International Journal of Business and Management, Issue: Vol.21, No.1

Transforming Rural Childhoods in Bangladesh through Learning English: The Role of Government

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:26:06 +0000

Improving children's educational, social and economic opportunities in a country like Bangladesh requires English proficiency. In rural Bangladesh, particularly in Mazu and Madhobpur villages, however, children's development is frequently hindered by limited access to proper English education. This study examines the role of the government in ensuring equitable access to learning English and its effects on rural children. In 2025, a mixed-method approach was implemented which involved household surveys, semi-structured interviews with parents and teachers, and policy analysis. The findings show that although free textbooks and compulsory English classes have expanded access to English education, significant challenges remain. Some of the problems faced are lack of teacher training, scarce resources and weak digital and physical infrastructure. These obstacles hinder the transformative potential of English education for disadvantaged children in rural Bangladesh. The study highlights the importance of stronger government support, better resource allocation and community engagement in promoting empowerment, cognitive growth and social mobility. Policy reforms are necessary to ensure that all rural children have equal opportunities to benefit from English education in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education.

AI-Driven Personalization in Price Comparison Platforms: Balancing Efficiency and Privacy

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:20:50 +0000

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has made Price Comparison Platforms (PCPs) essential tools for consumers seeking efficient and informed purchasing decisions. AI-driven personalization improves platform efficiency by tailoring recommendations, interfaces, and offers to individual users while also enhancing engagement and conversion rates. However, personalization depends on the collection and processing of user data, raising privacy concerns such as data breaches, re-identification risks, algorithmic bias, and potential erosion of trust. This paper proposes a conceptual framework integrating Data, Algorithm, and Interface & Policy layers to balance personalization benefits with privacy protection. Using an integrative literature review approach, the study synthesizes insights on personalization efficiency, privacy risks, and ethical governance. The analysis highlights how privacy-preserving AI techniques, user-centric controls, and fairness-aware algorithms can help maintain both platform performance and user trust. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for developers and policymakers. It identifies directions for future research, including explainable AI, context-aware federated learning, synthetic data generation, and longitudinal evaluation of user trust.

Empowering Rural Women Entrepreneurs: The contribution of Informal Support Structures to Enterprise Performance in Côte d’Ivoire

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:26:12 +0000

In many developing economies, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, formal entrepreneurial support systems remain scarce or inaccessible to women entrepreneurs. Consequently, these women rely on informal family, professional, community and financial networks to mitigate economic and organizational constraints. This study investigates the influence of informal support structures (ISS) on the performance of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) owned by women in rural Côte d’Ivoire.

Adopting a hypothetico-deductive framework grounded in adapted positivism, the research employed mixed-methods design combining semi-structured interviews and a quantitative survey of 371 rural women entrepreneurs. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses confirm that informal mechanisms, particularly family networks, professional relationship, rotating savings groups (tontines) and Village Savings and credit associations (VSCAs), exert a positive and statistically significant effect on enterprise performance. The study further reveals that these informal structures contribute not only to economic performance (growth, profitability, reinvestment) but also to personal performance, expressed through empowerment, autonomy and family well-being.

The results underscore the strategic and complementary role of informal mechanisms in fostering women’s entrepreneurship, especially in resource-constrained rural contexts. The paper recommends that publics policies and development programs formally recognize, support and integrate these indigenous support systems as levers of inclusive and sustainable local development.

The Future of Influencer Marketing: Integrating AI-Driven Avatars into Omnichannel Strategies

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 02:17:06 +0000

The rise of AI-driven avatars in omnichannel marketing has introduced new possibilities for brand-consumer engagement, combining technological innovation with marketing efficiency. Although cost-efficiency and uniformity of the message are all good strengths that these digital characters hold, there are concerns regarding their capacity to establish genuine relationships with others, as human influencers can. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine the performance and perception of AI-driven avatars versus human influencers across 120 omnichannel campaigns in fashion, beauty, technology, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. Quantitative analysis reveals that human influencers achieve higher engagement (6.32% vs. 5.89%), conversion (2.87% vs. 2.31%), and trust scores (4.2 vs. 3.4 on a 5-point scale). In comparison, AI-driven avatars demonstrate superior cost efficiency (PKR 7.14 vs. 10.34 CPI) and message consistency (91.2% vs. 83.9%). Moderated regression analysis indicates that AI-driven avatars perform better in technology-related campaigns (*p* = 0.005), suggesting that product-influencer alignment is critical. Qualitative insights from focus groups (n = 24) highlight consumer skepticism toward AI-driven avatars, citing a lack of emotional depth and spontaneity; however, younger audiences show greater acceptance. The relational trust that can offset distrust is transparency regarding the non-human nature of avatars. The study concludes that AI-driven avatars are most effective in contexts that require scalability and visual uniformity, such as technology and gaming. At the same time, human influencers remain preferable for emotionally driven sectors like beauty and wellness. The recommendation is a hybrid approach, which involves which is followed to select the forces of both to produce the best omnichannel marketing. The findings are relevant to help evolve the discussion on digital influencer marketing, as they provide empirical evidence to inform the strategic decision-making process and the ethics of deploying avatars.

How do Chinese Cultural Values Shape Management Behaviors in the U.S. Healthcare Industry? A Phenomenological Analysis

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:59:40 +0000

Using qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis, this study examines how Chinese culture shapes the managerial behavior of Chinese American managers in the U.S. healthcare system. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers who had been in a management role for at least five years. Three interrelated themes emerged from the analysis. First, navigating hierarchical dynamics: managers negotiated tensions between traditional Chinese hierarchical norms and more participative leadership expectations in American organizations. Second, balancing collectivist and individualist expectations: participants sought to honor group harmony and loyalty while still recognizing and rewarding individual performance. Third, managing communication and conflict in culturally diverse teams: managers worked to keep teams harmonious and individuals accountable, gradually adjusting from indirect feedback styles toward more direct communication norms. These findings suggest that cultural adaptation is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event, in which managers develop a hybrid leadership style that integrates elements from both cultural and organizational traditions. By revealing how cultural identity actively shapes decision-making and team management, this study contributes to research on cross-cultural leadership and underscores the need for culturally sensitive leadership development in healthcare. Limitations include reliance on self-reports, the absence of employee and supervisor perspectives, and a culturally limited sample; future research should broaden the participant base and triangulate multiple data sources.

Challenges and Countermeasures for the Foreign Trade Development of Small and Medium-sized Steel Enterprises in Henan Province under the Belt and Road Initiative

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:08:04 +0000

The purpose of this study is to explore the challenges and countermeasures faced by small and medium-sized steel enterprises in the process of foreign trade development under the background of "Belt, One Road" Initiative. Through an investigation of numerous small and medium-sized steel enterprises in Henan Province, the primary issues affecting these enterprises in international market competition, trade barriers, capital operations, and technological innovation are analyzed. The study found that although the "Belt and Road" provides new development opportunities for local enterprises, they are limited by the size and resources of the enterprises, and these enterprises encounter difficulties in expanding into the international market. The research method employed in this paper evaluates the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities, and threats of Henan's small and medium-sized iron and steel enterprises against the backdrop of the "Belt and Road Initiative" using a SWOT analysis tool, thereby providing a basis for formulating corresponding development strategies. In addition, this paper will also use case analysis, empirical analysis, in-depth interviews, comparative research, policy analysis, field visits to study.

Therefore, these research methods are used to deal with some problems of steel enterprises, and countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to optimize product structure, strengthen brand building, utilize policy support and enhance innovation ability, to promote Henan small and medium-sized steel enterprises to better integrate into the international market and achieve sustainable development.

Human Resource Management System Strength and Affective Commitment: The Mediating Role of Internal Branding Process

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:17:27 +0000

Egyptian organizations face growing challenges in attracting, retaining, and engaging talent, yet research has largely focused on individual HR practices rather than system-level effects. Evidence on the strength of HRM systems (HRMSS) and internal branding remains limited in the MENA region, particularly in Egypt, where the HRM infrastructure is still developing. Understanding how employees interpret HRM signals and internal branding presents a critical research gap. This study investigates the role of the employee internal branding process comprising Employee Brand Knowledge (EBK), Psychological Contract Fulfillment (PCF), and Employee Brand Fit (EBF) in linking HRMSS to affective commitment (AC). A questionnaire survey was administered in both online and paper-based forms across diverse Egyptian organizations, yielding 200 usable responses. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS to test direct and mediating effects. Results show that HRMSS positively influences AC and that EBK, PCF, and EBF partially mediate this relationship. Theoretically, the study integrates HRM and branding perspectives to explain how HRMSS shapes employee commitment, while practically, it highlights the importance of enhancing internal branding processes to strengthen the HRM-commitment relationship in developing economies.

Exploring the Mediating Role of Grit in the Relationship between Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation and Entrepreneurial Resilience

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:50:37 +0000

This research explores the psychological mechanisms by which individual entrepreneurial orientation fosters entrepreneurial resilience, emphasizing the mediating role of grit in this relationship. Anchored in the behavioral perspective of entrepreneurship, this study investigates how the dimensions of individual entrepreneurial orientation, specifically risk-taking, proactiveness, and innovativeness, each affect entrepreneurial resilience. This study draws on data collected from a sample of 126 final-year students and employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to investigate the hypothesized relationships. The findings suggest that grit amplifies the influence of risk-taking and proactiveness on entrepreneurial resilience, whereas innovativeness does not exhibit a significant effect in this regard. By identifying grit as a partial mediator, this research provides novel insights into the psychological processes underpinning resilience in entrepreneurship. It further underscores the value of incorporating both behavioral and psychological traits to advance understanding of entrepreneurial resilience. Ultimately, the research findings emphasize the significance of psychological dispositions, with a particular focus on perseverance of effort, in influencing adaptive entrepreneurial behavior.

Transformational and Transactional Leadership Styles and an Organization’s Readiness for AI Adoption in Mortgage Underwriting in the United States

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 03:47:53 +0000

This quantitative causal-comparative study examined whether, and to what extent, differences exist between Transformational and Transactional leadership styles in influencing organizational readiness for AI adoption in mortgage underwriting in the United States. The study was grounded in three theoretical frameworks: the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, and the theories of Transformational and Transactional leadership. Leadership style was assessed using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), while AI readiness was measured through a TOE-based survey.

Eight research questions guided the analysis. The primary focus (RQ8) was to determine if a significant difference exists in overall AI readiness between the two leadership styles. Additional questions (RQ1-RQ7) explored differences in specific TOE dimensions: Relative Advantage, Compatibility, Top Management Support, Organizational Size, Resources, Competitive Pressure, and Government Regulation. A two-tailed t-test was used for analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

The Impact of Age, Gender, and Education on A-Priori Time Spent on Filing Taxes: An Empirical Study at a University-based Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 03:51:18 +0000

This study investigates the impact of demographic factors—age, gender, and education—on the time spent preparing for tax filing before utilizing free tax clinic services. Conducted at the University of the District of Columbia, the research addresses a gap in the literature concerning customer satisfaction with free services, particularly focusing on the preparatory efforts of diverse demographic groups. The study hypothesizes that older adults, women, and individuals with higher education levels spend varying amounts of time on tax preparation, influencing their overall satisfaction with the service.

Data were collected from 52 respondents who used the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services during the 2023 tax season. The survey measured satisfaction and a-priori time spent on taxes before coming to the tax clinic, with a high response rate of 86.7%. The findings did not reveal significant differences in preparatory time based on age, education, and gender. However, the relationship between age and a-priori time spent before coming to the tax clinic was curvilinear, in that the a-priori time spent increases with age and then decreases after 45-55 years of age. The relationship between preparatory time and customer satisfaction was statistically significant. These insights provide valuable implications for improving service delivery at free tax clinics, emphasizing the need for tailored support that considers the diverse preparatory behaviors of different demographic groups.

Linking the Antecedents of E-banking Adoption with User Satisfaction in Times of Health Crisis: Emerging Economy Perspective

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:39:54 +0000

E-banking has witnessed a significant rise as far as banking transactions are concerned, particularly during a period of health crisis. This study is conducted to examine the factors influencing the usage of e-banking and whether this usage results into user satisfaction from the perspective of an emerging economy like Bangladesh. A total 165 usable responses had been taken from the survey participants. A modified version of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was employed as the theoretical foundation of the current study. Structural equation modeling has been applied to test the research hypotheses. The results of the study revealed that while both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness had statistically significant relationships with the adoption of e-banking, it did not exhibit any significant relationship between awareness of e-banking with that adoption during the health crisis. Besides, the study demonstrated a key role of e-banking usage on the user satisfaction. The study has important managerial implications as far as awareness creation and improvement of technological infrastructure are concerned when it comes to e-banking. Several directions of future research have been put forward in this regard.

Legal Metrology Practices in Tanzania: Examining Performance and Sustainability of the Weights and Measures Agency

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 03:56:04 +0000

Effective administration of measurements is essential for fair trade, consumer protection, and economic integrity. This is achieved through a legal metrology system, which mandates the verification and proper use of measuring instruments and the inspection of pre-packaged commodities to ensure accuracy and consistency in the market. In Tanzania, the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) plays a central role in regulating weights and measures across various sectors. This study examines the historical development of legal metrology in Tanzania and evaluates the performance and sustainability of WMA in terms of operational efficiency, institutional capacity, financial viability, and responsiveness to emerging technological and regulatory demands. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including questionnaires, interviews, and review of relevant legislations, documents and performance reports. Data analysis highlights WMA’s key achievements and challenges. While the MWA has made progress in service delivery and compliance enforcement in regulating traditional trade measurements, WMA continues to face constraints in resource mobilization, digital transformation, and institutional resilience. The study identifies opportunities for long-term sustainability through digital innovation, public-private partnerships, workforce development, and stronger stakeholder engagement. The study concludes with strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening WMA’s capacity to function as a sustainable and adaptive legal metrology institution in Tanzania’s dynamic business and trading environments.