Journal of Administrative Science

Exploring Family Influence on Political Support Amongst Non-Malay Bumiputera in Sabah

Azwan Ahzran Bin Perman — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Political support is an integral component within the survival of a political party, it determines the strength and vitality of its political progress. The nature of politics can penetrate the layers of society and touch the fabric of a family. The political landscape in the state of Sabah is colored with a myriad of local and national base parties, and it has affected the way politics and democracy are practiced. The non-Malay Bumiputera constitutes a significant portion of the state demographic, however the continued political support towards a non-local political party is widely seen in the state, and this is an interesting avenue to be explored. Therefore, using a qualitative method and analyzing the interviews using thematic analysis, this research has explored non-Malay Bumiputera on their family influence in their political support towards non-local political parties. The research through two main themes found out that family influence on their political support had a significant impact on their political support. This research has managed to highlight the intracity of familial values and how they impact the political participation of an individual, expanding on the dynamic of non-Malay Bumiputera political support in Sabah. Future research should explore other aspects of political support in the state that underscore the state's political dynamic involving ideology, religion, party management, ethnicity, gender, and localities.

Internal Audit, Board of Director and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosure among Public Listed Companies in Malaysia

Farah Fatirah Zainal, Mahadir Ladisma @ Awis — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined ESG disclosure among Public Listed Companies (PLCs) in Malaysia for 2022, with three objectives: measuring ESG disclosure levels, assessing links between internal audit and board dimensions, and identifying key variables affecting ESG disclosure. Data from annual reports covering 241 companies on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market (2020-2022) were analysed, with 148 companies meeting ESG reporting criteria and disclosure levels assessed via a Dichotomous Method Index. Findings revealed that most companies achieved high levels of environmental, social, and governance transparency. Positive relationships were observed between ESG disclosure and internal audit factors (independence, incentives, efficiency) and board variables (size, independence, leadership structure). Internal Audit Efficiency emerged as the most influential variable, reinforcing its role in transparency, with Leadership Structure also showing a positive impact. Using Agency Theory, this study underscored the importance of internal audit effectiveness and governance structures in promoting robust ESG disclosure. Recommendations include enhancing corporate commitment to ESG transparency, improving audit processes, and establishing clear governance structures. Emphasis on the Dichotomous Method Index highlighted the systematic measurement of disclosure, providing valuable insights for policy improvements and sustainable practices.

An Overview of Factors Influencing Residents’ Support for Sustainable Tourism Development

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This paper examines the critical role of residents’ support in sustainable tourism development, highlighting a significant gap in the existing literature regarding the conceptualization of "support." Current studies often treat support as a single-dimensional construct, primarily focusing on direct correlations with perceived benefits while neglecting the diverse ways residents express this support. Additionally, the literature underexplores moderating factors, connections to specific local policies, and the evolution of support over time. Employing qualitative research methods, specifically a document analysis approach, this study investigates the influence of community involvement, attachment, perceived economic conditions, and trust in government institutions on sustainable tourism initiatives. By systematically reviewing existing documents, including policy papers and management plans, the research uncovers key themes and strategies that affect residents’ support. The interplay between these factors and residents' knowledge levels is crucial for understanding their engagement with sustainable tourism. Community involvement fosters ownership and pride, while perceived economic benefits enhance support, underscoring the need for economic viability. Trust in government institutions ensures residents feel confident in the fair management of tourism resources. Ultimately, this paper offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to cultivate resident support through targeted education and engagement strategies that align community interests with sustainable tourism goals for balanced development.

From Superwomen to Economic Catalysts: A Phenomenological Evaluation of B40 Mumpreneurs' Performance Pull and Push Factors

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Entrepreneurship has the potential to increase income and reduce poverty. Realizing the business's potential, many women from the B40 category have ventured into the business world. Armed with devotion and diligent energies, the number of successful women entrepreneurs in various industries is increasing. However, achieving a balance, especially between the demands of a businesswoman and also the responsibility to the family, is a challenging task. Women's role is not only in managing the household but as a contributor to the family economy. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the pull and push factors for empowering B40 mumpreneurs' business performance. This study applies a qualitative approach, and the data was obtained through a focus group interview. Based on the phenomenological approach, experience by a group of mumprenuers is observed. Eight mumpreneurs in the People's Housing Programme (PPR) Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur, were purposively selected. The thematic analysis method classifies the data obtained into specific themes. The findings first identified several pull factors: poor financial management, poor business location, limited supply and increasing price of raw materials, weak marketing strategy, and reliance on traditional business management. Second, the informants highlighted some push factors that helped them survive. These include sufficient business and capital assistance, entrepreneurs' attitudes and motivations, high business competencies, strong business networks, and continuous institutional and social support. As implications, mumpreneurs must identify challenges to prepare better and overcome them. They must create effective strategies, market their products, attract customers, and deal with problems in real-time.

Decentralized Fiscal Governance and Efforts for Poverty Reduction in Aceh, Indonesia

Renaldi Safriansyah, Muhammad Asri Mohd Ali — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Aceh’s special autonomy in Indonesia is a promising case for decentralized fiscal governance, which emerged as a result of asymmetric decentralization in 2008. We assessed the framework for fiscal governance of the special autonomy fund, which is particularly important considering the difficulty in accelerating poverty reduction. There has also been interest in reviewing its evolution over time and analyzing its effectiveness in the quest for poverty reduction. This study draws on data from a questionnaire survey comprising government planners and parliament members from 23 districts/cities in Aceh. Based on the ordinary data gathered through a questionnaire survey engaging 117 respondents, we analyze the perceptions of city/municipality governments on two models of fiscal governance (FG) of special autonomy funds for poverty reduction; FG model#1 and FG model#2. Then, the semi-structured interviews were conducted to supplement data and validate the findings. The results show that FG model#2 is preferred for the quest for poverty reduction. With greater authority over the management of special autonomy funds, FG model#2 can better accommodate and create breakthroughs for fiscal governance to be more effective for pro-poor program implementation. This study represents an empirical contribution to a neglected topic of decentralized fiscal governance in the context of poverty reduction.

Blood on the Dance Floor: Police Brutality, #EndSARS Protest Movement and Responses in Lagos, Nigeria

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The article examined the causes, dynamics, and responses to the #EndSARS protest in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 20, 2020. Employing a qualitative research approach, data were collected from diverse sources such as eyewitness accounts, reports from international organizations, scholarly publications, working papers, newspapers, government white papers, social media comments, and video footage. Fifteen key informants were selected using purposive sampling. The study utilized the frustration-aggression theory and social injustice framework to analyze the protest. Findings revealed that while the protests were initially fueled by misinformation, they were further exacerbated by youth unemployment, police brutality, poor governance, ineffective government communication and leadership, inadequate crowd control, and the failure to protect peaceful demonstrators. The government’s violent response garnered both local and international support for the protesters, resulting in the creation of panels of inquiry. However, the politicization of these panels' findings and the inability to address the root causes of the protests left the nation in a state of continued dysfunction. The article stresses the importance of strong institutions, good governance, the rule of law, and justice, recommending meaningful reforms, social justice, economic improvement, and stricter discipline for law enforcement.

From Fields to Fortune: Elevating Rural Livelihoods through Rural Resources – A Systematic Scoping Review

Ani Juaini Bahrin, Farah Adilla Ab Rahman, Asiyah Kassim — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Recent research highlights the utilisation of rural resources as a significant tool for mitigating rural poverty by fostering economic development, creating employment opportunities, and empowering local communities. This article investigates the potential contributions of rural resources across regions through a comprehensive literature review from 2020 to 2024. Using a systematic scoping review methodology, 35 research publications were identified and analysed from Scopus. The discussion is structured around three pivotal topics. The first, "Resource-Based Economic Strategies for Rural Development," explores strategies for optimizing economic benefits from local resources. The second topic, "Sustainable Rural Development through Resource Management and Economic Opportunities," examines sustainable management practices for rural resources, including micro-livestock farming, resin extraction, and the role of forest resources. The final topic, "Sustainable Resource Management and Climate Change Adaptation in Rural Communities," looks at how rural communities can adapt to climate change through sustainable practices. Findings indicate that while rural resources offer numerous advantages, economic gains may lead to overexploitation and negative social impacts. Climate change also adversely affects rural resources, especially agriculture, impact in socio-economic conditions. Effective and sustainable interventions require a nuanced understanding of local contexts, including specific resources, cultural practices, and socio-economic conditions. Policies must balance economic empowerment with environmental sustainability and social equity to address rural resource dependency and climate change impacts. This review provides valuable insights for rural entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and institutions involved in rural development.

The Impact of Managerial Appreciation on Laotian Employee Job Satisfaction

Khamkhong Thiphavong, Noah Balraj, Wayne Hamra — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This purpose of this research study was to examine the relationship between managerial appreciation and job satisfaction among selected full-time salaried employees in Laos. The study investigated how various types of appreciation, including verbal expressions of praise, recognition, and promotion/rewards, were perceived by workers in various for-profit and non-profit organizations. Employees were also asked to suggest practical ways that managers could more effectively express appreciation to subordinates. Utilizing a descriptive quantitative design and a researcher-developed survey questionnaire, data was collected from 180 employees who worked in a variety of service organizations and businesses. The findings showed that all three categories of appreciation were significantly correlated with employee satisfaction at the 0.01 level, with a slightly higher score for promotion/rewards than for expressions of praise or recognition. Multiple regression analysis revealed that managerial appreciation accounted for 68.8% of the variance in overall employee job satisfaction, and employees also reported that they highly valued managerial feedback and suggestions. Tangible benefits of effective appreciation practices included heightened worker motivation and engagement, upbeat workplace environments, enhanced productivity, and lower turnover rates. Affirmation is a cost-effective management strategy, and implementing robust, tailored appreciation programs that meet employees’ emotional needs helps to foster ongoing commitment, productivity, and retention.

‘Did Social Media Really Matter?’ Effectiveness of Twitter for Electoral Campaigns and the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria

Ridwan Tosho Idris, Oladimeji Mohammed Alabi — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The emergence of social media platforms has played a significant role in political communication throughout election campaigns in Nigeria. Twitter is a social media platform used among the political candidates and parties in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper examined the role of Twitter by different political parties and their supporters during the 2023 Nigerian Presidential Election that shaped the election outcome. The study relies on both primary and secondary sources, including interview journals, books and newspapers, which were meticulously analyzed to gather relevant data for this study. The findings revealed that while Twitter has become an integral part of the campaign process, its influence on the outcome of the 2023 General Election was not solely decisive. Various factors hindered the efficacy of Twitter. These were the absence of a robust party structure, allegations of electoral malpractices, and incumbency’s advantage that contributed to mobilization efforts. These factors collectively undermined the effectiveness of Twitter in shaping the 2023 election results. This study concludes that the impact of Twitter and other social media platforms is contingent upon the adeptness with which political parties engage their followers through these platforms. Equally significant is how voters utilize the information acquired from social media to make informed voting decisions. Political parties must devise comprehensive strategies that harness the potential of social media while addressing the challenges and limitations that may impede their impact.

Resistance to Change and Counterproductive Work Behaviour in the Nigerian Banking Sector

Ugo Chuck Okolie — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Change management is becoming a crucial component of how well organizations function globally. There is currently a dearth of research on organizational change management that examines the relationship between resistance to change and aberrant work behaviour in the Nigerian banking sector. This study therefore examined the effect of resistance to change on counterproductive work behaviour in the Nigerian banking sector. This study used a cross-sectional study design and a simple random sample technique to gather data from seventy-seven employees of selected banks in Abraka, Delta State. Out of the 70 copies distributed, fifty-seven (57) copies of the questionnaire were recovered, resulting in an 81.4% response rate. Of the fifty-seven (57) respondents in total, 25 were male employees and 32 were female employees of the selected banks. Correlation, linear regression analysis, and t-test were used to analyze the study's data. This study demonstrated a strong and significant correlation between resistance to change and counterproductive work practices in the Nigerian banking sector. As anticipated, this study also showed that counterproductive work behaviour in the Nigerian banking sector was statistically and significantly impacted by employees' resistance to change. The study concluded that employees' resistance to change is one of the main triggers of counterproductive behaviour at work. This implies that understanding counterproductive work behaviours is essential to comprehending why staff members resist change, act in retaliation against their employer or other staff members in the same organization. In order to prevent counterproductive work behaviour or lessen negative feelings towards the organizational change process, employees need comprehensive knowledge about the nature, procedures, and outcomes of organizational change in order to conquer resistance to change. This study recommended, among other things, that bank managers in Nigeria, and specifically in Abraka, should employ persuasive techniques to win over staff members' support prior to introducing change initiatives in order to improve the likelihood of success. This is due to the fact that in a world where change is constant, change agents are crucial to cultivating adaptable attitudes.

Investigating the Nexus between AI Governance and Sustainable Development Goals in Africa

Asimiyu Olalekan Murana, Godwin Emmanuel — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In recent years, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into governance has become pivotal, particularly in sustainable development contexts. The nexus between AI governance and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) carries significant implications, particularly for African states in tackling its intricate challenges. This study adopts a document review approach, combining a systematic literature review on AI governance and sustainable development with diverse case studies. The research highlights the disparity in the development of AI governance structures between African countries and the Global North, which has consequences for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recommendations include establishing tailored regulatory frameworks, prioritizing capacity-building, and fostering collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society to ensure responsible AI deployment in African states. Additionally, the paper advocates for promoting transparency and public engagement to uphold accountable AI technologies aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.

The Sustainability of the Kadazandusun Language: Policy Entrepreneurs’ Strategies and Actions

Auzellea Kristin Mozihim, Zuraidah Zaaba, Haijon Gunggut — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Beginning in 1970, language policy in Malaysia excluded the Kadazandusun language instruction. In 1990, there was an initiative to revive the Kadazandusun language from the political domain so that the objective of ensuring future generations would not forget their mother tongue could be achieved. Henceforth, Bahasa Kadazandusun (BKD) has been introduced in the Malaysian education system since the year 1997. This article explores the strategies and actions employed by policy entrepreneurs in the political domain to sustain the Kadazandusun language. The results show that the two strategies employed by the policy entrepreneurs are the publication and availability of Kadazandusun works and language in a variety of settings. On top of that, they undertook several actions such as collaboration with stakeholders, supporting and financing Kadazandusun language initiatives, lobbying, engagement with political parties, and advocacy for standardization. The two strategies and most actions stated are part of the policy process, except for the policy evaluation stage, while there are a couple of actions that are initiated outside of the policy cycle. Therefore, to sustain the Kadazandusun language, the role of policy entrepreneurs is important.