UAE Firms Research Articles

Moderating Effect Of Employee Service Quality And Mediating Impact Of Experiential Marketing in UAE Entrepreneurial Sector

Considersing the organizational success, employees performance has been accepted as among the fundamental role players. However, several organizational factors like abusive supervision, job stress, turnover intention, and agile leadership have been accepted as among the most critical determinants of such performance outcomes. The objective of this research is to investigate the moderating effect of perceived organizational support on the relationships between abusive supervision, job stress, turnover intention, and agile leadership with employee performance in public firms in the UAE. A valid sample of 211 respondents from the public sector firms in UAE has been collected. The present study applies the measurement model and structural model assessment using the Smart PLS version 4.0. The findings confirm the presence of the internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the latent constructs when examined through their relative items. Moreover, the structural equation modelling reveals that there is a significant impact of agile leadership, abusive supervision, and job stress on the employee performance among the public firms of UAE. Additionally, the findings state that there is a significant moderating effect of perceived organizational support on the relationship between agile leadership and employee performance, between abusive supervision and employee performance, and between job stress and employee performance, respectively. Based upon the given findings, several policy implications have also been suggested for the policymakers specifically at the public firms in UAE.

Moderating Effect of Perceived Organizational Support on the Relationship Between Employee Performance and Its Determinants: A Case of Entrepreneurial Firms in UAE

Considering the organizational success, employees performance has been accepted as among the fundamental role players. However, several organizational factors like abusive supervision, job stress, turnover intention, and agile leadership have been accepted as among the most critical determinants of such performance outcomes. The objective of this study is to assess the moderating effect of perceived organizational support on the relationships among abusive supervision, job stress, turnover intention, and agile leadership on employee performance in public firms in the UAE. A valid sample of 211 respondents from the public sector firms in UAE has been collected. The present study applies the measurement model and structural model assessment using the Smart PLS version 4. The findings confirm the presence of the internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the latent constructs when examined through their relative items. Moreover, the structural equation modelling reveals that there is a significant impact of agile leadership, abusive supervision, and job stress on the employee performance among the public firms of UAE. Additionally, the findings state that there is a significant moderating effect of perceived organizational support on the relationship between agile leadership and employee performance, between abusive supervision and employee performance, and between job stress and employee performance, respectively. Based upon the given findings, several policy implications have also been suggested for the policymakers specifically at the public firms in UAE.

The impact of dynamic capabilities on enterprise agility: The intervening roles of digital transformation and IT alignment

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of dynamic capabilities on enterprise agility through the mediating effect of IT alignment and the moderating influence of digital transformation. Using a quantitative survey strategy, data were collected from 236 respondents from UAE firms and analysed through a non-linear structural equation modelling approach, partial least squares (PLS-SEM). The study ’s findings indicate that firms’ transforming, sensing and seizing capabilities enhance enterprise agility, respectively. However, only transforming and seizing increase IT alignment, which in turn improved agility. Also, digital transformation was found to moderate the link between transforming and enterprise agility, while IT allignment acted as a mediator. The study offers novel evidence uncovering the mechanism whereby sub-dimensional dynamic capabilities impact enterprise agility. Precisely, it provides fresh evidence on the critical intervening roles of digital transformation and IT alignment in the UAE context.

Measuring supply chain agility during the COVID-19 pandemic: empirical evidence from the firms in UAE

Measuring supply chain agility during the COVID-19 pandemic: empirical evidence from the firms in UAE

Digital disruptions in commodity trading and risk management : impact on operational performance of oil and energy trading firms in UAE

Digital disruptions in commodity trading and risk management : impact on operational performance of oil and energy trading firms in UAE

Blockholdings, Dividend Policy, Stock Returns and Return Volatility: Evidence from the UAE

This paper examines the relationship between the presence of blockholdings and stock returns and return volatility in the United Arab Emirates. Earlier studies report mixed results for the direction of the relationships across both developed and emerging markets. This study focuses specifically on these relationships in a dividend policy framework. This study further investigates the role of blockholder type by distinguishing between government, individual and corporate blockholders. Our results indicate that blockholder ownership reduces stock return volatility for both non-dividend-paying and dividend-paying stocks, does not impact returns and is not perceived as expropriating the wealth of other investors. We also conclude that the blockholders do not exhibit rent-seeking behavior through the extraction of dividends and investors in UAE firms embrace the role of blockholders and the reinvestment of profits.

Evaluating the Super-Efficiency of Working Capital Management Using Data Envelopment Analysis: Does COVID-19 Matter?

This study evaluates the working capital management (WCM) super-efficiency in UAE firms and determines how the COVID-19 crisis may affect WCM super-efficiency from a statistical perspective. Data envelopment analysis (DEA), difference tests, and Tobit regression techniques are used. Integration of DEA with Tobit regression is required to recognize the potential statistical consequence of COVID-19 on the super-efficiency of WCM. The results show that WCM super-efficiency is moderate and requires decision-makers' corrective measures to attain best practices. The study results show no significant difference in WCM super-efficiency, and COVID-19 does not significantly influence WCM super-efficiency. The results would rouse decision-makers' interests, who would look into the firm's efficiency and weak spots. They would then take major steps to improve efficiency and achieve the best practices. Stakeholders such as managers, financiers, and investors may need these results to monitor how firms manage their assets and liabilities. We contribute to the literature by investigating and evaluating firms' WCM super-efficiency pre and post the COVID-19 pandemic employing a unique technique based on DEA super-efficiency and examining whether COVID-19 has affected WCM super-efficiency to extend the scope of knowledge and stressing the importance of sound WCM, especially in periods of economic distress.

Measuring supply chain agility during the COVID-19 pandemic: empirical evidence from the firms in UAE

Measuring supply chain agility during the COVID-19 pandemic: empirical evidence from the firms in UAE

Success Factors in Adopting AI in Human Resource Management in UAE Firms: Neutrosophic Analysis

The revolutionary breakthroughs of artificial intelligence (AI) are swiftly and extensively invading many domains of human activity, serving as the central driving force of the next wave of informatization progress and industrial revolution. Although artificial intelligence (AI) technology and apps have been extensively explored, and variables affecting AI acceptance have been found, the influence of success factors on the acceptance of AI is still unclear. Thus, this study presents a methodology to investigate the effects of gadgets, organizations, and ecosystems on the acceptance of AI in Human Resource Management (HRM) in the UAE. This study used a neutrosophic set (NS) to overcome the vague information. The NS is integrated with the AHP method to rank the success factors in adopting AI in HRM in UAE. The AHP method is used to give importance to these factors. This study used 12 factors in UAE to rank it by the N-AHP.

Investigating the role of leadership and organisational culture in fostering innovation

To be competitive in the global market, businesses must innovate. Innovation is a force of change in today's competitive market, and organisations that reject change are at danger. The goal of the study was to figure out what leadership style and organisational culture may be used to create a long-term work environment that encourages organisational innovation. Companies cannot protect themselves against change, regardless of the size of their resource pool or their organisational excellence. Change brings with its danger and uncertainty, but it also brings with its opportunity. The decision to innovate must be accompanied by activities that establish an atmosphere that encourages individuals to be creative. For an organization's innovation initiatives to be effective, it must have a culture that encourages individuals to participate in innovation. The study employed quantitative method. To investigate this relationship, the researcher adapted a survey instrument to obtain the date from UAE firms. A Self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to employees who were randomly selected from the organisation. The data was collected through survey questionnaire from 500 participants working in the companies in UAE. The data was analysed by using smart-PLS software.

Lagged Effect Of Macroeconomic Variables On Stock Returns: A Case Of Firm Size

The evidence of lagged effect regarding firm size between macroeconomic factors and stock returns is found with GARCH model for the UAE firms. More precisely, the exchange rate significantly affected stock returns irrespective of size group and lag level. However, a positive effect is observed at lag four and a negative impact on lag five and two for small and large firms. For the majority of the firms in small size, the risk-free rate showed a negative lagged effect on stock returns; however, for the majority of the firms in large size, it showed a positive lagged effect on stock returns. Inflation also showed a significant effect on stock returns on each lag level except for large firms where at lag fiveit is insignificant. Moreover, as the lags increase from 1- 4 and size from small to large, the negative effect of inflation converts to a positive effect on stock returns. The lag effect of real activity showed both positive and negative impacts on small firms’ relatively larger stock returns than big firms. Money supply showed a significant positive impact on stock returns of all firms irrespective of the size group; however, this relationship is even more prominent at lag five. Finally, the oil prices showed a positive effect on stock returns (large size) which further maximizes at lag two; whereas, a negative maximization takes place at lag three. Hence, investors can make informed and effective decisions, and UAE policymakers developed effective measures to control and promote macroeconomic growth and stability.

Assessing the Impact of Changes to CG Codes on the Financial Performance of UAE Firms

This study undertook a comparison of the changes to corporate governance (CG) practices, based on the UAE CG codes, for three different periods of time between 2006 to 2007, 2009 to 2010 and 2013 to 2014. An ordinary least squares model, along with analysis of variance testing, was employed to compare this. The study sample included 47 listed firms in the UAE. The changes made to the CG code during the study period affected the audit and board committee characteristics. The results show that the second CG code change had the most significant effect on board meetings, board members’ education, board members’ experience, audit committee meetings and audit committee members’ education impact on the financial performance of UAE listed firms. The potential policy implications arising from the study centre on ensuring greater firm compliance to meet the expectations of the regulatory body, as mandated in the CG code.

Do corporate characteristics improve sustainability disclosure Evidence from the UAE

The study examines the relationship between corporate attributes and ESG disclosure among selected companies in United Arab Emirates. The corporate attributes are company size, profitability, liquidity, industry sensitivity and leverage. The descriptive statistics reveals a maximum disclosure score of 78 and a minimum score of 32. The results of the regression analysis show that only company size, industry sensitivity and liquidity are significant determinants of ESG disclosure in UAE. Our findings show that firms with larger asset base and good degree of liquidity disclose more ESG information. However, firms in the service sector are more inclined to ESG disclosure than manufacturing firms. We recommend that the board of directors should make sustainability reporting a front burner in its corporate strategy. In addition, the regulatory authorities should legalise ESG disclosure among UAE firms. Finally, lenders of corporate funds should make certified ESG report as a major condition precedent to obtaining funds.

The impact of firm size, firm age and environmental management certification on the relationship between green supply chain practices and corporate performance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore if control variables have any impact on corporate performance when implementing green supply chain management practices. The research in particular examines the impact of firm size, firm age and possession of environmental management system (EMS) certification as control variables on different dimensions of the corporate performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research design consists of a comprehensive literature review, followed by an empirical questionnaire based survey with responses of 117 participant organizations proceeded by a comprehensive statistical analysis to validate the developed theoretical framework and contribute to both practical and methodological approach. This study investigates the impact of each of these three control variables on four dimensions of corporate performance using multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe research found that there is positive relationship between firm size and environmental performance, economic performance and social performance but not with operational performance. The study also found that a certified EMS within UAE firms is having a positive impact on all four performance dimensions while firm age does not have any relationship with any of the four performance outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe research provides guidance for supply chain managers in the UAE and other similar emerging market in order to better understand the relationship between control variables, impact and performance, on corporate outcome. The paper also describes relevant strategies that should be taken into consideration by these managers in order to build their sustainable supply chain. The research contributes to social dimensions of supply chain sustainability on how resilient green strategies are important for supply chain stakeholders during uncertain conditions so that it can respond to uncertain changes in order to contribute to corporate social responsibility. Some of the limitations of this research include the geographic coverage of the study region and other methodological limitation.Originality/valueThis research is the first of its kind in the UAE region to assess the link between firm control variables and its impact on green supply chain management practices; which are less studied in the green supply chain literature. While there might be few other studies that addressed and uncovered the relationship between implementing green supply chain management practices and corporate performance, however, no study has attempted to find out if firm size, firm age and possession of EMS would have any impact on the green supply chain practices and corporate performance relationship. The research was conducted in an emerging economy to understand the relationship better. A series of recommendations are also provided for firms interested in improving their environmental performance while implementing green supply chain practices.

Analyzing and Developing Corporate Social Responsibility

CSR is the obligation of businessmen to follow specific policies for making decisions or to do certain actions with the purpose of recognizing the need of society or any ethical factor to be followed in the entity. It is also for mangers to have responsibility for the public good, where that includes investigating whether the action is effective and contributes in promoting the public good and for advancing the basic societal beliefs to manage and contribute in its stability, harmony and strength. Corporate managers are normally appointed as being public trustees. The UAE offers insights into CSR because other Middle Eastern countries have not adopted the concept as quickly as the UAE. One indication of CSR in the UAE is its transparent firms. This article explores the current stage of CSR implementation in Arab countries, with special attention given to the UAE. An in-depth study was conducted to explore CSR implementation among local managers. Primary data from 198 questionnaires and case studies were analyzed to obtain valuable insights into the current state of CSR in the UAE. Key concepts are highlighted regarding the definition and practices of CSR in the UAE. Secondary data from both western and eastern cultures was also analyzed to examine the extent of adoption and adaptation of CSR and corporate philanthropy from multiple perspectives. Findings suggest all organizations, both local and multinational, must consider environmental and stakeholder interests in order to become global. Some confusion appears to exist between the concept of philanthropy and CSR. Some CSR highlighted by firms includes following regulations effectively and efficiently, adopting environmentally friendly business processes, organizing seminars, and creating awareness of the concept among peers. Although CSR is maturing in the Middle East, UAE firms need to improve CSR to compete with the practices that have become the CSR standard in western countries. In the last few years, governments and local organizations have strictly enforced business ethics and environmental regulations to support the growth of CSR in the country.

Exploring the link between employee commitment, recruitment process, and performance of internal supply chain of manufacturing firms in UAE

Exploring the link between employee commitment, recruitment process, and performance of internal supply chain of manufacturing firms in UAE

Improving Client Satisfaction through Interdisciplinary teamwork

Recently the construction process has been criticized for being incapable, immature, corrupt and considerably more adversely. During a year ago pattern day of the group architectural division stakeholders. In this way some architecture firms in UAE ranges have freely started create and actualize their own particular undertakings, playing the part as designers and investment in the entire construction handle. However, it appears like the project directors at the design firms does not have the right abilities to handle the occurrence changes in the moving construction industry, even in the improvement of in-house projects, making it hard to remain ahead in the construction and architect advertise, with the point of making a more effective work process and a cost proficient construction process. Therefore, the research question is to be addressed: How Improving Construction Process Can Improve Client Satisfaction through Interdisciplinary teamwork.

Impact of ISO 55000 on organisational performance: evidence from certified UAE firms

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of implementing the International Organisation for Standardisation asset management standard (ISO 55000) on organisational performance. In particular, does following the ISO 55000 requirements and recommendations affect organisational performance? This study investigates this issue by identifying relevant asset management key performance indicators (KPIs) through a comprehensive literature review and classifying these KPIs using the balanced-scorecard-framework. Then, the KPIs were validated by expert opinions through a questionnaire and non-parametric hypothesis testing. Finally, using the relevant KPIs, this study assesses the impact of ISO 55000 with a set of ISO 55000-certified companies in the United Arab Emirates. Hypothesis testing on the difference between the status of each KPI before and after ISO 55000 implementation used linguistic assessment and a sign test for two non-parametric dependent samples. According to industry experts, increasing market share is not a relevant KPI in asset management. However, ISO 55000 has a positive effect on all the identified perspectives (financial, customer, business processes, and learning and growth), indicating that organisations adopting ISO 55000 International Standard certification will be able to achieve better performance from the effective and efficient management of their assets. Consequently, investing in such systems is valuable.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a western concept that is penetrating Middle Eastern countries, and the UAE is the most appropriate region to offer insights into CSR because other Middle Eastern countries are not adopting the concept quite as quickly as the UAE. One indication of CSR in UAE is its transparent firms. This paper explores the current stage of CSR implementation in Arab countries, with special attention given to the UAE. An in-depth study was conducted to explore CSR implementation among local managers. Primary data from 198 questionnaires and case studies were analyzed to obtain valuable insights into the current state of CSR in the UAE. Key concepts are highlighted regarding the definition and practice of CSR in the UAE. Secondary data from both western and eastern cultures were also analyzed to examine the extent of adoption and adaptation of CSR and corporate philanthropy from multiple perspectives. Findings suggest all organizations, both local and multinational, must consider environmental and stakeholder interests in order to become global. Some confusion appears to exist between the concept of philanthropy and CSR. Some CSR highlighted by firms includes following regulations effectively and efficiently, adopting environmentally friendly business processes, organizing seminars, and creating awareness of the concept among peers. Although CSR is maturing in the Middle East, UAE firms need to improve CSR to compete with the practices that have become the CSR standard in western countries. In the last few years, governments and local organizations have strictly enforced business ethics and environmental regulations to support the growth of CSR in the country.

The determinants of corporate voluntary disclosure policy

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting firm voluntary disclosure policy adopted by a sample of 25 UAE companies listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) for the period 2010-2014.Design/methodology/approachThe author computes a weighted disclosure index (Botosan, 1997) for three-factor voluntary disclosure items and uses a multivariate regression analysis between disclosure index and a set of explanatory variables identified by previous research. The author also controls for endogeneity problem and uses panel data estimation.FindingsIt has been found that listing history, governmental sector, firm profitability and foreign listing positively affect the level of voluntary disclosure adopted by ADX listed companies. By contrast, the percentage of shares owned by block holders and industrial sector negatively affect the level of voluntary disclosure by ADX listed companies. Finally, the board and firm size, managers’ stock options and the leverage ratio do not have any impact on the level of voluntary disclosure adopted by ADX firms. The results remain unchanged to additional sensitivity checks.Research limitations/implicationsThe research presents some limitations: first, the author does not take into account all voluntary disclosure items such as human resources and environmental data disclosed by ADX listed firms. Second, other voluntary disclosure determinants remain unexplored for UAE firms such as culture and tax incentives in the light of the new tax rules including corporate tax and value-added tax.Practical implicationsThe study has many implications: first, it can help investors in their decision making and lead to fair allocation of resources. Second, it gives helpful directives to UAE accounting authorities to enhance the quality of financial reporting in the light of the New Commercial Company Law 2015 for mandatory adoption of IFRS by all listed companies. The paper also presents helpful directives for tax authorities planning for both company and value-added taxes. It also sheds light on factors driving corporate social responsibility disclosures as a crucial component of voluntary disclosure policyOriginality/valueThe paper explores the new determinants of voluntary disclosure such as foreign listing, governmental status and block holding for an emerging relatively unexplored stock market: ADX.