Financial Support Research Articles

Investigating the impact of fear of COVID-19 on intention to quit: do supervisor support and government support matter?

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationships among fear of COVID-19, job stress, job commitment and intention to quit. It also investigates the boundary conditions of the impact of fear of COVID-19 on job stress and intention to quit, a research gap that has not been addressed yet. Design/methodology/approach This research focused on full-time frontline hotel employees who have been working in four- and five-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A pilot test was performed before collecting formal data. The survey was conducted face-to-face on site so that any potential confusion could be clarified right away. 487 valid responses were analyzed using SPSS 28 and SmartPLS 4. Findings The majority of hypotheses were supported, with the results suggested that supervisor support contributes to reducing the tendency of hotel employees to quit their job and their job stress. Besides, government support is necessary to make staff feel secure during the pandemic. Practical implications This study contributes to pointing out central priorities in making decisions by hotel managers when facing crises. Managers need to focus more on measures to help their employees feel secure and should be available for guidance and feedback when nedeed. Additionally, supportive policies from the government, especially financial support, can provide hotel employees with resources they need to maintain a basic level of living in the face of a severe drop in their income. The study provides the hotel industry not only in Vietnam but also in countries with comparable settings with strategies to cope with unexpected events. Originality/value Research on intention to quit a job has mainly focused on a complex interplay of internal factors. However, the influence of fear of COVID-19 on intention to quit a job has not been studied in the context of Vietnamese hotel industry yet. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of hotels in Vietnam had to close due to a lack of visitors, which had a negative impact on human resources. Accordingly, fear, stress, commitment and intention to quit a job are the issues faced by staff.

Crowding in or Out？National Public Pension, Inter-Generational Contract, and Family Support to Empty-Nest Older Parents in Rural China

ABSTRACT Evidence to date has been inconclusive on the effects of public pension on family support to older adults, and the underlying mechanism behind such effects remains unclear. This study examines the effects of the New Rural Social Pension Scheme on family support to empty-nest older parents in rural China, where family care is traditionally favored for older adults. Using data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, the findings reveal that pension receipt promotes bidirectional financial transfers and intimate relationships between generations, thus increasing (or crowding in) children’s financial and care support to their empty-nest parents. On the other hand, receiving pensions may discourage parental care support to children and partially decrease (or crowd out) children’s financial and care support. This crowding-out effect, however, is limited and thus insufficient for counteracting the crowding-in effects from other pathways. Overall, these findings indicate that national welfare, such as pensions, can encourage family support through inter-generational contracts and intimacy, strengthening familial bonds and facilitating mutual assistance within families. For policy implications, government should prioritize improving benefit levels of public pensions to harness the caregiving potential of families and providing essential services that assist families in addressing care burdens.

"Infertility Isn't a Choice!": Conversations on Twitter about the Financial Burden of Oncofertility Care.

This study aimed to evaluate how the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community utilized Twitter to discuss the financial challenges of oncofertility care and to advocate for change. Tweets related to oncofertility and finances (n = 166), collected over a 12-week time period encompassing AYA Cancer Awareness Week, were thematically analyzed. Conversations highlighted how the high cost of care contributed to already high emotional and social distress. Proposed actions included providing timely information more equitably, improving access to financial support, and continued advocacy of policy changes to improve access to oncofertility care. Future research can explore the potential impact on policy change and clinical care.

A Study of Financial Planning on Young Individuals in Delhi NCR

This research paper investigates the significance of financial planning for young individuals in achieving long-term financial security and stability. With the increasing complexity of the financial landscape and the challenges posed by economic uncertainties, effective financial planning is indispensable for the younger generation. The paper examines various strategies and tools available for young individuals to manage their finances prudently, including budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. Additionally, it explores the role of financial education and literacy in empowering young people to make informed decisions about their finances. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, this paper highlights the importance of early financial planning in building wealth, mitigating risks, and achieving financial goals. Furthermore, it discusses the potential barriers and challenges faced by young individuals in implementing financial plans, such as student loans, low income, and lack of knowledge. Finally, the paper offers practical recommendations and actionable insights for young individuals to enhance their financial well-being and lay a strong foundation for a secure financial future. Monetary items function as a venture route, providing the financial supporters with the predefined monetary security and upholding the monetary items' gamble return profile. In the past traditionally, In India, banks (credit and store accounts), the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), and the Post Office (repeating shop, National Saving Certificate, Kisan Vikas Patra) all displayed financial products. However, in recent times, as the financial services sector has advanced, new financial products have been introduced, including common stocks, shares, subordinates, annuity plans, children's education plans, life and non-extra security plans (Unit Linked Investment Plans, or ULIPs), common assets, and shares. Each person behaves differently when contributing, therefore each has a different predisposition towards speculation. A private person's investment behavior is influenced by his own circumstances. With the presumption of producing yields people invest in a few financial goods with the hope of earning sizable returns over time and with varying degrees of risk. The goal of the current analysis is to examine how salaried individuals speculate about financial goods that are supported by various segment elements.

Exploring the Moderating Effect of Generational Status on the Link Between External Environment and Entrepreneurial Motivation of Indian Women Entrepreneurs

This study examines how external environmental factors affect the motivation of first- and second-generation women entrepreneurs in India, and how their generational status moderates this relationship. We used a survey design method to collect data from 459 women business owners in India, who were classified as first- or second-generation based on whether they were the first or second generation in their family to start a business. We employed the partial least-squares structural equation modelling method to test our hypotheses and evaluate our model. We found that external environmental factors, such as education and training, financial support, government policies and non-financial support, had positive effects on entrepreneurial motivation for both groups of women entrepreneurs. However, we also found that generational status had a significant moderating effect on the link between education and training and entrepreneurial motivation, but not on the other three external environmental factors. Specifically, we found that education and training influenced second-generation women entrepreneurs more strongly than first-generation women entrepreneurs. Our findings have important implications for management practice and policymaking, as well as for the literature on women entrepreneurship. We suggest that concerned authorities should develop differential strategies for first- and second-generation women entrepreneurs, taking into account their different responses to external environmental factors. We also suggest that future research should explore other internal and external environmental factors that might interact with generational status or other variables to shape women entrepreneurs’ motivation.

An Autoethnography on Intergenerational Relationships and Transnational Care for Older Parents

I employ autoethnography to undertake a broader scholarly inquiry on intergenerational relationships and transnational care shaped by global migration and aging. Specifically, I reflect on the dynamics of my relationship with my mother, beginning with my departure from my home and spanning a period of 40 years, 8 in China and 34 outside China. In doing so, I contemplate theoretical models of intergenerational solidarity, ambivalence, and role ambiguity. I also challenge cultural assumptions of filial piety. The geographical distance, passage of time, and acculturation process have profoundly influenced my perception of filial piety, which differs markedly from my mother’s. However, this divergence in consensual solidarity—marked by variations in attitudes, beliefs, and values—does not translate into weakened affectual solidarity, characterized by positive sentiments and emotions. Furthermore, aided by advancements in transportation and social media technology, I have been able to extend crucial emotional and some “instrumental” care to my mother, along with financial support if needed, despite limited hands-on care. Nevertheless, I must negotiate my care for my mother and navigate a delicate balance in coordinating my care efforts with those of my non-migrant siblings.

"I am adhering to HIV treatment so that I can live to support her": A qualitative study of upward intergenerational support in South Africa.

Intergenerational family care, which was upended by the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), may return to a pre-HIV era arrangement as access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) expands and treated adults can once again provide support for older household members. Empirical research has demonstrated positive 'spillover effects' of ART uptake from treated adults to younger generations, yet much less is known about the nature and breadth of such effects to older generations. This study explores the role and lived experiences among adults who take up ART and those of an older generation with whom they live. We conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews (n = 46) embedded in the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in rural South Africa, between July and September 2022. We purposefully sampled two respondent categories: (i) young or middle-aged adults on ART (aged 18-59 years old); and (ii) older adults (aged ≥60 years old) who were affiliated with a young or middle-aged adult on ART. We used thematic content analysis to extract, code, and categorise relevant text by types of upward spillover effects from ART in younger adults to older adults. Quantitative data was extracted from the existing Agincourt HDSS database and matched to qualitative interview data based on Clinic link unique identifiers of study participants. Mean age was 41 years among young or middle-aged adults (n = 29) and 72 years among older adults (n = 17). Among younger adults, time on ART ranged from five months to more than 21 years. Both young or middle-aged adults on ART and older adults reported positive spillover effects for older adults across five main tiers: caregiving, financial support, physical and mental health, living arrangements and household relationships, and stigma and reputation. Spillover challenges included financial costs and caregiving responsibilities following ART initiation of young or middle-aged adults, although these additional caregiving responsibilities were generally not perceived as particularly burdensome. ART is likely to benefit older adults in South Africa whose families are affected by HIV. This study identified a wide range of perceived spillover effects from ART in younger adults to older adults, including improvements to upward intergenerational support. These qualitative findings offer a guide to researchers, policymakers, and donors to capitalise on the broader societal effects of a large-scale health intervention to further support family structures and meet the needs of a growing older population.

Research on China's End-of-Life Care Policy from the Perspective of Aging Population: A Textual Analysis of 30 Policies from 2017 to 2022

As the proportion of elderly population increases and the level of social development continues to rise, the issue of end-of-life care for the elderly has gradually gained societal attention. End-of-life care, as an emerging field, relies crucially on optimizing top-level policy design for its healthy development. This study focuses on 30 national-level end-of-life care policy texts from 2017 to 2022. Utilizing analysis tools such as ROST CM 6 software, NLPIR Chinese word segmentation system, and SPSS, the research employs a three-dimensional framework of keyword frequency analysis, semantic network analysis, and "policy tools-policy time-policy intensity" to comprehensively explore the current state of China's end-of-life care policy. The study reveals existing issues in the policy's practical operability, uneven application of policy tools, neglected funding and information technology support, and weak regulatory aspects. It emphasizes the need to prioritize a people-centered approach, enhance the overall balance in policy tools, promote the standardization of end-of-life care, and improve a diversified service system. These findings broaden the research perspective in the field of end-of-life care, providing insights for optimizing policy design and advancing nationwide end-of-life care efforts.

Wellbeing in the higher education sector: A qualitative study of staff perceptions in UK universities

The Higher Education (HE) sector is beset with mental ill-health, stress and burnout, negatively impacting staff productivity and retention. These challenges are due to a reduction in financial support for HE coupled with a growing number of students and increased workloads, as evidenced by recent strike actions in the UK. While research on mental ill-health in HE is extensive, our understanding of wellbeing in higher education is limited. Yet understanding wellbeing in the workplace can foster positive experiences and resilience, counteracting more negative experiences. This paper presents findings from 21 in-depth semi-structured interviews with employees (academic and professional staff) in UK universities to understand staff perceptions of wellbeing and the impact of the HE context. Five themes were identified: (1) factors contributing to staff wellbeing, such as colleague support; (2) fragility and duality of staff wellbeing, on how wellbeing can be damaged as well as its changing nature; (3) the dichotomy of collegial peer and organizational support, on university and staff actions toward wellbeing; (4) outsider from within, on an experienced lack of belonging; and (5) creativity and growth, on opportunities for staff development. Gaps in our understanding of Black, Asian, Minority, and Ethnic staff experiences were also identified. Implications for bolstering wellbeing in practice and future research are discussed.

Lessons learned from COVID-19: improving breast cancer care post-pandemic from the patient perspective

BackgroundSince the onset of the pandemic, breast cancer (BC) services have been disrupted in most countries. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the unmet needs, patient-priorities, and recommendations for improving BC healthcare post-pandemic for women with BC and to understand how they may vary based on social determinants of health (SDH), in particular socio-economic status (SES).MethodsThirty-seven women, who were purposively sampled based on SDH and previously interviewed about the impact of COVID-19 on BC, were invited to take part in follow-up semi-structured qualitative interviews in early 2023. The interviews explored their perspectives of BC care since the easing of COVID-19 government restrictions, including unmet needs, patient-priorities, and recommendations specific to BC care. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize each topic narratively with corresponding sub-themes. Additionally, variation by SDH was analyzed within each sub-theme.ResultsTwenty-eight women (mean age = 61.7 years, standard deviation (SD) = 12.3) participated in interviews (response rate = 76%). Thirty-nine percent (n = 11) of women were categorized as high-SES, while 61% (n = 17) of women were categorized as low-SES. Women expressed unmet needs in their BC care including routine care and mental and physical well-being care, as well as a lack of financial support to access BC care. Patient priorities included the following: developing cohesion between different aspects of BC care; communication with and between healthcare professionals; and patient empowerment within BC care. Recommendations moving forward post-pandemic included improving the transition from active to post-treatment, enhancing support resources, and implementing telemedicine where appropriate. Overall, women of low-SES experienced more severe unmet needs, which in turn resulted in varied patient priorities and recommendations.ConclusionAs health systems are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the emphasis should be on restoring access to BC care and improving the quality of BC care, with a particular consideration given to those women from low-SES, to reduce health inequalities post-pandemic.

Target Firm Advertising and Firm Value

Consistent with hypotheses underlying firm advertising, we find that targets with pretakeover advertising obtain higher premiums, whereas their acquirers earn lower announcement returns. These economically significant effects suggest that through advertising, targets increase their profile and negotiating power. Further, targets that advertise are more likely to initiate their takeovers, attract multiple bidders, receive enhanced bids, capture more merger rents, and even in failed acquisitions, experience a 1% permanent revaluation. The latter result differentiates between information asymmetry and behavioral explanations for the target advertising. Overall, the results support the hypothesis that management advertises to transmit information to investors and potential acquirers. This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance. Funding: A. L. Tran acknowledges financial support from the Mergers and Acquisitions Research Centre at Bayes Business School. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01534 .

Experiences of the family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia in north Indian region: A qualitative inquiry

IntroductionFamily caregivers with schizophrenia struggle with psychological, social, and other challenges due to stigma, lack of adequate information, and maladaptive coping strategies. We aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers of persons with schizophrenia (PwS) to comprehend the emotional challenges and other burdens and coping strategies utilized. MethodsWe subscribed to a phenomenological approach and interviewed nine caregivers in-depth. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and translated from Hindi to English. Thematic analysis was performed using the seven-step Colaizzi's method. ATLAS.ti.22 was used for the analysis of the data. ResultsFive themes emerged from the data: 1) general understanding of schizophrenia, 2) emotional burden, 3) Disruption in personal and socio-occupational life, 4) challenges in caregiving, and 5) coping strategies. Caregiving adversely affected the quality of life socially and financially. Schizophrenia stigmatized families, trapped them in their homes, and left them no choice but to get support from informal networks. Also, caregivers experienced a lack of healthcare facilities in the vicinity and reported a substandard level of formal care. ConclusionGiving care to PwS entails financial, social, emotional, and physical burden. Feelings of frustration, helplessness, uncertainty, and loss are common. Transformation of personal, professional, and social life are usual consequence of caregiving. Generally, caregivers cope through addictions or spiritual means. Significant perceived requirements include a lack of knowledge about the condition and how to manage it as well as inadequate support services. Emotional and financial support and community support services near home may ease the burden of caregiving for PwS.

Characteristics and challenges of companion animal rescue organisations in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Aims To describe the characteristics of companion animal rescue organisations (CARO) in New Zealand; to describe current capacity, resource limitations and challenges of CARO with a particular focus on cats and dogs; and to explore support for creating a national database of CARO in New Zealand. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered to CARO in New Zealand in May 2022. The survey asked about organisational characteristics, types and numbers of animals cared for, services provided, policies, staffing, funding sources, challenges, and attitudes towards a national database for rescue organisations. Descriptive statistics were provided for all quantitative study variables and free-text comments were analysed for common themes. Results The survey was completed by 106/208 (51%) known CARO distributed across the country. These CARO provided services to an estimated 59,874 homeless animals annually with 86/106 (81%) providing services to cats and/or dogs. Primary services provided by CARO who cared for cats or dogs included rehoming (72/86; 84%) and housing (70/86; 81%) animals. Intake was managed through a combination of strategies. Donations (72/86; 82%) were the main funding source. The 62 registered charities were more likely to report being funded by grants than the 23 non-charities (39/62 (63%) vs. 1/23 (4%); p < 0.001), and non-charities were more likely to self-fund (18/23 (78%) vs. 20/62 (32%); p < 0.001). Nearly half of the CARO that provided workforce information (35/72; 49%) had a workforce of 10 or fewer including volunteers. A total of 5,699 people worked for 86 CARO that care for cats or dogs of whom 4,847 (85%) were part-time volunteers. Of the 72 cat and dog CARO who provided workforce information, 57/72 (79%) relied solely on volunteers. The majority of all 106 CARO respondents (78/106; 73%) indicated they were likely to register on a national database of CARO, subject to addressing concerns about time required and information security. CARO respondents described challenges of insufficient funding, access to veterinary services, and a shortage of volunteers and foster homes, with additional concerns including a lack of public awareness, supportive legislation, and resources. Financial support (90/106; 85%) and policy change (76/106; 72%) were preferred support options. Conclusions This study highlights the significant role played by CARO in New Zealand and the challenges they face, emphasising the need for financial support, legislation, and initiatives extending beyond the rescue sector to reduce the number of animals being surrendered. The findings also suggest a willingness among CARO to participate in a national database.

The role of financial support in preventing the need for child protection services: a mixed method study on the effects and pathways of additional income support

ABSTRACT Previous studies show that household economic insecurity is associated with poor child health and an increased risk of child maltreatment. Therefore, it can be assumed that family financial support can also prevent the need for child protection services. This study asks: What is the association of families’ poverty and granted additional income support with the need for child protection services, and through which pathways does this effect arise? The research is mixed method, and based on Finnish municipality-specific statistical data in 2019 (Sotkanet Indicator Bank, 294 municipalities) and interviews with Finnish social workers (N = 23). Linear regression analysis and qualitative methods were employed. The study shows that poverty has a positive association with the need for child protection services, but on the other hand, additional income support buffers this effect. The research has also revealed pathways through which additional income support prevents the need for child protection services. Through the interviews, pathways of immediate material help, alleviating economic stress and supporting parenting, as well as strengthening social inclusion were identified. Furthermore, the importance of social work and its cooperation practices emerged in the study.

Predictors of solar water heater purchasing intention: An empirical analysis of residential behaviors in Hanoi city, Vietnam

Abstract Solar energy is a field that has grown rapidly in the world in recent years to solve the energy crisis and respond to climate change. Vietnam is a country with renewables energy potential including solar power and is pursuing net zero emissions target by 2050. This study explores factors affecting the residents' intention to buy solar water heater in Hanoi, Vietnam. We used theory of planned behaviors and technology acceptance model to build research model and hypotheses. A community survey was conducted with 450 households in 3 districts using cluster sampling method to collect information. We conducted descriptive statistical analysis, Cronbach's Alpha test, exploring factor analysis, conformity factor analysis and regression to identify and evaluate the impact of factors on solar water heater consumption intention. The results showed that there were significant factors affecting people's intention to buy solar water heater including attitude, perceived usefulness, price perception, social influence and financial support in which attitude is the most influential factor. Regarding social characteristic of respondents, we also found positively significant relationship between income, education level and intention to use solar heater. Recommendations for government and business included increasing awareness of the benefits and economic feasibility of renewable energy devices to consumers through social media, implementing financial incentives to support clean energy consumption behavior, and strengtheing the emergence of local solar evangelist groups in the communities. Future research can expand to other cities and explore more indirect factors affecting the green energy consumption behavior of Vietnamese residents.

“He’ll come with some sugar.” A qualitative study exploring the drivers and consequences of schoolgirls transactional sex behaviours

IntoductionTransactional sex (TS) is common in areas of sub-Saharan Africa, motivated by reasons beyond financial support. Through this qualitative study we sought to understand the motivation driving TS among adolescent schoolgirls in rural western Kenya where rates are reportedly high. Identifying and understanding drivers within the local context is necessary for implementation of successful public health policy and programming to reduce the associated harms impacting health and wellbeing.MethodsTo understand the drivers of sexual behaviors, individual views, and socio-cultural norms, we spoke with schoolgirls, male peers, parents and teachers. The three latter groups may influence, encourage, and shape girls' views and behaviors and thus contribute to the perpetuation of cultural and societal norms.ResultsOne hundred and ninety-nine participants took part across 20 FGDs; 8 comprised of schoolgirl groups, and 4 each of schoolboy, parent or teacher groups. Through thematic analysis, poverty emerged as the key driver of TS and a normative behaviour amongst secondary school girls. Subthemes including parental influence, need for menstrual pads, pressure from boda boda drivers, peer pressure, and blame were part of a complex relationship linking poverty with TS.DiscussionWe conclude that whilst TS is perceived as inevitable, normal and acceptable it is not really a choice for many girls. Exploring ways to encourage communication between families, including around menstruation, may help enable girls to ask for help in acquiring essential items. In addition, education at a community level may shift social norms over time and decrease the prevalence of age-disparate TS among schoolgirls and older, wealthier men in the community.

An Observational Study on Perception of Efficacy of Crop Insurance among the Farmers of a Community Development Block in the State of West Bengal

Crop insurance is a formal mechanism of risk management to farmers exposed to a similar type of risk in agricultural production. It is a means to protect the cultivators against financial loss on account of anticipated crop loss which might arise out of uncontrollable natural calamities such as natural fire, weather, floods, pests, diseases etc. In West Bengal, various crop insurance schemes have been implemented so far. The common aim of the schemes is to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure and stabilize farm production and income of the farming community. This is the motivation behind the study. The study has been conducted among farmers of Hooghly district in West Bengal to understand their perception of efficacy of crop insurance schemes. Respondents include both insured and non-insured farmers. The mean age of the farmers with crop insurance was 43.18±16.13 years and the mean age of the ones without crop insurance was 44.22±18.07 years respectively (p=0.62). All respondents were males with full ownership of farms. The mean size of the farms was 5.95±3.28 bigha. A total number of 60 farmers were selected randomly out of which 30 farmers were with crop insurance and rest 30 were without crop insurance. Among the risk management strategies adopted for the destruction of crops, sale/ mortgage of land, sale of livestock and government relief were higher among non-insured farmers as compared to insured farmers (p&gt;0.05).

Social Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Indian Migrant Workers: A Survey-Based Investigation

This research investigates the social impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on Indian migrant workers, aiming to fill a literature gap by providing empirical insights into their experiences and challenges during the pandemic. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected through structured interviews with 200 migrant workers across various regions of India. The study analyzed the impact on employment status, sources of financial support, mental health outcomes, changes in social support networks, access to healthcare services, coping mechanisms, perception of government support, and willingness to return to urban centers for work. The findings highlight a significant decline in employment, reliance on savings and remittances, heightened mental health burden, erosion of social support networks, barriers to healthcare access, diverse coping strategies, dissatisfaction with government support, and reluctance to return to urban centers post-lockdown. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy responses to address the socio-economic and psychological needs of migrant workers, promote resilience, and build more inclusive and equitable societies.

Dynamic Capabilities and Competitive Advantage of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Despite providing financial support and access to over 48% of the adult population and 82% of small enterprises in Kenya, Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives faced intense competition from other financial institutions, leading to reduced competitiveness. The general objective of the study was to investigate the effect of dynamic capabilities on the competitive advantage of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to explore the effect of marketing capability, knowledge management capability, technological innovation capability, financial management capability on the competitive advantage of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was grounded in Marketing Mix Theory, Knowledge-Based Theory, Technology Acceptance Theory, Resource-Based Theory, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and Competitive Advantage Theory. It employed a descriptive research design, with a target population of 47 Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives operating in Nairobi City County. The units of observation included 384 top and middle-level management staff in key departments. The study used a stratefied random sampling for sampling, involving all 47 Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Nairobi. Additionally, a sample of 196 top and middle management staff was selected using the Yamane Formula. A structured survey tool was utilized for gathering data. Secondary data on competitive advantage was sourced from published articles, referred journals, and other relevant materials. The data gathered included both quantitative and qualitative elements, analyzed descriptively and inferentially, with averages, frequencies, and percentages serving as useful metrics. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented in narrative form. The relationships between variables were examined through regression analysis, with tables used to summarize responses. The study analyzed the response rate to understand the participation and engagement level of 196 respondents in a sample of Deposit Taking SACCOs, consisting of 55 senior managers and 141 middle-level managers. The overall response rate was 94.4%, with senior managers returning 90.9% of questionnaires and middle-level managers returning 95.7%. The regression analysis showed that marketing capability, knowledge management capability, technological innovation capability, and financial management capability had a significant positive impact on the competitive advantage of Deposit Taking SACCOs in Nairobi City County. These capabilities contributed to competitive advantage through various factors, such as market expansion, communication efficiency, and financial stability. Recommendations for SACCOs included developing strong marketing strategies, implementing knowledge management systems, investing in robust technology, and enhancing financial management practices. Suggestions for future studies encouraged further exploration of dynamic capabilities and competitive advantages in SACCOs, as well as other financial institutions in Kenya.

Bidder-Specific Synergies and the Evolution of Acquirer Returns

Largely constant average acquirer returns over the past four decades mask fundamental changes in the takeover market. Controlling for bidder composition, the common component of acquirer returns has increased by five percentage points relative to the 1980s. Offsetting this increase, the average bidder-specific component has declined. We propose a theory of bidder-specific synergies to help interpret these opposing trends. In our theory and in the data, acquirer returns increase with the extent to which synergies are unique to that bidder. The composition effect reflects bidder uniqueness. Overall, the evidence is consistent with rising merger synergies that have become less bidder specific. This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance. Funding: A. Golubov acknowledges financial support from the Bank of Canada [Governor’s Award]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02208 .