributing value for the stakeholders. For this purpose, qualitative research was undertaken, and an inductive approach was adopted wherein the researchers conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs). The discussants of FGDs included chief executive officers, directors and senior executives of various Indian firms. They were the decision-makers and influencers in their respective firms and were likely to impact on how the stakeholder approach is adopted, and how value is created and distributed among the stakeholders of those firms. The study provides evidence for the identification of various stakeholders by a firm. The data analyses also indicate that firms seek autonomy in creating and distributing value among their stakeholders, and a flexible approach for determining and distributing that value.

Managing the Adoption of Geospatial Information and Technologies in Multiple Industries

In the era of the 4th industrial revolution, geospatial information has become essential for improving processes and enhancing task performance across the value chain, benefiting sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and logistics. Despite the widespread adoption of geospatial technology, understanding how to manage its adoption is crucial as technology continually evolves. This study aims to elucidate key aspects of managing the adoption of geospatial information and technology through a case study approach. The research involves interviews with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and directors from three different industries in Malaysia—agriculture, logistics, and transport—that utilise geospatial technologies. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed four main themes: managing expectations of adoption, addressing factors of nonadoption, overseeing interactions in the adoption process, and ensuring the immersion of the technology. These findings provide valuable insights into the challenges and strategies for adopting new technologies, particularly those that transform traditional operations into technology-driven practices. The study’s evidence underscores the importance of effective management in fostering the growth and economic expansion driven by geospatial technology.

Digitally transforming the organization through knowledge management: a socio-technical system (STS) perspective

PurposeIn today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation is the cornerstone for every organization. Knowledge management (KM) is crucial for developing sustainable competitive advantage by fostering innovation. This study aims to identify the key drivers of KM in the context of digital transformation through qualitative research.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a qualitative approach based on in-depth interviews with senior KM officers, including chief knowledge officers and directors who spearhead KM in their respective organizations. This research identifies four key dimensions, shedding new light on the drivers of KM in the context of digital transformation.FindingsThis study’s findings reveal that the integration of important drivers from the lens of social-technical system (STS) theory is categorized into the four dimensions of KM, namely, motivation, technology, people interaction and organizational drivers. These factors jointly impact and design the effectiveness of KM in the digital age.Originality/valueThis study makes a unique contribution to the field of digital transformation. It presents a conceptual framework from the lens of the STS theory that encompasses four critical dimensions of KM: motivation, technology, people interaction and organizational dimensions, each with sub-codes. This framework can be utilized by practitioners and scholars alike.

Green Procurement and Service Delivery of County Governments in Western Region, Kenya

The framers of the Public Procurement Law envisaged to streamline how public procurement should be conducted in order to realize value for money in public procuring entities. The primary objective of the research thus was to determine the effect of green procurement on service delivery of County Governments in Western Region, Kenya. The study adopted a positivist research approach and was informed by ecological modernization theory. The study was conducted in Western Region, Kenya in the Counties of Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, and Bungoma. The study's target population of 228 officials was broken down into chief officers, directors, finance officers, and procurement officers. The study selected 174 participants as its sample. Primary data was gathered through interview schedules and a questionnaire. A pilot study was carried out to test for validity and reliability. The data analysis made use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS version 26 was used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed thematically alongside study objectives. Green procurement was found to be a significant predictor of service delivery in County Governments. Specifically the study's findings showed that Green Procurement explains 23% of variation in service delivery of County Governments in western Kenya Region. Green Procurement had unstandardized regression value of 0.368. This suggested that County Governments in the Western Region, Kenya will boost the delivery of services by 36.8% for each additional unit in green procurement. The study came to the conclusion that there is need for the County Governments to ensure legislation, enforcement and adherence to environmental laws and policies.

Human Capital and Performance of Kisii and Kakamega County Governments in Kenya

Decentralization in Kenya aimed to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve service delivery by transferring power to sub-national governments. Yet, governance challenges persist mainly due to unqualified staff, nepotism, cronyism, among others. The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis found 32% of county governments staff lack the required qualifications for their roles, leading to inefficiencies and service delivery gaps. Despite these concerns, no empirical research has explored the influence of human capital on the performance of Kisii and Kakamega county governments. This study addresses this gap by assessing the effect of human capital on performance of Kisii and Kakamega counties in Kenya. The study adopts a positivism research philosophy and a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population comprised of Chief officers, Directors and Assistant Director at various ministries, sub-county administrators and Members of County Assembly (N=325). To arrive at a statistically sound sample size, the study adopted the Yamane (1967) formula for sample size determination, which gives a sample size of 136 for Kakamega County and 92 for Kisii County (n=228). Given that the study is quantitative in nature, it adopts structured questionnaires in data collection, which were distributed using online platform (Google Forms). In data analysis, Stata version 17 was used to compute descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and univariate linear regression). Data was presented in prose form and visualized using tables and figures. Findings from the test of hypothesis using simple linear regression indicate that human capital has a statistically significant effect on performance (p<.05). Results revealed that human capital has a moderate positive association with performance, 𝑟 (191) =0.486, 𝑝<.05. It is recommended that the County Governments of Kisii and Kakamega should improve human capital by implementing performance contracting, eliminating political patronage, and investing in innovation infrastructure. Additionally, county governments should develop well-documented SOPs, ensure regular employee training, and embrace public participation to align policies with citizens’ needs.

Bank efficiency in Middle East and North African countries: Does political connection type matter?

This study examines the effects of the political connections of chief executive officers (CEOs) or directors on technical, allocative, and cost bank efficiencies examining a panel of 144 banks operating in 12 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries observed over the 2008–2021 period. Using random effect tobit regressions, we find that the three types of political connections explored (aggregate, CEO, and board of directors) have negative effects on banks’ technical and cost efficiencies. In addition, CEO political connections exhibit superior explanatory power. These findings remain robust when we consider the sample in terms of monarchist and republican countries. Further evidence reveals that the effect of political connections is observed more strongly during the pandemic period (2020–2021) than during the 2008–2009 financial crisis period. Our results indicate that banks in MENA countries must strategically regulate bank political connections during crises and consistently thereafter. Our findings have implications for regulators investors and authorities in MENA countries.

Boardroom backscratching and stock price crash risk

AbstractWe empirically capture boardroom backscratching, or cronyism, as when a firm's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and directors concurrently receive excessive remuneration. We argue that boardroom backscratching can inhibit a board's constructive criticism and monitoring, resulting in a greater likelihood of bad news hoarding. Using 14,104 US firm‐year observations spanning 1999–2020, we document a significant positive relationship between boardroom backscratching and stock price crash risk. In additional analyses, we show that boardroom backscratching firms produce less readable annual reports and engage in greater upward real earnings management as channels for concealing bad news. We also find that external monitoring mechanisms weaken the positive association between boardroom backscratching and stock price crash risk. Our main findings withstand several endogeneity tests including propensity score matching, entropy balancing, difference‐in‐differences analysis using firms’ commencement of boardroom backscratching and CEO turnover event analysis. Our study offers insights to securities regulators and policymakers to revisit the notion of board independence, develop relevant market oversight and revise director and executive remuneration disclosure requirements so as to mitigate adverse stock market performance associated with boardroom backscratching.

Financing Decisions and Financial Sustainability of Social Service Projects: The Case of the Dominican Region of Rwanda and Burundi

Purpose: Organizations strive, among other things, to be financially stable for the long haul. Implementing sound fiscal management procedures is one approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of social service programs. The study set out to answer the question, "How do the financing decisions of the Dominican region of Rwanda and Burundi affect the financial sustainability of social service projects?" The current study was guided by Resource-Based View theory and Financial sustainability model.
 Methodology: Multiple research strategies were employed in this investigation. All eleven social service programs in the Dominican region of Rwanda and Burundi served as the study's primary population. Eleven chief directors, five congregation superiors, thirty financial officers and accountants, and five project coordinators made up the unit of observation. Data was gathered with the help of questionnaires and preplanned interviews. Inferential and descriptive statistics were calculated from the analyzed data. Statistics were utilized to describe the data, including frequency distribution, mean, and percentages. On the other hand, inferential statistics like correlation and regression existed. The data collected was tallied. 
 Findings: Financing decisions were found to have a positive significant association with SSPs' financial sustainability (r=0.550, p=0.004).
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: We draw the following conclusions: financing decisions improve SSP sustainability. Among the study's many suggestions: ensuring that stakeholders are kept in the loop from the start of a project until its conclusion.

Information Technology and Service Delivery of County Governments in Western Kenya Region

The inappropriateness in use of public monies has been cited as a major distractor towards achievement of development goals enshrined in our constitution. It has been largely attributed to the procurement practices adopted. The main objective of this study was to determine effects of information technology on service delivery of County governments in western Kenya region. The target population for this study entailed 228 officers who were categorized into chief officers, Directors, Finance officers and procurement officers. This study employed stratified random sampling towards picking a sample of 174 respondents. Information technology from the findings of this study had a significant effect on the delivery of services among counties in western Kenya region. Particularly, as Information technology changes by one unit, service delivery changes by 0.309 units units (β2=0.309, P<0.05). The F value obtained df (1,161) =84.947, P<0.05, that gave support to the goodness of fit of the model in adducing variance in the dependent variable. It meant too that Information Technology is a useful predictor of service delivery. This study therefore recommended that County Governments should view and treat information technology as a critical component and resource since its application in procurement activities improves delivery of services.

Strategic Procurement Planning and Service Delivery of County Governments in Western Kenya Region

Ensuring the provision of public services in Kenya necessitates public expenditure through the procurement of goods, works, and services; therefore, the integrity of the entire process from procurement to delivery of goods, works, and services and their use portrays the strength of proper management of public resources and fidelity to the Kenyan constitution. Yet, because there is misuse of public monies in the majority of the Counties and an alleged 50% of it is tied to the public procurement processes used, corruption has been identified as a significant barrier to socio-economic growth in Kenya. The study's primary goal was to ascertain how County Governments in the Western Kenya Region's service delivery were affected by strategic procurement planning. The Mc Kinsey 7sframework model was used as the study's framework and positivist research methodology was used throughout. The study was carried out in the counties of Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, and Bungoma in western Kenya. The 228 officials that made up the study's target population were divided into chief officers, directors, finance officers, and procurement officers.174 respondents were chosen from a sample using stratified random selection in the study. Via a questionnaire and interview schedules, primary data was acquired. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the reliability and validity of the research instruments. The study utilized both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study established that Strategic Procurement Planning significantly accounted for 40.5% of the variance in Service Delivery of County Governments in Western Kenya (R²=0.405, P<0.05). Specifically, when Strategic Procurement Planning increases by one unit, service delivery changes by 0.636 units (β1=0.636, P<0.05). As a result, the F test resulted in a value of (1, 161) =108.908, P<0.05, supporting the model's ability to explain variance in the dependent variable. Among county governments in the western Kenya region, there is a large and favorable correlation between strategic procurement planning and service delivery. The analysis suggests that county governments ensure that strategic sourcing strategies are fully implemented and that they are produced in a reasonable timeframe because they are essential for initiating service delivery.

Influence of Strategic Leadership on Operation Efficiency of County Governments in Kenya: A Case Study of Baringo County

This research aimed to analyze the influence of strategic leadership on the operational efficiency of the County Government of Kenya: a case of Baringo County. The investigation was based on a study by Curteanu and Constantin (2010). This study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of the study was the 33 members of top management in the County Government of Baringo. The justification for the choice of the county Chief Officers and County Directors is that they are directly in charge of the implementation of the county government strategic plan and operations under their dockets. The researcher took a census of all the thirty-three members of top management (Chief Officers and Directors) by means of self-administered questionnaires. First, there was empirical evidence to prove that resource allocation influenced the operational efficiency of the County Government of Baringo. Secondly, it confirmed that there was empirical evidence to prove that integrity and ethical issues influenced the operational efficiency of the County Government of Baringo. Thirdly, the study established that strategic control influenced the operational efficiency of the County Government of Baringo. Finally, there was empirical evidence to prove that organizational culture influenced the operational efficiency of the County Government of Baringo. The study recommended that the office of the Auditor General should use the results from this investigation to update the management policy of the County Governments as a means of helping the County Governments to achieve more operational efficiency for optimal service delivery and optimized value for money in the County Governments in Kenya. Again, the study recommends that the County Assemblies, in their role of oversight and legislation, should also use the findings from the study to make laws that will enable the County Governments to enhance their performance and governance and be more operationally efficient. Such legislation should encompass resource allocations and internal control principles. Finally, County Chief Officers and County Directors, being senior managers charged with investment portfolios, are subject to fiduciary laws with strict requirements and controls. Therefore, the findings from this study are relevant to inform their undertaking.

Position Statement on Cancer Nursing Leadership.

Position Statement on Cancer Nursing Leadership.

What leadership qualities are necessary for productive librarianship? Explore coaxial traits of academic librarians in the twin cities of Pakistan

Academic libraries are experiencing significant changes, and leadership plays an essential role in successfully implementing those changes. The study analyzed the leadership practices in academic libraries in Pakistan's twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). Another important purpose of the study was to shed light on the adopted practices in decision-making and motivating staff. The qualitative research approach was used to achieve the objectives. A structured interview method was employed to collect data from twenty chief librarians or directors of university libraries in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (twin cities). A purposive sampling technique was used. Open-ended questions were used to collect the data by considering the research objectives. The consent was taken from the selected LIS professionals as prior permission for the interview. NVivo was used to analyze the data, which was then presented using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that most university library leaders were practising and following the participatory leadership style, also known as democratic leadership.The study will create awareness among academic professionals about the adopted leadership styles and practices and the benefits that can be obtained by implementing them. It will also attract the attention of associated bodies towards this dilemma and result in a positive initiative to build leadership skills in LIS professionals. To our knowledge, no prior study has been conducted to analyze the leadership practices in academic libraries in the Twin Cities, Pakistan. This study will fill that niche.

Facilitators of improving the function of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Iran's health system.

Iranian health nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) could play a variety of roles at many levels of Iran's health system, but their participation in the health sector is far from ideal. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify practical solutions for increasing the role and function of NGOs in the Iranian health system. This qualitative study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 in Tehran, Iran. The data for this study were gathered through 32 in-depth semi-structured interviews with 11 managers from the Ministry of Health as well as from Iran and Tehran universities of medical sciences and 21 Chief executive officers and directors of health NGOs. Data were analyzed by the content analysis approach using the MAXQDA 10 software. The facilitators for expanding the function and roles of NGOs in Iran's health system are classified into two groups of legal and structural mechanisms. "The existence of mandatory laws," "government support for NGOs," "the formulation of standard strategic planning and goals," "the establishment of a database and a network of NGOs," and "the establishment of independent organizational units as the connectors and coordinators of NGOs' affairs in the public sector" are the critical facilitators for the improvement of NGOs' roles in Iran's health system. According to the findings of this study, only limited measures and efforts have been made to improve NGOs' roles and participation in the Iranian health system; at the same time, NGOs' participation in the health sector is far from ideal. Iranian health NGOs are at the beginning of this route, and they would inevitably require various legislative and structural mechanisms to succeed.

Effect of Budget Allocation and Procurement Processes on Budget Utilization in the Public Sector in Kenya: A Case of The Judiciary

Budget management has great implications for the realization of the objectives of the budgets in institutions. If the budget is not prepared with the greatest dedication and also genuineness it is not possible to understand the fantastic capacity of finances as tools for national progression. The budgeting and budgetary controls have attained high focus among institutions in the present day and thus offer high prospects which this research study examines. This study sought to establish the influence of budget allocation on budget utilization in public institutions within Kenya and to analyze the influence of procurement processes on budget utilization in public institutions within Kenya. The study was anchored on Resource Based Theory with a descriptive research design being adopted. The targeted population for the study was the Chief registrar, Court Registrars, Deputy Registrars, Directors and Deputy Directors in the Judiciary totaling to 40. The study used census approach where the entire population of 40 respondents was used in the study. Additionally, the data collection instruments comprised of both questionnaires and the interview guides. Additionally, qualitative analysis was done using content analysis and SPSS was used to analyze the quantitative data. The inferential statistics included the Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression model. Frequency, percentage tables, charts and graphs was used to present the data. Correlation results indicated that budget allocation was positively related to budget utilization (Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient of r = 0.798, p-value 0.0001). The results indicated that procurement process was positively related to budget utilization (Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient of r = 0.608, p-value 0.0001). The regression results indicated that budget allocation and procurement processes have a positive and significant relationship with budget utilization in the Judiciary. The study recommended for a classification that enables better links between policy priorities and funding programs. The study further recommended that the budget should provide unambiguous information on all aspects of Judiciary policy. Oversight should be enhanced for proper compliance to statutes and internal controls. Keywords: Budget Allocation, Procurement Processes, Budget Utilization, Public Institutions, Judiciary

Understanding organizational resilience in elite sport: An exploration of psychosocial processes

ObjectivesAlthough organizational resilience research has identified the characteristics of elite sport organizations that successfully deal with significant change, further research is needed to understand how they function. The objective of this study was to explore the psychosocial processes underpinning organizational resilience in elite sport. Design and methodUsing interviews supplemented by timelines compiled from documentary analysis of public online sources, data was gathered during 43 interviews with 22 participants from 10 elite sport organizations across an 8-month period. Participant roles included chief executive officers (n = 5), directors (n = 7), board members (n = 2), middle managers (n = 4), support staff (n = 2), head coach (n = 1), and senior athlete (n = 1). Reflexive thematic analysis of the data was conducted from a critical realist standpoint. ResultsThe data analysis yielded two core processes of sensing (internal and external mechanisms, diversity of perspectives, evaluating and monitoring) and adapting (mirroring current resource availability, open and frequent communication, acute versus chronic change), and two supporting processes of strengthening resources (quality and quantity of human and financial resources, relationships as source of additional resources) and shielding from risk (internal risk mitigation, external influencing). These data were interpreted to indicate that these processes are not sequential, or temporally distinct, but instead cumulatively contribute towards an organization’s resilience capability. ConclusionsAs the first empirical investigation exploring the psychosocial processes underpinning organizational resilience in elite sport, the results provide a unique framework and practical implications to help those working in and with elite sport organizations successfully navigate uncertainty and change.

Early Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Telehealth Patterns in Primary Care, Mental Health, and Specialty Care Facilities in Texas.

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many US clinics have shifted some or all of their practice from in-person to virtual visits. In this study, we assessed the use of telehealth among primary care and specialty clinics, by targeting healthcare administrators via multiple channels. Using an online survey, we assessed the use of, barriers to, and reimbursement for telehealth. Respondents included clinic administrators (chief executive officers, vice presidents, directors, and senior-level managers). A total of 85 complete responses were recorded, 79% of which represented solo or group practices and 63% reported a daily patient census >50. The proportion of clinics that delivered ≥50% of their consults using telehealth increased from 16% in March to 42% in April, 35% in May, and 30% in June. Clinics identified problems with telehealth reimbursement; although 63% of clinics reported that ≥75% of their telehealth consults were reimbursed, only 51% indicated that ≥75% of their telehealth visits were reimbursed at par with in-person office visits. Sixty-five percent of clinics reported having basic or foundational telehealth services, whereas only 9% of clinics reported advanced telehealth maturity. Value-based care participating clinics were more likely to report advanced telehealth services (27%), compared with non-value-based care clinics (3%). These findings highlight the adaptability of clinics to quickly transition and adopt telehealth. Uncertainty about reimbursement and policy changes may make the shift temporal, however.

ASHP Pharmacy Executive Leadership Alliance kicks off with discussion with AHA CEO Richard Pollack.

ASHP’s Pharmacy Executive Leadership Alliance (PELA™) held its inaugural event virtually Oct. 29 to celebrate the creation of the new ASHP member engagement opportunity, share experiences, and brainstorm about innovations that will drive financial and organizational recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. PELA™ was created by ASHP for chief pharmacy officers and multihospital system pharmacy executive leaders who face distinct challenges working within highly complex vertically and horizontally integrated networks and multihospital health systems. The inaugural session of what is just the start of a series of events included more than 160 pharmacy executives representing chief pharmacy officers and directors of pharmacy from more than 100 multihospital health systems and 80 major hospitals and academic medical centers. “The idea for PELA™ has been at the forefront of ASHP leadership discussions for some time,” said ASHP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul W. Abramowitz. “We understand that there is a...

Nurses’ and midwives’ views of the “Leaders for Compassionate Care Program”: A qualitative analysis

BackgroundCompassionate care delivery is a key feature of nursing and midwifery and a marker of quality healthcare delivery. Training nurses and midwives in compassionate care is known to yield positive nursing, midwifery, and patient outcomes such as increased job satisfaction, reduced burnout, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced quality of life. AimTo explore nurses’ and midwives’ views of a three-day program entitled “The Leaders for Compassionate Care Program” from the perspective of participating nursing/midwifery leaders, directors of nursing/midwifery, chief directors of nursing/midwifery, and program facilitators. MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants (n = 15). Individual and focus group interviews were conducted via telephone and teleconferencing using a semi-structured interview protocol. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. FindingsParticipants perceived the program as innovative since it involved teamwork and networking and helped reiterate the human element of care. Participants identified the knowledge and expertise of the program facilitators as enablers to learning. The facilitators were committed to delivering a program that met the needs of individual leaders. DiscussionFindings suggest the need to explore the long-term impact of the program, offer similar programs to junior and senior nursing/midwifery leaders, and maintain the networking that took place during the program. This could be achieved through conducting follow-up sessions and masterclasses. ConclusionThe program served as an opportunity for the leaders to take time out, reflect on their practice using a compassionate care lens, network with colleagues from different institutions, and develop leadership skill.

Corporate social responsibility and social entrepreneurship: drivers of sports sponsorship policy

ABSTRACTSport policy has increasingly become influenced by corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at incorporating social, economic and environmental concerns. More recently, sport has incorporated social policies that are entrepreneurial in nature, which has lead to an increase in sports event sponsorship coming from both a social entrepreneurship and CSR perspective. The aim of this study is to analyse the reasons why organisations sponsor sport events at a community level and to identify the drivers that support this decision-making. For this study, 35 public and private sector organisations were involved, from several economic sectors. A questionnaire was applied to the Chief Executive Officers, vice presidents, directors and managers (N = 80) and analysed through an exploratory factor analysis and correlation analysis. The results show for drivers that were most relevant to sports sponsorship policy: customer loyalty and motivation of employees, reputation and social networks, innovation and opportunity, and CSR. The findings are helpful to organisations developing policy initiatives about how to use sports sponsorship to increase their social entrepreneurship and CSR initiatives.