High Management Research Articles

Key informants' views on the benefits, planning and implementation of workplace oral health promotion programme.

This study aimed to explore key informants' views on the potential benefits of workplace oral health promotion (WOHP) among the aged care workforce and identified factors associated with the planning and implementation of such activities. The study interviewed members of key organizations associated with the aged care workforce, including oral health and health professionals, government and non-governmental organizations, aged care providers, unions and other worker support organizations in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Fourteen (of 17 invited) key informants participated. Promoting oral health among those working in the aged care sector is perceived to have advantages for staff oral health and psychological and mental well-being, and potentially has a 'flow-on effect' on the organization's productivity, operation and human and financial resources. Six factors that can act as facilitators or barriers to WOHP planning and implementation were identified: (i) organization structure, needs, priorities, and higher management contribution; (ii) resources (funding, facilities, human and time capacity); (iii) collaborators; (iv) individual or target audience; (v) communication; and (vi) sustainability of the programme. The study concluded that WOHP in the aged care sector is possible and likely has benefits for staff and the organizations involved. Consideration should be given to identifying and addressing the factors that influence the development and implementation of WOHP programmes. Good organization, support of management, availability of funding, support from collaborators and consideration of individual needs are needed to have a successful, sustainable WOHP programme that meets the needs of the aged care workforce.

The Mediating Role of Security Controls between Information-technology Risks and the Security of Accounting Information Systems: A Field Study in Telecommunication Companies Operating in the Republic of Yemen

This study aims to test Security Controls (SCs) as a mediator between information-technology risks (ITR) and the security of AISs in telecommunication companies operating in Yemen (TCOY). To achieve this objective, a questionnaire was used to collect data according to the comprehensive method, where (356) questionnaire forms were distributed and the validated questionnaire forms for analysis were (218). To analyze the data, (SmartPLS) was used in assessing the measurement model and the structural model, as well as in the evaluation of path coefficients and testing the hypotheses of the study. It has been concluded that ITRs negatively affect the security of AISs before the mediation of SCs (47.6%). The results indicate that the mediation of SCs between ITRs and security of AISs is a partial mediation. Also, ITRs have an indirect negative impact on the security of AISs after the mediation of SCs (25.3%), as part of the impact is transferred through SCs from ITRs to the security of AISs (indirect impact). The study concluded with a set of recommendations, most notably: paying more attention to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, keeping abreast of technological developments, implementing SCs and updating them constantly, supporting the information security by the higher management, improving security-response activities, accelerating the implementation of robust authentication, giving great attention to access control, and effectively monitoring security policy-implementation. This is to raise the level of security of AISs and reduce the negative impact of ITRs.

Can ICT investment promote green development? new insights from highly polluting listed enterprises in China.

Green development is related to the long-term sustainable development of enterprises, but there is little literature on the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) investment on green development of enterprises. To fill this gap, based on the sample of A-share high-polluting industry enterprises in China's Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from 2007 to 2019, this paper uses the dynamic panel threshold model to deeply study the non-linear impact of ICT investment on green development. This paper found that: (1) there is a threshold effect on the impact of ICT investment on green development of enterprises in high-polluting industries, and when ICT investment breaks through the threshold value, it can promote green development. This conclusion remains robust after the estimation of Multi-period DID model and instrumental variable; (2) ICT investment mainly promotes green development of enterprises by improving production efficiency and promoting green technology innovation; (3) ICT investment has a significant impact on green development of enterprises with higher management level, heavy industrial enterprises and non-state-owned enterprises, but has no significant impact on green development of enterprises with lower management level, light industrial enterprises and state-owned enterprises. And digital technology investment has a stronger role in promoting green development than traditional ICT investment. This paper proposes that enterprises in high-pollution industries can increase ICT investment to promote green development.

TARIFFS FOR WATER SUPPLY SERVICES FOR IRRIGATION AS A TOOL FOR ATTRACTING INVESTMENTS TO IMPROVE WATER USE AND AMELIORATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE

Conceptual approaches to increasing the investment attractiveness in water resources and land reclamation infrastructure should be adapted to solving the problems facing states and societies, including measures to ensure sustainable economic development and environmental protection. The implementation of investment and infrastructure projects is provided for by the Irrigation and Drainage Development Strategy until 2030 and is becoming relevant in solving the problems of the Ukrainian economy. Implementing a tariff policy will allow for maintaining land reclamation infrastructure in working condition, reducing the energy intensity of water supply for irrigation, establishing technological integrity of water use, etc. Such tasks draw attention to increasing the function of tariffs as one of the sources of covering investments in water infrastructure. A general trend in solving problems can be considered a broad view of problems, lower risk, and higher management reliability. The article critically analyzes the experience of using irrigated lands based on the introduction of tariffs, given the investment component of tariffs and the use of mobilized funds for investment activities. Productive and inefficient principles of tariff formation are shown, and the importance of land reclamation infrastructure and current directions of financing irrigation infrastructure in EU countries are revealed through compliance with the requirement of targeted funds spending for infrastructure facilities. Based on the risk classification, the significance and impact of risks in the operation of land reclamation systems in market conditions are given; the main components of tariff formation in irrigation water supply services, which include investments in improving land reclamation infrastructure, are outlined; contents of the investment component in the activities of water user organizations (WUO) is indicated, and the ways for the return on investment in land reclamation infrastructure in Ukraine are outlined. Ukraine's experience in successfully using the irrigation potential through a tariff policy for water supply can serve as an example for other countries.

Leadership in higher education and societal transformation—Universities as catalyst for societal well-being

Leadership and the academic freedom of the Universities in a digitally changing world are the generators of innovation in society. This study is a qualitative and quantitative empirical research of the Leadership at the public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Kosovo, that examines their communication, authoritarian or liberal communication, and dominant perceptions and attitudes towards social, political, and financial strategies in HEI as a basis of social and economic wellbeing. The theory of research, as elaborated by Tight (2022), emphasizes the evolving nature of academic inquiry and the significance of context in shaping research practices. Waite (2013) highlights the pivotal role of communication strategies in determining the effectiveness of both democratic and authoritarian leadership styles. Effective communication in democratic leadership fosters transparency and collaboration, while in authoritarian leadership, it can be used to consolidate control and manage dissent The research was conducted at public and private HEI, through personal interviews and a structured questionnaire, which was carried out by the staff of higher management of HEI, academic staff, administrative staff, and students of the public and private Universities. The results demonstrated that academic and financial autonomy has a high impact on academic ethics and academic integrity and has a high impact on the increase of the economy and well-being in society, compared with the lack of academic and financial autonomy and interference of politics in the management of HEI which has an impact on lower quality and integrity of HEI in society. Leaders of Universities need to think about new leadership models more socially responsible and more ecologically sensible consumption oriented, from Society, to society for society.

Beyond Green washing: Profit with Purpose Measuring sustainable textile manufacturing for business excellence

This paper examines the implementation of Lean manufacturing (LM) in the textile/garment manufacturing industry of Pakistan, a developing country in the global south, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and financial performance. Data was collected from the garment production floor supervisors, and a current state map was created, identifying non-value-added activities and waste sources. The respondents were the actual process owners of production and stitching departments of different textile/garment manufacturing factories. The paper provides a blueprint for the textile/garment manufacturing process and presents the outcomes of applying Lean manufacturing. Comparing the current and future state maps, the study demonstrates that fully adopting Lean principles with the proper support of higher management levels can significantly benefit the textile/garment industry by reducing excessive production and waste in Pakistan, a developing country. Hence, there are actual production practices beyond greenwashing. LM is crucial for improving competitive performance in the current market landscape, enabling them to become key players in achieving sustainable practices. These practices assist in achieving SDG 07, 08, 09, 12, 13, 16. This research highlights the financial benefits of adopting LM. It shows that Lean principles can help remove the greenwashing label and allow industries to sustain and expand their production edge through continuous employee development.

Troubled RFC—Can the Lost Glory be Brought Back?

Recreational Facilities Company (RFC) was a unique initiative established with the goal of developing, maintaining and growing recreation facilities in India. It was one of the top-rated and successful family entertainment hotspots during the 1990s. But within a decade, things started to falter at RFC. Once a favourite hotspot, RFC started losing life due to several issues, such as changes in higher management, maintenance and service issues, depleting employee morale, customer satisfaction and increased competition. It was during this time Mr Avinash Makhwana was appointed as CEO of RFC with the task of a much-needed strategic turnaround. With a huge growth potential for the recreational industry, the biggest challenge for Mr Avinash was to decide what strategies should be used to turn around RFC and from where to start. The case discusses how Mr Avinash got into diagnosis mode by appointing an external agency to do an unbiased comprehensive situation analysis of RFC. The case is useful for discussing turnaround management, focussing on organizational culture, people management, etc.

Novel insights into the cognitive, emotional, and experiential dimensions of stakeholder acceptance of wildlife management

Understanding wildlife stakeholders is vital in mitigating the risk for inertia in the implementation of management and illegal activities, e.g., poaching. We used a unique set of questionnaire data of stakeholders in Sweden (n = 8728) comprising birdwatchers, hunters, farmers, and the general public, to analyze evaluations of geese, beliefs about goose management at multiple levels, and acceptance of management tools. Also, a hierarchical model incorporating prior wildlife experience and integrating cognitions and emotions for acceptance was tested. The overall attitude towards geese was positive, but ecosystem disservices caused by large populations were acknowledged. The general public and birdwatchers displayed trust in the national, regional, and local levels. In contrast, farmers and hunters trusted mainly the local level. Broad stakeholder acceptance was found for several non-lethal tools for damage reduction and more generally a goose conservation approach including e.g., hunting free zones, but also for hunting during open hunting season. We found support for the proposed model in relation to acceptance of both the conservation and the lethal approach, thereby advancing theory integration. Results suggest that while goose conservation is widely accepted, problems caused by geese and distrust in the higher management levels among some stakeholder groups need to be addressed.

Emotions and identities in teaching in higher education: an autoethnographic approach

ABSTRACT This article is an autoethnographic study of the emotions and identities of a foreign language teacher in an Australian university while I was struggling with a heavy teaching workload due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using self-narrative data of emotional experiences related to my teaching, I examine how my emotions and identities are related to the context of my work. My two different identities as a teacher were in conflict, which triggered clashes between those identities and my teaching actions, and negative emotions. My teacher identities were affected by ideologies espoused in university policies, as well as by my values and beliefs about teaching based on my past experience. My identities and emotions were also affected by the power of the higher management of the university and by my positioning of self.

Higher and Middle Management Perspectives on Patient-Centered Care in an Oncology Setting: A Qualitative Study.

Patient center care (PCC) plays a crucial role in achieving the organizational and patient outcomes. Literature suggests that PCC enhance patient's adherence to treatment, lower the cost of health care organization. This study aimed explore the higher and middle managers' perceptions of patient-centered care (PCC) in an oncology setting, identify the PCC implementation challenges in the oncology setting, and understand the role of managers in facilitating PCC within the oncology context. Sampling involved the use of the purposive sampling technique on 17 middle managers and 6 upper managers who had been working in an oncology setting. The six-step thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. The interviews identified six main themes and seventeen subthemes: "comprehensive care, partnership, and informed decision-making", "infrastructure and support systems", "leadership influence on patient-centered care", "cultural and operational barriers", "perceived outcomes", and "strategies to enhance PCC in oncology". The subthemes of comprehensive care included fostering partnerships and enabling informed decisions. The infrastructure and support systems encompassed educational empowerment and service integration. Leadership influence highlighted the role of elevating awareness, providing organizational support, and promoting comprehensive care. The cultural and operational barriers addressed the challenges faced in implementation. The perceived outcomes focused on the results of patient-centered care, while strategies to enhance PCC in oncology provided actionable insights for improvement. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the perceptions of middle and higher managers on patient-centered care (PCC) in oncology settings. It identifies key challenges in PCC implementation, highlights the critical role of managers in facilitating PCC, and offers actionable strategies for enhancing PCC.

Healthcare workers’ knowledge and preparedness for unprecedented foodborne botulism outbreak in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe recent unprecedented foodborne botulism outbreak in Saudi Arabia necessitated an assessment of healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study assessed healthcare workers' knowledge regarding the transmission, contagiousness, presentation, and diagnosis of foodborne botulism, as well as their management practices, including contacting public health authorities, administering antitoxin, preparedness to respond to botulism cases and consulting generative Artificial Intelligent (AI)-chatbots, like ChatGPT. MethodsA cross-sectional online survey targeting Saudi HCWs was conducted from May 6–19, 2024, following the first foodborne botulism outbreak. The survey, developed by infectious disease and public health experts according to the Saudi Public Health Authority (SPHA) botulism guidelines, covered several sections: demographics, knowledge about foodborne botulism, attitudes and perceptions, intended practices, and worry level. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, multivariable linear regression to assess factors influencing knowledge, and multivariable logistic binary regression to evaluate factors affecting confidence in handling botulism. ResultsAmong the 1058 participants, the knowledge score was 9.69/20 (48.4 % correct ± 18 %), with higher scores among HCWs working in tertiary centers, older than 34 years, reading SPHA botulism protocol, and using scientific journals as main information sources. HCWs consulting ChatGPT had significantly lower knowledge scores (p-value < 0.001). HCWs displayed highly intended practices in managing botulism, with a mean score of 4.10/5. The self-rated management confidence was moderate (2.84 ± 1.05 out of 5-points). Multivariable logistic binary regression showed that previous experience with botulism and reading SPHA protocol were the most significant factors associated with a higher management confidence. ConclusionsThis study highlights significant HCWs’ knowledge gaps during unprecedented foodborne botulism outbreak. Previous experience with botulism cases and reading recent guidelines were associated with higher knowledge and confidence, while reliance on ChatGPT was linked to lower scores. This study emphasizes the importance of timely publishing local guidelines to favorably affect both knowledge and confidence to deal with infectious outbreaks. Future research should evaluate long-term effectiveness of educational interventions.

Consequences of the Poor Anticoagulation Control of Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Vitamin K Antagonists.

Background: The prevention of thromboembolisms through anticoagulation and heart rate control is crucial in managing non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This study aimed to analyze the consequences of poor anticoagulation control with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in Spanish patients with NVAF, focusing on thrombotic events, bleeding, mortality, healthcare resources (HRU), and costs. Methods: This observational, retrospective study used electronic medical records (BIG-PAC® database) of NVAF patients who started VKA treatment between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2018. Patients were followed up for two years and classified by poor or adequate anticoagulation control. Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments, incidence of cardiovascular events, mortality rates, HRU, and costs were analyzed. Results: Patients with poor control (n = 2136) had a 75% greater probability of suffering a cardiovascular event compared to patients with adequate control (n = 2351) (HR, 1.75 [95%CI: 1.43-2.14; p < 0.001]). Cardiovascular events, major bleeding, minor bleeding, systemic thromboembolism, and ischemic strokes were reduced by 32.1%, 46.2%, 29.6%, 22.2%, and 16.1%, respectively. It was estimated that adequate anticoagulant control saved EUR 455/patient with NAVF due to reduced hospitalization for cardiovascular events. Conclusions: For VKA-treated NVAF patients, poor anticoagulation control was associated with a higher number of cardiovascular events, greater consumption of HRU, and higher management costs than for patients with adequate control.

Promoting ownership in local community health promotion interventions

Abstract Background A prerequisite for successful and sustainable implementation of local community health interventions is strong community ownership. Ownership is related to the level of perceived control of an intervention and its program components. Facilitation of community ownership involves engagement of the stakeholders within the community, e.g. in deciding what the problem is to whom and how to solve it. Much is known about methods to facilitate community engagement at a continuum between informing the community and community control. However, less is known about how different methods for community engagement work to foster and sustain ownership among local stakeholders. Aim To generate knowledge about how ownership is fostered or hindered among stakeholders across three different communities in a local community intervention with whole-of-community characteristics implemented to reduce overweight among children. The study also explores how synergies of ownership between various types of stakeholders at different organizational levels influence overall ownership and implementation of the intervention. Methods The study is designed as a multiple case study based on Robert K. Yin’s principles for case study evaluation. The study takes place in three different Danish Municipalities with different local contextual conditions. Various data sources are collected including sources of qualitative data comprising document analysis, observations, and interviews with key stakeholders. Preliminary results An influential contextual factor on local ownership is that implementation of the intervention and commitment to this in 10 years is a top-down decision at the policy level. Local stakeholders find the goals of the intervention meaningful to their day-to-day practices. However, they also experience a shortage of resources for participating and lack trust in higher management stakeholders to take shared leadership when the implementation phase ends. Key messages • Ownership is influenced by the degree of engagement. • Ownership is influence by the synergy of ownership between different stakeholders.

Fee structure and equity fund manager’s optimal locking in profits strategy

We study the effects of fee structures on fund managers’ strategies for locking in profits. Utilizing the optimal stopping time method, we identify two critical portfolio value thresholds that signal when a manager will choose to lock in profits. Fee components such as management fees, self-investment ratios, and high-water marks significantly influence these decisions. Specifically, higher management fees are associated with increased risk aversion, leading to a narrower continuation region, indicating a preference for lower risk. Conversely, performance fees encourage greater risk-taking. We use the S&P 500 Index and NASDAQ Composite index as representatives of managers’ portfolios and apply our model to illustrate how managers adjust their profit-locking strategies in response to their desired rewards.

Framework assessment of sustainability: Methodology for evaluating the conformance of fishery and aquaculture management systems to FAO guidelines

Sustainability is about meeting the needs of current generations without compromising those of future generations. For fished and aquacultured products, sustainability is often gauged on an individual fishery or farm basis but can be driven by a well-designed and implemented regulatory management system, or set of laws, rules, and policies promulgated by a governmental entity. To achieve global coverage via current assessment approaches requires enormous effort and resources due to the sheer number of individual operating units. System assessments are well established in assuring seafood safety, but much less so in regard to sustainability. This paper presents a tool to measure sustainability based on the prevailing regulatory management system and invites other researchers and practitioners to gauge the applicability of the methodology to new contexts. Evaluating how management systems support sustainable practices is key for assessing current reality and planning change. The methodology presented is based on international criteria for sustainability set forth in United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines for the ecolabelling of fish and fishery products as well as aquaculture certification. The assessment tools are the distillation of qualitative criteria found within the FAO guidelines into simple propositions called “Topics of Pertinence” that enable a straightforward cross-checking of whether the requirements and provisions of regulatory management systems reflect broadly accepted sustainability criteria in fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Assessments document what management systems aim to do via laws, regulations, and policies, and verify mechanisms within the systems that support implementation and compliance. While other sustainability assessments exist, the methodology described here is unique in that it is the only process that provides a system-based approach targeting higher management levels, which can increase global coverage of sustainability assessment from the current lower-tiered approach of certifying at individual production entities.

Impact of Total Quality Management and Agile Manufacturing on Performance in the Apparel Industry: A Moderating Role of Higher Management Commitment

This study investigates the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Agile Manufacturing (AM) on the performance of apparel mills, while also exploring the moderating role of Higher Management Commitment (HMC). The goal is to assess whether TQM and AM enhance mill performance and whether HMC amplifies these effects. The research adopts a quantitative approach using data from 104 respondents across various apparel mills in Karachi, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was employed, measuring TQM, AM, Operational Safety (OS), Training, and HMC using a 5-point Likert scale. Regression and correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate relationships between the variables. The results indicate that both TQM and AM have significant positive effects on apparel mill performance, with training also showing a strong correlation. However, OS did not demonstrate a significant impact. Furthermore, HMC significantly moderates the relationship between TQM and training on mill performance but does not moderate the relationship between AM and OS. The findings suggest that managers in the apparel industry should focus on implementing TQM and AM to enhance performance, while also fostering strong managerial commitment to maximize these benefits. This study contributes to the existing literature by integrating TQM, AM, and HMC, providing a comprehensive understanding of their effects on apparel mill performance

SP1.12 - Who should manage recurrent foreign body ingestion? A questionnaire survey

Abstract Aims Recurrent foreign body ingestion (RFBI) associated with complex mental health illness is a common presentation to the emergency department. The aim of this study was to explore senior clinician’s experience and views on decision-making, support offered and management of patients with RFBI. Methods An anonymous survey, with questions on confidence in decision-making, support levels, and opinions on admitting specialty, was distributed to consultants and registrars in emergency medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, and psychiatry. Results 189 responses with 166 complete surveys. 99% had encountered similar patients. 42% felt comfortable with decision-making. However, 35% felt stressed and 15% would delay or even avoid decision-making. Only 36% felt they received adequate support from legal and higher management teams and 84% were not aware of a management protocol. 60% were not confident in their knowledge of sectioning. 60% did not know when it is appropriate to call the police and 56% believe there is inadequate security staff support. 74% found difficulty referring to other specialties. 49% believe patients should be admitted under psychiatry, 29% believe admission should be under gastroenterology, and 22% believe they should be under surgery. Conclusion The majority of clinicians had encountered patients with RFBI but did not feel comfortable making management decisions for them. There is a lack of support, knowledge, and protocols surrounding management. There is difficulty referring between specialties and uncertainty on appropriate admitting specialty. There is a need for further research and guidance on management of these patients to increase collaborative teamworking and improve patient outcomes.

Collaborating for co-researching: A multi-stakeholder case narrative of student nurses co-researching technology-supported care

AimEvaluate the impact of LS@H project participation on stakeholders. BackgroundAs populations age and workforces decline, care technology in nursing is becoming increasingly commonplace. Collaboration between nurse academia, education and practice can result in practice-based research and meaningful learning for nursing students and staff. However, little is known about the factors influencing effective collaboration. Based on the knowledge that narratives can be an effective vehicle for healthcare practice change, a Dutch school of nursing and its practice partners collaborated on the Living Longer and Safe at Home! (LS@H) project. This project aimed to explore a more person-centred approach to the use of technology in nursing care. Having gathered data from multiple sources to construct case narratives on the use of technology in older persons care, students nurses were able to contribute to practice development as their narratives were fed back to local and regional teams. DesignTo evaluate the impact of the LS@H project, we employed the same methodology used in the project: mixed data gathering methods to construct a case narrative. LS@H project students, supervisors, mentors and higher management shared their experiences and the research team constructed the case narrative. MethodsQualitative data were gathered via individual, duo and group interviews and supplemented with a survey among students. Transcription and thematic analysis followed, with multiple rounds of critical peer review before the thematic framework was agreed, survey results integrated and the case narrative constructed. ResultsAccording to stakeholder participants, the LS@H project led to an unfreezing of the status quo in both education and practice. The approach was new and guidelines with community support was needed to allay fears. The project design enabled a sense of shared ownership, across individuals and organisations for improving practice. Perspectives on the use of technology and older persons nursing were transformed. Critically dialoguing case narratives encouraged purposeful action to improve practice and fostered reflective practice among students and teams. ConclusionsCollaborative practice-based research can be a valuable learning experience for student nurses, positively influencing their view of nursing practice as well as enabling them to actively contribute to practice development. Adequate preparation, supervision and practice mentorship is vital, alongside practice (leader) commitment to ensure continued student assignments with subsequent critical dialogue of the multi-stakeholder case narratives produced. Registration numberAt point of submission put this on title page

Digital Inclusive Finance and the Shadow Banking of Non-Financial Enterprises

In consideration of the macro background of guarding against diverting out of the real economy and the rapid development of digital inclusive finance, this study selects the A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2011 to 2019 as samples to empirically investigate the impact of digital finance on the shadow banking of non-financial enterprises. The research finds that digital finance suppresses the expansion of shadow banking business scale in non-financial enterprises. Further examination reveals that the impact of digital finance development on the shadow banking of non-financial enterprises is mainly achieved through alleviating financing constraints and reducing financing costs. Heterogeneity tests indicate that the inhibitory effect of digital finance on non-financial enterprise shadow banking is more pronounced in companies with smaller scales, poorer information disclosure quality, and higher management expense ratios. Additionally, this inhibitory effect is primarily generated by the depth of digital finance development. This study provides empirical evidence and decision-making references to clarify the inhibition of shadow banking by digital finance and guide the development of digital finance.

Preference or Eligibility? A Qualitative Inquiry into Agency and Communality in Gender, Employment Status and Hierarchical Levels in the Public and Private Banking Service Sector

This study inquired into the concept that men and women are labeled with qualities associated to their gender, employment, and hierarchical levels. The objective is to study the communal/ agentic traits by each gender in the banks in service sector of Lahore, Pakistan. The paper employed qualitative strategy with semi-structured interview to gather information and themes from purposively chosen higher management personnel in the banks in the service industry of Lahore, Pakistan. The results showed that the gender, employment statuses and various hierarchical levels have a mixture of agency and communality. However, some new insights were also found regarding organizational structure, gender and spirituality in the qualitative information which proved beneficial for the organizational structure and employment.