Dependent Theory Research Articles

Claudio Katz, Dependency Theory after Fifty Years: The Continuing Relevance of Latin American Critical Thought Brill, 2022, pp. 284

Claudio Katz, Dependency Theory after Fifty Years: The Continuing Relevance of Latin American Critical Thought Brill, 2022, pp. 284

Foreign Aid Allocation and Regime Stability: A Cross-National Study in Indonesia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the foreign aid allocation and regime stability: a cross-national study in Indonesia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study in Indonesia revealed that foreign aid allocation plays a crucial role in regime stability. Increased foreign aid, especially directed towards economic development and infrastructure, positively impacted regime stability. Conversely, political conditionality attached to aid often led to destabilization, fostering domestic opposition and unrest. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Dependency theory, principal-agent theory & institutional theory may be used to anchor future studies on foreign aid allocation and regime stability: a cross-national study in Indonesia. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and aligning objectives, stakeholders can leverage synergies and address governance challenges more effectively. Donor countries should adopt more coherent and principled aid allocation policies that prioritize the promotion of democratic governance, human rights protections, and inclusive development.

Observation of the photonic Hall effect and photonic magnetoresistance in random lasers

Modulation of scattering in random lasers (RLs) by magnetic fields has attracted much attention due to its rich physical insights. We fabricate magnetic gain polymer optical fiber to generate RLs. From macroscopic experimental phenomena, with the increase of the magnetic field strength, the magnetic transverse photocurrent exists in disordered multiple scattering of RLs and the emission intensity of RLs decreases, which is the experimental observation of photonic Hall effect (PHE) and photonic magnetoresistance (PMR) in RLs. At the microscopic level, based on the field dependence theory of magnetic disorder in scattered nanoparticles and the replica symmetry breaking theory, the magnetic-induced transverse diffusion of photons reduces the scattering disorder, and then decreases the intensity fluctuation disorder of RLs. Our work establishes a connection between the above two effects and RLs, visualizes the influence of magnetic field on RL scattering at the microscopic level, which is crucial for the design of RLs.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) And Economic Growth in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: FDI positively impacts Nigeria's economic growth by fostering capital formation and technology transfer. However, this relationship is influenced by factors like institutional quality and governance effectiveness. Challenges such as infrastructure deficits and policy instability hinder FDI's full potential. Thus, creating a favorable investment climate and implementing sound economic policies are crucial for sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The theory of foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth, the dependency theory & the institutional theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in Nigeria. Fostering investment in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology can contribute to economic diversification, employment generation, and skill development, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth. Nigerian authorities should focus on improving the investment climate by implementing reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining business processes, and enhancing transparency.

Dual state emissive pyrene-fused benzopyrazaacenes and their solvatochromic behaviour

This study investigates how molecular orientation and microstructure influence the photophysical and electronic properties of pyrene-fused azaacenes. Four substituted pyrene-fused benzopyrazaacene compounds were synthesized via a single step cyclo condensation of K-conjugated pyrene quinone building blocks with 3,4-diaminobenzophenone. The synthesized molecules were characterized using IR, NMR spectroscopy and HRMS analysis. Photophysical and electrochemical properties were studied to explore the impact of molecular orientation and microstructure on the properties of pyrene-fused azaacenes. Substitutions at the 2, 7-positions of the pyrene core significantly affected the photophysical properties while demonstrating moderate solubility. Notably, the compounds exhibited pronounced solvatochromic effect across various solvents. Furthermore, the additional incorporation of a carbonyl moiety adjacent to the core expanded pyrene at the K-region resulted in dual state emission, influencing solid state emission accompanied by robust thermal stability. Theoretical calculations were performed to gain insights into the energy levels of the compound and its molecular orientation using time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT).

Detection mechanism and solvent effects of the 3‐hydroxy‐2‐(4‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)phenyl)benzo[g]quinolin‐4(1H)‐one (PBQ) probe

AbstractHydroxy‐2‐(4‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)phenyl)benzo[g]quinolin‐4(1H)‐one (PBQ) is a ratiometric fluorescent probe based on excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). PBQ‐1 is the reaction product following its exposure to phosgene. Density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (DFT) have been used to study the excited state dynamics of PBQ and PBQ‐1 in different solvents. The results show that the reaction of PBQ with a transition from charge‐transfer excitation to local excitation before and after the reaction. It becomes more difficult for PBQ in the excited state to transfer proton with increasing solvent polarity. The product PBQ‐1 undergoes a molecular structure twist, and the angle of twisting decreases with increasing solvent polarity, resulting in a lower degree of rotational freedom of the hydroxyl group (5‐OH) at the 5th carbon position, which makes it more susceptible to ESIPT reactions. Therefore, PBQ‐1 is more susceptible to ESIPT as solvent polarity increases. Our theoretical calculations also elucidate the cause of the blue shift of PBQ fluorescence and the impact of the twisting intramolecular charge transfer phenomenon on the solvent effect. Furthermore, our study provides the theoretical guidance for the designing probe based on excited state intramolecular proton transfer.

Board diversity and corporate investment efficiency in emerging markets: an explanation based on principal-agent theory and resource dependence theory

ABSTRACT Using a sample of Chinese listed enterprises over the 2010–2020 period, this study examines and empirically tests the impact of board diversity on inefficient investment. Drawing on principal-agent theory and resource dependence theory, the analysis is conducted within a comprehensive framework. The study provides evidence that board diversity plays a crucial role in mitigating inefficient investment in enterprises by effectively restraining both overinvestment and underinvestment. Mechanism tests indicate that under conditions of high agency costs and high financing constraints, board diversity exerts a stronger inhibitory effect on inefficient investment. Cross-sectional tests show that the impact of board diversity on inefficient investment varies under different ownership properties, firm sizes and levels of marketization. By comprehensively considering multiple characteristics of board diversity, this research fills the research gap and expands the perspectives on inefficient investment in enterprises. It provides valuable insights for shareholders and enterprises on effectively structuring their boards of directors.

Reassessment of the Emission Reduction Responsibilities of Wealthy Individuals and Corporations: Considerations based on the Perspective of Resource Availability

Minimizing emissions has become a crucial element in the fight against global climate change. This study will employ resource dependence theory to assess the participation of wealthy individuals and corporations in the worldwide effort to decrease emissions, particularly with regards to natural, human, and capital resources. The objective is to demonstrate the crucial role that affluent individuals and major corporations play in promoting climate action. In conclusion, we recommend enhancing the management of these organizations' resource utilization and implementing stronger environmental protection measures to prevent their economic activities from undermining the attainment of global climate objectives. This study offers fresh insights into comprehending and advancing more efficient worldwide strategies for reducing emissions, emphasizing the substantial influence of affluent individuals and major corporations who exploit resources in global emissions reduction endeavors.

Modeling of surface evolution in plasma etching for SiC microgroove fabrication

Monocrystalline silicon carbide (SiC) has attracted attention for applications in devices operating in harsh environments due to its excellent physicochemical properties. However, it is difficult to obtain extremely small-feature sizes with undamaged surfaces due to its extremely high hardness. Herein, a novel method to fabricate SiC microgrooves is proposed that combines molding with inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching process. First, a Ni–P microgroove master mold was fabricated by ultraprecision cutting and replicated on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface, which was then used as the microgroove mold for hot embossing. Then, the patterned mask fabricated by hot embossing was transferred to the SiC substrate by ICP etching. To obtain customized microgrooves, an interface-evolution model based on angular dependence theory was established. A numerical method based on a string algorithm approach is developed for interface-evolution simulations. During ICP etching, the characteristic size d of homogeneous materials and the sidewall angle in heterogeneous materials varied with the sidewall angle of the SU-8 mask due to the angular dependence of etch rate. Finally, seven sets of microgrooves were machined on SU-8 to study the interface-evolution process. Variations in the characteristic size Δd and sidewall angle θ for each unit in homogeneous material, as well as the variations in sidewall angle before and after etching in heterogeneous materials are described. The high accuracy of the proposed interface-evolution model was experimentally validated.

Photo-Physical Characteristics of Janus Green B in Different Solvents and its Interaction Mechanism with Silver Nanoparticles.

This work explores the effects of solvent polarity on Janus Green B (JGB) photophysical properties. The Lippert-Mataga, Billot, and Ravi equations were utilized to calculate the singlet-state excited dipole moments (µe) and ground state dipole moments (µg) using absorption and fluorescence spectra analyses. The results showed an increase in the former, which is suggestive of electronic structural alterations upon excitation. Analysis of fluorescence quantum yield values revealed that JGB's environment had an impact on its emission characteristics; it was particularly sensitive to silver nanoparticles, suggesting possible interactions. While simulations of electron density, electrostatic potential, and energy gap (Eg) helped to understand the electronic structure of JGB, theoretical absorption spectra produced by Time Dependent Density Function Theory (TD-DFT) calculations offered insights into electronic transitions during absorption. To sum up, the present study contributes to our comprehension of the molecular behavior of JGB in various solvents by elucidating the intricate relationship among solvent polarity, molecular environment, and interactions with silver nanoparticles. Additionally, theoretical computations support the interpretation of experimental results.

Examining the Period-Based Changes in the Effect of Socioeconomic Status in Maternal Healthcare Utilization Across Regional and Residential Contexts in Postcolonial Tanzania (1991–2016)

ABSTRACT Applying dependency theory, this manuscript uses data from the six cross-sectional Tanzania Demographic Health Surveys from 1991 to 2016 (n = 30,028) to explore temporal variations in the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on maternal healthcare (MHC) utilization across different residences and regions. Research in this area is nonexistent in Tanzania. The results suggest a notable gap in using Tanzanian MHC based on SES and location (i.e. residence, regions). Results suggest that women from underserved groups, such as those living in rural areas or all-other (i.e. unprivileged) regions with lower SES, may have less access to MHC in the underdeveloped world. There were statistically significant socioeconomic variations in MHC use observed between residencies and regions, with stronger differences seen between residencies than regions. These findings further highlight the idea that lower use of MHC in the Global South is inseparable from economic dependency on metropolitan and Global North countries. This research calls for policymakers to recognize the roles of interactions between location and socioeconomic inequalities as factors exacerbated by higher dependency when crafting policies to modify healthcare utilization among women in underdeveloped countries.

The inverted-U model of employee happiness: examining overdose happiness in context of personal characteristics, job-relationship dependency, benign stress, and various theories.

In recent years, the management literature has begun to deal with individual and organizational results after happiness rather than the pursuit of happiness in business life and finally reaching happiness. After the fact that everything in an overdose is harmful, it has become the subject of even more research with paradoxical results that happiness that evokes positive emotions is not as innocent as it seems. In this study, which aims to reveal the harmful effects of overdose of employee happiness, the reasons for the manager's fear - or anxiety - about the happiness of his employees are interpreted. The Inverted-U Model of Employee Happiness (IUMEH) has been developed and individual work outputs have been evaluated in three areas that (1) support happiness, (2) reflect balanced happiness, and (3) turn negative with an overdose of happiness intoxication. It has been suggested that IUMEH, which is thought to contribute to the literature as it is the first descriptive model to emerge, should be supported by applied studies, and it has been reminded that the curvilinear aspect of the model may include differences in terms of culture, type and characteristics of job, private, public or non-profit enterprises, generations of managers and the level of managers (front-line, middle level and senior level etc.).

Effects of operators’ strategic approach to local content and in-country spending requirements on financial performance of upstream petroleum sector firms, Ghana

Local content requirements and in-country spending mandates have emerged as crucial tools in the upstream petroleum sector, aiming to distribute socio-economic benefits derived from resource production to the general citizenry within the host economies. However, understanding how operators' strategic responses to these requirements affect firm financial performance remains limited due to data constraints. Consequently, drawing on resource dependence, social exchange, and linkage and spill-over effect theories, this paper develops a conceptual framework to elucidate the relationships among local content requirements, in-country spending, local linkage factors, operators' strategic approaches & business practices, and financial performance, including their implications. To address data limitations, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining content analysis of financial reports from 11 global upstream petroleum operators in Ghana and key informant interviews, with survey primary data collected via online questionnaires. This methodological triangulation enabled a comprehensive examination of how operators' strategic responses affect financial performance in the Ghanaian upstream petroleum sector. Analytical techniques used included factor analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) from SPSS and SmartPLS3, respectively. The study found that while local content requirements and in-country spending mandates do not significantly influence operator strategic approaches or financial performance, local linkage factors have a strong positive effect on strategic approaches, which in turn positively affect financial performance. Furthermore, local linkage factors partially mediate the relationship between local content requirements and strategic approaches, as well as financial performance. These findings underscored the importance of prioritizing investments in local linkage factors to stimulate industrialization and foster cross-sectorial outsourcing opportunities. The study contributes to resource dependence, social exchange, and linkage and spill-over effect theories by highlighting the role of strategic approaches and local linkages in promoting financial performance. It also offers insights for policymakers and industry practitioners, emphasizing the need to enhance competitiveness and capacity within the host economy. Additionally, the study confirms the predictive relevance of the model, indicating its robustness in explaining the dynamics of local content requirements and in-country spending mandates in the petroleum sector.

Influence of Financial Resources Management on Project Performance in Public Institutions: A Case of Kigali City (2018-2022)

In this study, we examine the impact of financial resource management on project performance. Projects in Kigali City were poorly implemented due to misappropriation of public funds and insufficient measurement of project performance, especially in subdivisions and surrounding villages, leading to project failure. In directing this research project, two purposes were set: to assess the impact of financial resource management planning on project performance in Kigali City and to examine the impact of financial resource control on project performance in Kigali City. Both financial literacy and resource dependency theories were used, furthermore in order to achieve these objectives, literature was reviewed on the subject matter including definitions of key concepts, conceptual review, theoretical framework, conceptual framework and research gap analysis, additionally the target population of the study was 312 employees of Kigali City and out of them a sample size of 175 employees were selected by using stratified sampling technique. Questionnaires, interview guides and documents were used as data collection tools. Data was processed through editing, coding and tabulation and the data also was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that there is a significance relationship between financial resources management and City of Kigali’s project performance; and it was found that holding all the financial resources management to a constant zero, project performance of Kigali City will be 30.6 percent, a unit increase in the use of financial resource planning will lead to a 0.731% improvement in project performance in Kigali City, the use of financial resource management will lead to a 1% improvement in project performance in Kigali City. The regression analysis revealed significant coefficients indicating the impact of financial resource management on project performance in Kigali City. With a constant of 0.346, when financial resource management is absent, the project performance is estimated to be 30.6%. For every unit increase in financial resource planning, there is a corresponding 0.731% rise in project performance (Beta = 0.731, t = 6.008, p < 0.001), and similarly, a 1% increase in financial resource control leads to enhanced project performance (Beta = 0.500, t = 2.550, p = 0.025). Notably, financial resource planning exerts the strongest influence on project performance, followed by financial resource control. Both variables demonstrated statistical significance, with p-values of 0.000 and 0.025 respectively, at a 95% confidence level. Thus, all factors examined are deemed significant (p < 0.05). Therefore, based on the findings, the researchers recommend that the public entity Kigali City should continuously ensure that it has financial control expertise to ensure organizational performance.

Too busy to balance? A longitudinal analysis of board of director busyness and firms’ ambidextrous orientation

Abstract Studies commonly highlight the informational upside of a board of directors’ connections to its external environment. Through their seats on multiple outside boards, directors are positioned to bring valuable informational resources to complex internal tasks on a focal firm. Crafting an ambidextrous strategic orientation is such a task, requiring great informational resourcing from a board to reconcile contradictions of exploration and exploitation. Yet, we assign an important boundary condition to this expectation by unpacking the idea of “busyness” as an important consideration in a board’s (in)ability to apply their informational resources. We complement Resource Dependence Theory with insights from bounded rationality and bounded reliability, to challenge the “more is better” assumption of the benefits of outside board seats. We develop corresponding hypotheses on the extent to which busyness of different director types (exemplified here via the busyness of non-executives, executives, and women directors) is related to the ambidextrous strategic orientation of a firm. Our results from a robust longitudinal panel analysis of publicly listed UK firms uncover complex patterns and provide evidence that boards with busy non-executives have a negative influence on the ambidextrous strategic orientation of firms, whereas boards with busy executive directors do not seem to exert an influence. We further find that boards with busy women directors show an inverted U-shaped relation with ambidextrous strategic orientation. We discuss implications for theory and practice.

Architectural and Urban Changes in a Residential Environment—Implications for Design Science

Current spatial changes involving broad urban landscapes affect people’s perceptions of their surroundings, sense of place, and attachment to a place, constituting a disruption to these. As a result, on a social scale, they translate into people’s well-being. The following study of the impact of large-scale architectural and urban developments on the place of residence is based on the assumption that physical space determines the quality of life in the living place and the changes in the process condition residents to adapt to their new surroundings—based on the three pillars of place, people, and process (3Ps). The article consists of two parts. The first is theoretical, which conceptualises spatial change based on the theory of human dependence on place. The second part–an empirical study—discusses the transformation of the post-industrial area of Bicocca (Milan), which, 40 years after the intervention, has led to conclusions and recommendations for urban planning. The results demonstrate the different sensitivities of the urban areas to the process of functional–spatial change, the essence of the accessibility of public space, public facilities, and transport infrastructure. The planning process can positively influence social adaptation to spatial change mitigation. Residential areas may be subject to additional protection procedures. The study is relevant to a sustainable planning process in the inevitable transformation of urban areas. The interdisciplinary nature of the issue prompts the integration of research findings and knowledge transfer in the socio-technological subsystem (STS).

Antecedents to perceived news media importance and motivations for newspaper use: A needs-based framework

Amid widespread skepticism about news media actors and journalistic practices, questions about citizens’ use of and dependency upon mainstream news media remain ripe for investigation. This research is designed to deepen an understanding of the concept of Perceived News Media Importance (PNMI) and consider it as a factor undergirding contemporary newspaper use. To this end, this study draws on the frameworks of uses and gratifications (U&G) and media system dependency theory for orienting an understanding of PNMI and its role in motivating newspaper use. Furthermore, based on the theoretical assumption that individuals’ various needs bear a capacity to shape their perceptions of media, Need for Evidence, and Need for Orientation were modeled herein as antecedents to PNMI. Analyses of data from two surveys—the first conducted in 2019 (Study 1: N = 1,077) and, the second, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (Study 2: N = 546)—confirm that PNMI not only positively predicts newspaper use but also mediates the effects of its hypothesized antecedents on newspaper use. The findings of the study highlight the utility of PNMI and related concepts for understanding citizens’ media consumption behaviors in a rapidly changing and uncertain media environment.

Effects of female CEO and female CFO on internationalization and firm performance

PurposeThe study aims to examine the influence of female chief executive officer (CEO) and female chief financial officer (CFO) on the linkage between internationalization and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study used 2926 firm-year observations of nonfinancial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2012–2021. This study used ordinary least squares regression method to test the hypotheses, and additionally, generalized method of moments estimation and fixed effect analysis were used to check for the robustness of the results.FindingsUsing the framework of upper echelons theory and resource dependence theory, this study reports that internationalization has a positive impact on firm performance. Moreover, the results show that the presence of female CEO and female CFO strengthens the positive relationship between internationalization and firm performance. The results add to the gender diversity literature by highlighting the positive role of female CEOs and female CFOs on the internationalization and performance of firms in a male-dominated society.Originality/valueThis study adds to the limited literature on the internationalization of businesses in an emerging market and provides empirical support to upper echelons theory and resource dependence theory by highlighting the benefits brought to the firm through female CEOs and female CFOs.

Greening the Workplace: Exploring the Influence of Corporate Sustainability Governance on Corporate Labour Rights in the Case of Indian Listed Companies for the Period of 2010 to 2021

Amidst today’s globalized economy, embedding sustainable practices into corporate governance frameworks has become important. This era underscores a heightened focus on CSR and sustainability, drawing considerable scholarly and practical interest to the nexus of corporate governance, sustainability initiatives, and corporate labour rights (CLRs). Hence, this study investigates the relationship between corporate sustainability governance initiatives (CSGIs) and CLR practices in India. Despite regulatory efforts, issues such as modern slavery and low wages persist in the country. Drawing on legitimacy, agency, stakeholder, and resource dependency theories, this study examines how CSGIs influence CLR practices. Data from 1212 observations of top Indian listed companies between 2010 and 2021 indicate positive correlations between CSGI dimensions and CLR practices across industries and board CSR orientations. This research underscores the importance of CSGIs in promoting sustainable corporate practices and improving CLRs in emerging economies. It also aligns with the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, SDG 5, SDG 8, and SDG 10. By combining theoretical rigour with practical relevance, this study provides insights for businesses, policymakers, workers, investors, and CSR scholars, contributing to efforts to enhance CLRs in India and beyond. For instance, the study offers actionable guidance for businesses and policymakers aiming to improve CLR practices. It highlights the positive correlation between specific attributes of CSGIs and CLR practices, providing insights for corporate decision-making and emphasizing the importance of aligning operations with the UN’s sustainable development goals. The findings serve as critical decision-making tools for investors concerned with corporate sustainability governance and CLRs to identify ethically responsible companies and mitigate investment risks.

Does supplier concentration impede firms’ digital innovation? A resource dependence perspective

The advent of the digital economy has ushered in a new era of digital innovation. Given that dependence on key suppliers significantly affects focal firms' behavior and decision-making, it still remains unclear whether concentrated suppliers impede or facilitate focal firms' digital innovation. Drawing upon resource dependence theory, this study aims to explore how supplier concentration influences focal firms' digital innovation. Furthermore, since internal resources can alter the dependency between focal firms and suppliers, this study introduces the tangible resources represented by slack resource and intangible resources represented by human capital as mechanisms to mitigate firms’ dependence on key suppliers. Using a dataset of 2,347 unique Chinese listed manufacturing firms from 2008 to 2020, we empirically reveal a negative impact of supplier concentration on digital innovation. Further, we discover that operational slack, technical experience in top management teams (TMTs), and employee education background mitigate the negative influence of supplier concentration on digital innovation. Surprisingly, the direct moderating role of financial slack is not significant, but the additional analysis indicates that the moderating effect of operational slack is strengthened in firms with high financial slack. Robustness tests reaffirm these findings. This study extends the growing digital innovation literature and provides actionable insights for firms to effectively leverage their resources to pursue digital innovation in situations of high supplier concentration.