Reform In Vietnam Research Articles

The Effects of Governance-Related Regulatory Reform: Ownership Structure and Earnings Management in Vietnamese Listed Firms

The purpose of this study is to examine how the influence of the internal corporate governance mechanism, namely ownership structure, on firms’ earnings management (EM) practices and insider choices between accrual-based and real EM changed after regulatory reform in Vietnam. The author considers the role of three ownership types, managerial, state and foreign, and assess how the relation between ownership structure and EM was affected by the Code of Corporate Governance reform. The study relies on a comprehensive sample of 4,408 firm-year observations of 596 firms listed on either the HOSE or HNX between 2008 and 2016. The study finds a significant effect of the reform on the relation between ownership structure and EM. Thus, the reform mitigated agency problems of managers and foreign investors in Vietnamese listed firms. The study contributes to the literature as it provides a more complete picture of the effects of managerial, state and foreign ownership on EM where the protection of minority investors is generally weak and legal enforcement is low in a developing economy.

Digital transformation and building e-courts to meet the requirements of judicial reform in Vietnam

Currently, the rapid development of information technology has brought lots of opportunities for improving the efficiency of national governance activities and the implementation of justice in the world. The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the continuous development of digital technology have been profoundly changing the operation of the courts and providing opportunities for nations to transform from the traditional court model to the electronic court one. Building an e-court has become a global trend in order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and overcome court delays in resolving disputes. In that context, Vietnam has also advocated promoting the application of information technology, making the most of opportunities that are brought by the technological revolution so as to build e-courts, one of the important tasks of the Judicial Reform Strategy. From 2019 up to now, Vietnam has made efforts to strengthen judicial reform and build e-courts, however, the results are still quite modest. By qualitative research method, this article examines the achievements Vietnam has achieved as well as the limitations when the court system transforms to the e-court model, thereby making some recommendations to successfully build an e-court in Vietnam in order to meet the requirements of judicial reform.

Civil Service Culture in Public Administrative Agencies in the Context of Digital Transformation in Vietnam

In the context of digital transformation, this study looks at how civil service culture is used in Vietnamese public administrative organizations. Three main areas are covered in this research: (1) the context of the digital transformation and the requirements it has for creating and implementing a civil service culture; (2) the state of civil service culture in public administrative agencies at the moment in the context of the digital transformation; and (3) ways to improve the efficacy of civil service culture implementation in this changing environment. This study emphasizes how crucial civil service culture is as a window into administrative advancement and a code of conduct for employees. It makes the case that fundamental principles like efficacy, professionalism, honesty, and transparency are essential in creating a contemporary, accountable, and efficient administration. The research aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on public administration reform in Vietnam, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation in the public sector.

National Reunification and Educational Reforms in Vietnam from 1975 to 1985

After April 30, 1975, Vietnam became an independent and unified nation. Along with the policies of quickly achieving statehood unification, establishing a national government structure, and fostering consensus and harmony between the two regions of North and South,... various economic, social, educational, and cultural issues are also of particular concern to the Party and the State of Vietnam. Recognizing the role and mission of education in the nation's development, considering education and training, science and technology as the top national policies, Vietnam's education system has early on aimed at promoting the beautiful values of national culture, continuously raising public awareness, nurturing character, and training talented individuals. Education plays a central role in a knowledge-based economy's development, building a learning society, the desire to contribute, fostering a growth mindset, and progressively integrating Vietnam into the world.Through the exploitation of diverse information sources, the article attempts to present and analyze the context and current state of Viet Nam education after 1975; the policies, implemented solutions, and the fundamental achievements of Vietnamese education in the first decade of the unified era.

Childbearing Women's Experiences of and Interactions With the Health System in Vietnam: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis.

Scholars have long argued that the care experience is shaped by context, and by evolutions in this context. Using Vietnam as a case, we critically interrogate the literature on women's experiences with maternity care to unpack whether and if it engages with the major social, economic, and health system impacts of the Doi Moi reforms in Vietnam and with what consequences for equity. We conducted a critical interpretive synthesis of this literature in light of the social, economic, and health system transformations driven by the Doi Moi reforms. We offer three critiques: (1) an overwhelming focus on public maternity care provision in rural/mountainous regions of Vietnam, (2) a narrow focus on women's ethnic identity, and (3) a misplaced preoccupation with women's limited autonomy and agency. We argue that future research needs to consider the impact of Vietnam's shift towards market-oriented care provision, and the broader societal and health system changes impacting both rural and urban areas, as well as ethnic minority and Kinh majority populations.

Gender Equality in Vietnam Labour Law: A Critique Toward Sustainable Development

Labor law is traditionally viewed as a crucial mechanism for advancing gender equality in the workplace by providing a framework to eliminate sex-based discrimination and enhance women’s participation in the workforce. As nations strive to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the significance of such laws is amplified, with gender equality not only a key indicator but also an enabler for other SDGs. This study demonstrates that, despite recent reforms in Vietnam's labour law reducing barriers to female employment, pervasive gender inequality persists, fuelled by enduring employment stereotypes that often depict women as victims. To develop a sustainable workforce, Vietnam's labor laws and policies should implement strategies to dismantle these stereotypes. This research suggests transitioning from the traditional approach of female protection to involving men in domestic roles. A strategy targeting men is expected to promote gender equality in the Vietnamese workforce by altering employer perceptions of female employees' maternal roles. From the perspective of masculinity theory, the potential of paternity bonuses is significant; they can enhance women’s career opportunities by alleviating domestic burdens and broadening acceptable roles for men.

Does maternity leave reform impact on the labour supply of the elderly? Evidence from a natural experiment in Vietnam

AbstractThe aging population has been rising rapidly in every country, slowing the labour force and causing lower per capita growth. Many policies incentivize working in old age as it can alleviate the challenges of the aging population. This study examines the impacts of the extended maternity leave reform in Vietnam on elderly labour market outcomes. As grandparents' childcare responsibility may be reduced by maternal childcare following the extended maternal leave, especially for elderly living with children smaller than 1 year old, the reform gives older adults or grandparents more flexibility to join the labour market. Using the difference‐in‐differences model, we find that older people in the treatment group are more likely to return to the labour market following the reform implementation. The effect is positive and most robust for the self‐employment group rather than waged employment and for males rather than females. Our study suggests that there is a need for a policy design to shift public finance into the healthcare and pension system.

Enhancing State Management Efficiency through Administrative Apparatus Reforms in Vietnam

This study examines the imperative administrative reforms in Vietnam, highlighting the significance of transitioning towards a more efficient and globally integrated bureaucratic system. It identifies a crucial gap in understanding the challenges and effectiveness of these reforms, aiming to analyze strategies and outcomes related to institutional restructuring, procedural streamlining, digital modernization, and human resource enhancement. Utilizing qualitative methods, including literature review and semi-structured interviews with reform stakeholders, the research provides a detailed exploration of the reform implementation and societal responses. Findings indicate progress in procedural simplification and digitalization yet underscore persistent obstacles such as resistance to change, digital divides, and the absence of supportive legal frameworks. The study emphasizes the necessity of promoting innovation culture, improving digital literacy, investing in ICT, and clarifying legal frameworks to support reforms. It also highlights the role of public-private partnerships and feedback mechanisms in refining e-government services. Implications extend to policymakers and international entities, suggesting a holistic approach to overcoming challenges crucial for enhancing administrative efficiency and transparency and for Vietnam's socio-economic development and international integration. This research contributes valuable insights for comprehensively advancing administrative reform efforts.

Cooperation and Struggle Between Vietnam and the United States: Impediments to Improved U.S.-Vietnam Relations

Abstract The relationship between the United States and Vietnam began when Prince Nguyen Phuc Canh worked with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary American Ambassador Thomas Jefferson in 1787. The United States, however, later invaded Vietnam, causing a bloody conflict unlike any in human history from 1954 to 1975. Then, in 1995, a shared sense of humanity and morality motivated the two countries to attempt to form a comprehensive partnership that they achieved in 2013, and they have been working to refine their approach toward collaborating together ever since. In this partnership, there is a need to uncover and resolve a few mysteries. This article’s objective is to analyze the fundamentals of both cooperation and conflict in this historical partnership – human rights (including for prisoners of war and those missing in action), military security, policy reform in Vietnam, and financial gains for Vietnam and the United States. However, differences in political institutions, interests and values, and aims for the relationship have all become points of contention since normalization of bilateral relations in 1995.

A tale of two Southeast Asian states: media governance and authoritarian regimes in Singapore and Vietnam

Political scientists have crafted intricate taxonomies to classify nations beyond liberal democracy, positioning these societies along an authoritarian continuum. Despite the pivotal role of journalists in accelerating political dynamics, there exists a lack of comparative research on media governance in these regimes. Consequently, this study scrutinizes the media governance ecosystems in Vietnam and Singapore. Vietnam is a one-party authoritarian state, whereas Singapore represents a hybrid political system. However, both countries exhibit a stable and uninterrupted rule by the respective ruling party. Our research uncovers the nuances of Singapore’s media regulation, which embeds trusted stakeholders with financial interests in key press roles to reinforce the implicit political norms. Conversely, Vietnam employs a more direct, coercive, and state-centric approach. Media actors in both nations occasionally test the boundaries of acceptable discourses, with each government’s responses being shaped by specific contexts and broader history. Reforms in Vietnam, embracing privatization and commercialization, mirror Singapore’s integration of capitalism, public ownership, and commercial interests when governing media. These findings highlight diverse yet effective authoritarian media governance strategies, unique features, and commonalities in both systems. Overall, media structures in these Southeast Asian countries have undergone profound evolutions towards more sophisticated regulatory tools to manage societal and political transformations.

Understanding Leadership for Learning of School Leaders in Disadvantaged Areas in the Context of Education Reform in Vietnam

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the interrelationships between leaders’ personal traits, leadership behaviors, and leadership competencies for learning. This quantitative study utilizes structural equation modeling to analyze survey data collected from 563 school leaders across primary, secondary, and postsecondary schools situated in disadvantaged regions of Vietnam. Study participants from disadvantaged areas in Vietnam completed 20-item questionnaires, providing their perspectives on leader traits, leadership behaviors, and competencies related to leadership for learning. The findings revealed a positive correlation between leaders’ personal traits, leadership behaviors, and leadership competencies regarding learning. The research model successfully explained 54.70% of the variance in leadership competencies for learning. The results indicate instructional leadership behaviors have the most significant influence on competencies of leadership for learning, followed by shared leadership behaviors and transformational leadership behaviors. This highlights the integral role of school leaders in effectively implementing new curricula in Vietnam and advancing positive change, especially in disadvantaged schools. These insights hold practical implications for developing impactful leadership strategies in educational institutions to benefit students and shape a brighter future for Vietnam’s educational landscape.

Personal Income Tax Levied on Real Estate Business in Vietnam: Reality and Some Recommendation

Objective: The provisions of Personal income tax (PIT) on real estate are still inadequate and incompatible with the practice of economic and social development in Vietnam. Due to that fact, this scientific article researches the status quo of provisions of PIT levied on real estate to come up with some recommendations to perfect the law. Theoretical framework: Recent literature points out that PIT on real estate plays very important role in the development of Vietnam's economy, and society. However, in the current stage of development, from the influence and impact of international integration, in reality, the provisions of PIT on real estate are still inadequate. In there, limits and problems in regulations about PIT on real estate have caused many difficulties when applied. On the other hand, in the context of judicial reform in Vietnam, the issue of complete law system has always been paid special attention by the Party and Vietnam State. Method: The authors have used a combination of traditional research methods of the social sciences and legal sciences such as legal analysis method, the legal efficiency evaluation method, and comparative legal method to achieve the objectives of the research. Results: Research results have determined that the provisions of PIT on real estate are still inadequate, and affect the state budget, and the economy, society in Vietnam. Conclusion: PIT on real estate is an important source of revenue for the state budget. At the same time, this is a tax that has great impact and influence on economic and social development and taxpayers. However, current regulations on PIT on real estate still have some shortcomings, limitations, and are not consistent with the practical situation of real estate transfer transactions in Vietnam. Research implications: The results of the research contribute to proposing a number of solutions to improve the law on PIT on real estate in Vietnam. Originality/value: The research of the PIT on real estate become more and more urgent and very important in Vietnam.

The Organizational Structure of the Securities Company Under the Law of Vietnam Current

Purpose: The article researches on the organizational structure of securities company under the Securities Law 2019 in order to point out some limitations and shortcomings and propose for recommendations to improve law about organizational structure on this form of company. Theoretical framework: Recent literature points out that securities companies play very important role in the development of Vietnam's stock market. However, in the current stage of development, from the influence and impact of international integration and the increasingly fierce competitive pressure, the securities companies have encountered many difficulties to survive. In there, limits and problems in regulations about securities company organizational structures has caused many difficulties for these companies when organization and operation. On the other hand, in the context of judicial reform in Vietnam, the issue of complete law system and expanding the freedom to business has always been paid special attention by the Party and Vietnam State. Design/methodology/approach: The authors have combined traditional research methods of legal science such as legal analysis method, legal efficiency assessment method and legal comparison method. Findings: According to research, regulations on the organizational structure of a securities company are directly related to the efficiency of management and administration of this company. In there, Supervisory Board/Internal Audit Committee always ensuring to limit negative and fraudulent acts of the company’s leaders, to better ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the company's members and customers. Therefore, the authors have proposed several solutions such as the need to stipulate the mandatory requirement of a Supervisory Board for the securities trading company under the model of limited liability company, and expand and strengthen the powers of the Supervisory Board/Internal Audit Committee, independent members in securities companies doing business in the form of joint stock company. These are important bases to contribute to perfecting the Law on the organizational structure of securities companies in Vietnam and further enhancing the stability and safety of the Vietnamese stock market. Research, Practical & Social implications: This research may support many develop future research in Vietnam. At the same time, the research to help foreign investors' activities in Vietnam's stock market. Originality/value: The research of the freedom to business and organizational structure of securities companies become more and more urgent and very important in Vietnam.

The role of policy reform in developing teacher educator professional competencies and identities in Vietnam: implications, tensions and possibilities

ABSTRACT In this paper, we consider a policy which was part of a larger reform movement in Vietnam, ostensibly designed to define the professional competencies of teacher-educators (TEs), via a draft circular for professional standards. An initial intention to explore the impact of the circular with Vietnamese TEs was reconsidered after the policy was withdrawn. Instead, we became interested in perceptions of TE identity in Vietnam to locate where, within current global and local policy and practice landscapes, a professional standards framework would land. We locate this paper within a global context of policy reform in TE and situated and specific ecologies of contemporary education in Vietnam. As a group of English and Vietnamese academics with a common background in TE, we explore the current views of Vietnamese TEs regarding professional identity and their awareness of reforms in Vietnam around TE professional standards. To this end, we consider the implications, tensions and possibilities engendered by reform around professional competencies through interviews with TEs. We conclude by asking what TE reform in Vietnam is responding to and the implications for the sector in terms of professional identities, professional learning and practices and the status of TE as a profession.

Labour market effects of social insurance reform in Vietnam

This research provides the first evidence on how labour supply and earnings may adjust to the expansion of insurance benefits under the 2014 Social Insurance Law reform. The data for this study come from the Vietnam Labour Force Surveys. Both difference-in-differences and fixed-effect models are used. The estimated results reveal negative reform effects on the work duration and earnings of both sexes and for both rural and urban areas. They also point out some definite effects on different groups of local and migrant workers. However, little evidence on sick leave impact is found. The link between social insurance status and the labour market outcomes is scrutinized as well. The findings indicate that urban workers of both sexes benefit from accessing to compulsory insurance with respect to earnings, but only rural female workers do it. Moreover, these effects come mostly from groups of non-migrant workers.

Curriculum reform in Vietnam: primary teachers’ views, experiences, and challenges

ABSTRACT The current study examined the beliefs, experiences, and challenges of primary school teachers in Vietnam in the first years of implementing a new curriculum. The study was conducted at five primary schools in a big city in Vietnam. The data consist of in-depth semi-structured interviews with eleven teachers. Analysis of qualitative data showed that the teachers held positive views on the new curriculum, commenting that the curriculum had many strengths and was introduced at the right time. The teachers reported that they largely understood the principles of and made attempts to realise the new curriculum. They highlighted several initial positive effects of the curriculum on students and themselves. However, the teachers also faced several challenges, especially the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which forced them to transition to online teaching. In addition, the teachers showed some difficulties in designing the long-term syllabus and the objectives for individual lessons due to the fundamental differences between the previous curriculum and the new one. Implications for teachers and policymakers for Vietnamese primary education, and possibly similar contexts, are discussed.

Vietnamese Labour Law in Comparison with ILO Core Labour Standards in Light of the EVFTA: Present Limits, Future Reforms

Within the context of the Europe-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), this article analyses and compares Vietnamese labour law with core labour standards outlined within the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Therefore, it provides recommendations for future labour law reforms in Vietnam to satisfy labour commitments under the EVFTA and suggests further research directions. This study contributes to setting a model of legal research not only for Vietnam but also for other countries when negotiating within new-generation free trade agreements in terms of labour commitments.

Cooperative Group In Current Vietnamese Commercial Environment

Purpose: The article researches the compatibility between the cooperative group and the current commercial environment in Vietnam to propose for improvement to the laws and for promotion of development of the cooperative group. Theoretical framework: Recent literature points out that the cooperative group model is quite suitable for the production and business psychology of citizens in Vietnam. In the current stage of development, however, from the influence and impact of international integration and the increasingly fierce competitive pressure of various types of enterprises, the cooperative group have encountered many difficulties to survive. On the other hand, in the context of judicial reform in Vietnam, the issue of complete law system and expanding the freedom to business has always been paid special attention by the Party and Vietnam State. Design/methodology/approach: The authors have combined traditional research methods of legal science such as legal analysis method, legal efficiency assessment method and legal comparison method. Findings: According to research, the cooperative group is well adapted to Vietnam's commercial environment because it is compatible with investor psychology and meets the conditions and circumstances of nature, economy and society. However, since Vietnam's deep integration with the rest of the world, the cooperative group model has faced numerous difficulties and challenges, and if suitable solutions are not found, it is very likely that this collective economy will become increasingly difficult. As a result, the article suggests some important solutions, such as offering cooperative group legal status and requiring more preferential lending policies with long loan terms, simple and quick loan procedures, and easy team cooperation. Research, Practical & Social implications: This research may support many develop future research in Vietnam. Originality/value: The study of the freedom to business become more and more urgent and very important in Vietnam.

Teacher Professional Development in the Context of Education Reform in Vietnam: Policy and Practice

Teacher Professional Development (TPD) plays an important role in the Fundamental and Comprehensive Education Reform in Vietnam. The goal of this study is to describe the situation of TPD in the context of education reform in Vietnam: Describe both the reform policies and practice in school. This study emphasized that Vietnam has actively implemented education policies relating to TPD. Three-dimensional evaluation of TPD included: (i) Teaching plans and materials; (ii) Organization of learning activities; and (iii) Students’ activities. The research results showed a positive moderate to the high correlation between teaching plans and materials and organization of learning activities and Students’ activities. The research results showed an inverse correlation between the average teacher age and the Organization of learning activities. The older teachers tended to underestimate the extent of implementation of Organization of learning activities. This finding led to recommendations to provide older teacher groups with professional development activities.

Assessing the relationship between service quality, satisfaction and loyalty: the Vietnamese higher education experience

PurposeService quality has been widely recognized as the core value of any higher education institution (HEIs), especially in the context of higher education reform in Vietnam. The paper aims to assess the student’s perceived service quality using SERVPERF scale and to find the relations between perceived service quality, satisfaction and loyalty in one public university in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThe self-structured questionnaire using SERVPERF scale was administered to 350 students currently attending full-time courses at the university. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to certify the elementary factors. The regression models were applied to determine the relationship between service quality, student satisfaction and student loyalty.FindingsThe findings revealed the significant relationships between student perceived service quality with satisfaction and loyalty. However, this relationship is mediated by student satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to public university education service and examined the perspective of student as “primary customer”; therefore, generalizing the results to other service industries and other role of student as stakeholder or citizen should be used with caution.Practical implicationsThe SERVPERF scale could be delivered regularly to get the student’s perception on the HEIs performance. The results should be taken for purpose of continuing quality improvement to enhance the satisfaction and loyalty, particularly in the context of highly competitive environment and university autonomous in Vietnam.Originality/valueThis is believed to be the first study in Vietnam with sufficient evidence to support the concept that service quality positively related to students’ satisfaction and loyalty and satisfaction as mediating factor.