Developing Country Context Research Articles

Graying with dignity: Negotiating public service delivery amidst gaps in the welfare of rural Trenggalek’s aging population

As global demographics gravitate toward aging populations, developing nations, Indonesia included, face the demanding obligation of providing adequate healthcare and social services for their elderly demographic, particularly in rural areas. This paper delves into the complexities of elderly care in Trenggalek Regency, situated in East Java, Indonesia, where it centers on describing the firsthand experiences of the elderly residents and their challenges in accessing healthcare, maintaining financial stability, and navigating the adequacy of infrastructure. Insights revealed the notions of elderly public service, pointing out both progress and challenges in affordable care, with many seniors relying on limited family support and resorting to informal work to sustain themselves, while mobility issues, including transportation deficits and challenging terrain, deepen their social isolation. However, it also spotlights ongoing local policy endeavors, crafted to address these challenges, acknowledging the pressing need for change and striving to elevate the quality of elderly care services. In doing so, the paper offers practical insights into elderly care disparities in developing country contexts and emphasizes the vital role played by rural elderly communities in shaping proper interventions, valuing their insights and experiences in sculpting the future of geriatric care in Trenggalek and beyond.

Enhancing a Quality Teaching and Learning Environment in Large Classes in South African Universities: a Theoretical Exposition

The perpetual increase in students’ enrolment in higher education institutions, worldwide, has recently emerged as a key concern for both students, educators, parents, policy makers and educational policy analysts alike. This phenomenon has been borne out of a global trend of massification of higher education as many countries begin to consider the importance of education and skills development in economic growth and social development. On the other hand, it has been triggered by the perceived pattern of commodification of higher education services in which student intake and teaching outputs are intricately linked to the financial sustainability of higher education institutions. In this paper, a critical examination of literature pertaining to Large Class Pedagogy and Learning Theories is undertaken with a view to determine how one could teach and ensure quality learning in large classes within a South African higher education context. Anchored within a critical qualitative frame of analysis, the assessment draws from existing literature on Large Class Pedagogy (LCP), learning theories, teaching approaches and learning styles to provide a conceptual lens in which the challenges associated with large class environments can be mitigated to offer an educational experience of acceptable quality. The paper provides a synthesis of pertinent issues that have arose in the critical examination of LCP and appropriate Learning Theories in a developing country context as that of South Africa. It appears that government funding to higher education institutions should be increased through adoption of large class size reduction policies, equitable allocation of resources to faculties and academic departments by universities, rigorous assessment of staff-student ratios and infrastructure when new academic programs are introduced, monitoring of adherence to approved yearly student enrolment targets in academic programme, adoption of collaborative learning methods by academic staff in which self-directed learning styles in students are encouraged and supported, optimal use of educational technologies through systematic integration of digitization in the learning and teaching environment, enhanced administrative psycho-social support to students and lecturers are some of the macro, mesa and micro level strategies required to enhance quality teaching and learning with increasing class sizes.

Show and tell: farmer field days and learning about inputs with heterogeneous yield effects

Abstract Organic inputs can be effective in reversing soil degradation and improving crop yields, but are often underused in a developing country context. This study seeks to determine whether farmer field days (FFDs) are effective in disseminating information about novel organic inputs, and the extent to which they increase demand for these products. Using experimental auctions to measure willingness to pay (WTP) among smallholder farmers in Western Kenya, we find that those farmers exposed to information from FFDs related to biochar and vermicompost, novel organic inputs, have lower WTP for the products. We present evidence that this is likely driven by two factors in particular: changes in perceptions of input profitability and heterogeneity in yields across demonstration plots within field day sites.

Food security for Nigerians through sustainable agriculture

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a practical implementation blueprint for the attainment of food security for all Nigerians based on sustainable agricultural practices.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducted a critical review of 66 peer-reviewed empirical articles on various sustainable agricultural case studies. The evidence obtained from this review and the in-depth knowledge of the authors regarding the Nigerian agricultural landscape was used to develop a practical implementation blueprint for achieving food security in the country.FindingsThe food security for all Nigerians (FOSFAN) blueprint was developed and comprising of eight practical and interconnected steps. These steps take into consideration the synergistic effort of the government, the ministry of agriculture and its corresponding agencies in ensuring that farmers attain sustainable practices in their endeavour.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this paper will contribute to existing literature on food security and will also serve as a baseline for deeper empirical exploration of the impact of sustainable agricultural practices on food security in Nigeria (a country in the Sub-Saharan region).Practical implicationsThe FOSFAN blueprint provides a practical and comprehensive step-by-step guide, which the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture can use to achieve food security for all Nigerians.Social implicationsThis paper is addressed towards the development of food security plan in the Nigerian context in which the Nigerian Government ensures the availability of food to all its citizens in a bid to achieve “Zero Hunger”, which is the second Sustainable Development Goal.Originality/valueThe FOSFAN blueprint is a proactive guide that takes into consideration the importance of cultural and socioeconomic nuances in the development of a sustainable agriculture policy in a developing country context.

Comparative study of two selected eastern port operational performance in Nigeria: Case of Rivers and Delta ports

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to compare the operational performance of two selected eastern ports in Nigeria: Rivers and Delta ports. Methodology: The paper uses secondary data from the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) Portal from 2008 to 2013. The paper employs multiple regression models to analyze the data using SPSS and Statgraphics software packages. Results: The results show that Rivers port has a higher operational efficiency than Delta port, with an R-squared value of 81.34% and 79.47%, respectively. The results also reveal a significant relationship between cargo throughput and some independent variables, such as vessel traffic, turnaround time, berth occupancy, and number of employees. Theoretical contribution: The paper contributes to the existing literature on port performance measurement and improvement by applying multiple regression models to assess the operational efficiency of two Nigerian ports. The paper also provides empirical evidence on the factors affecting port performance in a developing country context. Practical implications: The paper has practical implications for port authorities, maritime agencies, shipping companies, and the government. The paper suggests some policy recommendations to enhance the operational performance of the eastern ports, such as improving port infrastructure, pricing policy, and strategic competition.

External stakeholders and the social enterprise (SE) identity formation in a developing country context: a social exchange perspective

Purpose Drawing on theories of organisational identity, social exchange and stakeholder engagement, this study aims to investigate the processes and practices involved in the formation and shaping of identities of social enterprises (SEs) that operate in the Malawian hospitality and tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on an interpretive research paradigm, data collected from 22 semi-structured interviews with four founders of case SEs and stakeholders, and SEs’ reports and other publicly available documents were generated and analysed following a grounded theory approach. Findings The authors show that the trajectory SEs followed and the exchanges that occurred with the external stakeholders allowed three out of four case SEs to swiftly re-evaluate their pre-existing identities and work towards the formation of their new identities. Practical implications This study provides an opportunity for policymakers and other actors in developing countries to frame and place SEs in line with the wider societal realities in such contexts. This may in turn call for policymakers to increase actors’ engagement with SEs and provide the necessary support that can allow SEs to be an effective force for the public good. Originality/value This paper highlights the role of exchanges with external stakeholders in identity formation and shaping within SEs in the hospitality and tourism sector in the context of institutional voids. By adopting the social exchange theory, this paper introduces a dynamic lens to identity formation and shaping and helps to explain how, across different tourism ventures, stakeholder engagement and different modes of exchange unfold in the inter-organisational and community domains. It further shows how the ventures’ value orientations on the one hand, and stakeholder engagement practices and the ensuing exchanges, on the other hand, are closely interwoven.

An effectuation approach to sustainable entrepreneurship

Purpose This paper aims to explain the occurrence of sustainable entrepreneurship in the underresearched sub-Saharan Africa context and to improve the understanding of how effectuation manifests in this context. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative research approach based on multiple case studies. Responses were sourced from owners, employees, suppliers, the community and customers of sustainable entrepreneurial firms. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, document reviews and observations. The Gioia analytical approach was used. Findings Overall, the authors find the concept of effectuation to be well-suited to capturing the processes through which individuals with limited means seek to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship. The authors also identify three pervasive practices that are key to understanding effectuation in the developing country context: complementation of indigenous knowledge with modern science, compassion and pluriactivity. Practical implications This study underscores the importance of co-creation, diversification of revenue sources and the role of emotional awareness and interpersonal skills in entrepreneurial endeavors. Originality/value This study, therefore, contributes new knowledge about the mechanisms through which entrepreneurs faced with resource constraints use control as opposed to prediction strategies to exploit sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities. In so doing, this study contributes to entrepreneurship theory by proposing the integration of cognitive and affective dimensions in realizing sustainable entrepreneurship goals.

Economic Viability Assessment of Small-Scale Biomass Composting Project Within a Developing Country Context

Economic Viability Assessment of Small-Scale Biomass Composting Project Within a Developing Country Context

Nonprofit Marketing: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT This systematic review delves into the realm of nonprofit marketing (NPM) by synthesizing empirical studies published between 2013 and 2022 across various sectors. Employing a meticulous screening process, we examined 62 articles sourced from reputable databases such as Science Direct, Elsevier, JSTOR, Emerald, Springer, Wiley Online Library, SAGE, and Google Scholar. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive overview and enhance understanding in the field of nonprofit marketing. The analysis of these selected articles revealed eight pivotal themes within NPM: marketing strategy, fundraising, collaboration, trust, branding, entrepreneurship, social media campaigns, and performance measurement. Through a systematic approach, we integrated these themes, shedding light on the interconnectedness of research within each domain. Our study not only consolidates a fragmented body of research but also identifies critical gaps, laying the foundation for future investigations. These gaps include a scarcity of multi-country level analyses, limited studies in developing country contexts, a deficiency of comparative analyses between developed and developing countries, and an insufficient exploration of the intersections between nonprofit and for-profit marketing.

Food quality and supply chain networks in dynamic business environments: evidence from the Nigerian shrimp subsector

PurposeResearch efforts aiming to improve understanding of how various organisational relationships contribute to better food quality (FQ) in a constantly changing business environment are limited. This study examines the effects of supply chain (SC) organisations on the quality of food products across multi-tiered segments with dynamic business situations.Design/methodology/approachGuided by a conceptual research framework based on contingency theory and netchain analysis, moderation-based partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse multi-tiered data from 405 shrimpers and 238 women processors in Akwa-Ibom, Lagos and Ondo states in Nigeria.FindingsThe authors' findings show that unpredictable business environments such as market turbulence (MT), power asymmetry (PA) and distrust (DT) not only directly influence SC organisations but also moderate how organisational networks contribute to improved FQ. Further results reveal that closer vertical ties such as relational contracts are prerequisites for small-scale actors to guarantee improved FQ along multiple nodes of the food system.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine, from a contingency and multi-tiered perspective, how small-scale actors can maintain FQ across interdependent nodes of a food chain in a developing country context and to explore the complex interplay between SC networks and the quality of highly perishable food products in unpredictable business environments. Relevant theoretical and policy implications are discussed.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure and firm value of manufacturing firms: The moderating role of profitabilit

Purpose: This study examines the impact of environmental, social, and governance disclosure on firm value. This study empirically examines the impact of profitability on the relationship between ESG and firm value. Research methodology: This study uses a panel dataset of 12 industrial goods manufacturing firms listed during the 2014-2020 period. The direct effects were tested using an FEM and the Two-Stage Least Squares was used to account for the endogeneity problem. Results: This study finds a positive effect of ESG disclosures on firm value. The coefficients of ESG in the FEM and 2SLS results were not significant. The interaction between ROA and ESG also showed higher coefficients that were not statistically significant. The empirical analysis was robust to the use of two-stage least squares regression. Limitations: This study presents evidence from a single sector based on a prior literature review, which may affect the generalizability of the findings to other sectors. Contribution: This work adds to the broad ESG literature and methodologically extends past results by exploring the moderating influence of profitability. Practical implications: This study has implications for managers and firms that are increasingly desirous of improving their firm performance by presenting a positive image to their stakeholders and how this is linked to their profitability over time. Novelty: This study adds new aspects to the broad discussion on ESG and firm value in a developing-country context, which is consistent with the view that profitable firms mainly address ESG issues in such economies.

Using entrepreneurial competencies and action to profile entrepreneurs: a CHAID analysis approach

PurposeEntrepreneurial trait and behaviour approaches are used to identify differing entrepreneurial profiles. Specifically, this study aims to determine which entrepreneurial competencies (ECs) can predict entrepreneurial action (EA) for distinct profiles, such as male versus female, start-up versus established and for entrepreneurs within different age groups and educational levels.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted using a survey method on a large sample of 1,150 South African entrepreneurs. Chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) algorithms were used to build decision trees to illustrate distinct entrepreneurial profiles.FindingsEach profile has a different set of ECs that predict EA, with a growth mindset being the most significant predictor of action. Therefore, this study confirms that a “one-size-fits-all” approach cannot be applied when profiling entrepreneurs.Research limitations/implicationsFrom a pedagogical standpoint, different combinations of these ECs for each profile provide priority information for identification of appropriate candidates (e.g. the highest potential for success) and training initiatives, effective pedagogies and programme design (e.g. which individual ECs should be trained and how should they be trained).Originality/valuePrevious work has mostly focused on demographic variables and included a single sample to profile entrepreneurs. This study maintains much wider applicability in terms of examining profiles in a systematic way. The large sample size supports quantitative analysis of the comparisons between different entrepreneurial profiles using unconventional analyses. Furthermore, as far as can be determined, this represents the first CHAID conducted in a developing country context, especially South Africa, focusing on individual ECs predicting EA.

Fit and Viable Determinants of Gamification in Christian Religious Studies in Developing Economy Context

Abstract Gamification has been utilized in bible applications for religious learning activities to create excitement and encourage positive behavioral outcomes. However, there is a noticeable gap in the effectiveness and viability of gamified bible applications, particularly among Ghanaian Christian faiths. In this study, we explored the fit and viability of gamification in Christian religious studies. Based on the Fit-Viability Theory, we analyzed data from 432 respondents from various Christian denominations in Ghana using structural equation modelling. Our findings revealed that Task and Technology Characteristics, Economic, Organizational, and individual Christian Doctrines significantly influence the adoption and use of gamified Bible applications in a developing country context.

A Dynamic Urban Mobility Index from Clustering of Vehicle Speeds in a Tourist-Heavy City

The rapid urbanization of cities often brings about complex mobility issues, such as traffic congestion that, when unplanned, results in decreased productivity and quality of life. While many cities have adopted smart city initiatives to capture and monitor mobility, applying these in a developing country context remains a challenge when infrastructure and high-resolution spatial and temporal data are lacking. In this work, we use GPS data obtained from probe vehicles (a mix of public and private transport vehicles) within the city of Baguio, The Philippines, to develop and propose the Zone-based Speed Index (ZSI), a mobility index based on the speed clusters observed in this city. The ZSI dynamically infers monthly speed thresholds to classify zones as fast or slow and successfully captures the decrease in vehicle mobility associated with the impact of typhoons and holidays. Thus, it can be used to characterize urban vehicle mobility with high (hourly) resolution. Insights from the use of our dynamic mobility index are useful in the development and optimization of transportation systems, in monitoring the ease of vehicle mobility, and in the performance assessment of smart city initiatives, which are much needed in tourism hotspots.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATIONS OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the entrepreneurship attitudes and motivations of Nigerian university students. Employing a descriptive research design, this study engaged in an extensive literature review, developed, and validated a tailored questionnaire, and analyzed responses from a diverse sample of students. The research reveals that Nigerian students exhibit a moderately low entrepreneurial attitude. Significantly, it uncovers that the primary motivation driving these students towards entrepreneurship is the allure of independence rather than financial incentives. The paper contributes theoretically by shedding light on the entrepreneurial inclinations within a developing country context, specifically Nigeria. It also extends the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the motivations and attitudes of Nigerian students towards entrepreneurship. These insights not only enrich academic discourse but also provide a basis for policy formulation and educational strategies aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship in Nigerian universities. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research, emphasizing the need to delve deeper into the factors influencing entrepreneurial attitudes in similar environments, especially developing countries.

Making Right to Housing Work: Learnings from YUVA’s Approach of Enabling the Right to Adequate Housing

Abstract This article presents a model of human rights practice in India, specifically focused on the right to adequate housing for marginalized groups. It details this through the praxis of a 40-year-old non-profit organization called Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA). The article presents the approach, rooted in the specific socio-legal contexts of Indian cities where YUVA works. Four key elements from YUVA’s model of work are elaborated: a) facilitating access to citizenship rights to enable individual claim-making; b) formation of people’s organizations towards collectivization; c) formation of wider city- and state-level alliances towards policy and advocacy shifts; d) strategic inputs to drive inclusion in urban plans. Although the insights embody the experience of a single organization, they offer several lessons for wider human rights practice with respect to realizing the right to housing in developing country contexts, especially in the Global South.

Determinants of Private Tutoring Demand in Rural India

: Private tutoring participation is increasing in several developing countries, and this expansion has attracted the interest of scholars spanning disciplines of economics, sociology and history. This paper presents a theoretical model of private tutoring demand. The model incorporates the household and school characteristics in a developing country context and demonstrates the source of gender gaps in access to private tutoring. Using a recent database from India and employing a hurdle model approach, the paper also provides estimates of the drivers of private tutoring participation and spending for pre-secondary students. Our results indicate evidence of gender gaps in private tutoring access, and that the socio-economic profile of a student is positively correlated with tutoring demand. Further, school quality indicators are negatively correlated with tutoring participation, suggesting that students at ‘better’ schools rely less on tutoring. Overall, the findings suggest that tutoring demand is influenced by a mix of demand-side (household, community drivers) and supply-side (school quality and learning environment) factors. The results bring into focus the equity implications of tutoring growth and the need to improve school quality in order to reduce the dependence on private tutoring.

Passion and intention among aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities: the role of entrepreneurial support programs

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between entrepreneurial passion, entrepreneurial support programs and entrepreneurial intention, and the moderating role of entrepreneurial support programs in the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial intention, among students with physical disabilities in Nigerian tertiary institutions.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a closed-ended questionnaire survey, composed of previously validated scales, to sample 209 students with physical disabilities at tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Hierarchal regression was performed to assess the relationships between the variables and test the hypotheses.FindingsBoth entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial support programs were found to be significantly positively related to entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial support programs also moderated the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial intention.Research limitations/implicationsThis research paper identifies that developing entrepreneurial passion and providing accessible and inclusive entrepreneurial support programs are valuable in supporting and facilitating a passage into entrepreneurship for those with disabilities.Originality/valueThis research paper addresses calls for further understanding of how those with disabilities can be supported into entrepreneurship, by identifying supporting factors. The research paper provides further understanding of the entrepreneurial passion and intention nexus by exploring the relationship within those with a physical disability, where significant barriers exist and within a developing country context where entrepreneurship might be a necessity rather than driven by passion.

Organisational culture and organisational commitment: the moderating effect of self-efficacy

PurposeThis study aims at establishing the moderating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between organisational culture (OC) and organisational commitment in the perspective of institutions of higher learning in a developing country.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional design was used to obtain quantitative data from 572 academic staff in eight universities. The sample was selected following a simple random technique. The study data were analysed using SPSS version 23.FindingsThe study findings reveal that OC and self-efficacy influence organisational commitment. Further, self-efficacy moderates the relationship between OC and organisational commitment.Practical implicationsUniversities should foster a culture that emphasises collaboration, open communication, inclusion, equity and staff development to increase organisational commitment. In order to build academic staff self-efficacy, universities should provide opportunities for training and development, mentoring, coaching, continuous performance evaluation, and regular feedback to stimulate academic staff's desire to remain committed to the institution. University administrators should look beyond traditional skills and competencies when recruiting future academic staff as their personal beliefs are essential to accelerating organisational commitment.Originality/valueThis study extends the current literature in organisational behaviour and provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between OC and organisational commitment using the Competing Values Framework. This study was also conducted in a developing country context, which can always lead to different results than studies conducted in developed countries.

Well-Behaved Women: Engendering Political Interest in Public Opinion Research

Women form a large part of the voting public in India. In the 2009 Indian National Election post-election survey, 82% of all adult women surveyed reported voting, but only 32% said that they were interested in politics. The paradox between high female turnout but low levels of interest has been noted in multiple developing country contexts, but the phenomenon is under-theorized. We suggest the reason is that women’s ideas (interest in politics) are discouraged and suppressed by societal patriarchal norms enforced in the household, but women’s bodies (their votes) are valued in competitive elections. We illustrate our argument using matched samples from two rounds (2009 and 2014) of the Indian National Election Survey and an original post-election survey in 2019. We find that women are consistently less likely to report either an interest in politics, or an opinion on political issues, if their spouse or an adult family member observes the interview. Our findings suggest that women’s political agency is systematically under-estimated by researchers, and that women are more likely to assert themselves politically in survey contexts, if given the privacy to do so.