INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MANAGEMENT PRACTISES (IJEMP)

EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF LAISSEZ-FAIRE LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SECTOR: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

2025-12-21T09:31:53+08:00

This systematic literature review examines the phenomenon of laissez-faire leadership (LFL) in public sector organisations. Given rising demands for innovation, accountability, and reform, the study addresses the critical question of how LFL affects organizational performance and when its use is appropriate. Using the PRISMA 2020 framework, searches were conducted across Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, yielding 40 primary studies that met predefined inclusion criteria. The authors outlined their screening, inclusion, and exclusion criteria in detail to ensure the selection of high-quality empirical studies. The results were classified into three main themes: 1) Laissez-faire leadership and Employee Engagement, 2) Laissez-faire leadership and Employee Performance, and 3) Laissez-faire leadership and Context in Public Sector. Analysis identified substantial variation: in contexts lacking institutional structure, clear governance or active leadership, LFL tends to correlate with poor performance, role ambiguity, and lowered commitment; conversely, within supportive environments featuring stable institutions, participatory frameworks and capable staff, LFL may foster autonomy, creativity, and job satisfaction. These findings suggest that LFL should not be dismissed outright, but rather applied selectively, depending on the organizational culture, stability, and context. Consequently, recommendations urge public sector leaders and policymakers to consider the organizational environment and employee readiness before adopting hands-off leadership approaches.

EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH WAQF: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2025-12-01T15:36:49+08:00

Waqf, a foundational element of Islamic social finance, has increasingly attracted scholarly interest for its potential role in supporting entrepreneurship. Traditionally focused on sectors such as education and healthcare, waqf is now being reimagined as a productive instrument to empower micro and small entrepreneurs, particularly those excluded from conventional financing. However, the implementation of waqf-based entrepreneurial initiatives remains limited. This study aims to systematically examine previous scholarly research to consolidate existing knowledge and highlight emerging areas for future study. Guided by the PRISMA framework, this study conducted a systematic review of journal articles published between 2021 and 2025. Articles were sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, resulting in 31 studies deemed relevant. The analysis reveals three overarching themes: (1) Integrating waqf and Islamic social finance for entrepreneurial support, (2) Governance and institutional support for waqf-based entrepreneurial empowerment, and (3) Harnessing waqf for entrepreneurial empowerment and socioeconomic sustainability. The findings indicate a growing number of innovative models, including hybrid financing structures that integrate waqf with instruments such as zakat and crowdfunding, and embed them with Shariah-compliant contracts. However, challenges persist in areas such as public awareness, governance frameworks, and regulatory coordination. Overall, this study highlight the transformative capacity of waqf to advance financial inclusion and foster entrepreneurial development through its strategic integration within the broader Islamic social finance system. It also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder collaboration and further empirical research to institutionalise waqf as a sustainable support mechanism for entrepreneurs. This study enriches the discourse on Islamic social finance by providing valuable insights to inform policy formulation, practical applications, and future scholarly research.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING ADOPTION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS REVIEW

2025-12-09T16:22:06+08:00

This review paper analyses the knowledge composition of building information modelling (BIM) adoption and its application to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs play an essential role in a country’s economy, as they contribute to employment, innovation, and economic growth. On the other hand, BIM is considered an advanced technology that improves the accuracy and efficiency of construction projects. BIM enables better project planning, execution, and management, minimising the impact on the environment and the waste of resources. This aligns with the sustainability goal of reducing energy consumption and maximising material utilisation. Through a bibliometric review, 239 articles were gathered from the Web of Science (WoS) repository. These publications were examined, and VOSviewer was used for visual mapping to identify themes and trends in the literature. The first analysis, bibliographic coupling, identified five clusters representing different themes within the research area. However, only 4 clusters were discussed, focusing on the most impactful themes. The second analysis, co-occurrence, consists of three main clusters that reveal the primary research areas. The integration of both analyses offers a profound understanding of BIM and SMEs. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of awareness and education programs, technical support, and technological advancements to enhance BIM adoption. These findings can offer advantageous perspectives for practitioners and academics.

THE IMPACT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT ON FIRM PERFORMANCE: A PILOT STUDY ON MEDIATING EFFECTS USING SPSS ANALYSIS

2025-12-01T15:24:58+08:00

The research investigates the interplay between entrepreneurial spirit, dynamic marketing capabilities, and firm performance. Prior to initiating large-scale data collection, a pilot study was carried out to assess the questionnaire's reliability and validity. Online questionnaires were disseminated to the owners and managers of small and medium - sized manufacturing enterprises, and ultimately, 64 valid samples were obtained. The collected data was analyzed by means of descriptive, correlation, regression, and mediation effect analyses using SPSS20.0 software. The main discovery indicates that dynamic marketing capabilities act as a mediator in the relationship between entrepreneurial spirit and firm performance. This research offers a preliminary foundation for comprehending these relationships, serves as groundwork for large-scale studies, and enriches relevant theories to offer guidance for corporate decision-making and operations.

GLOBAL TRENDS IN WORKPLACE DEVIANCE RESEARCH: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS (2015 – 2025)

2025-12-22T16:07:51+08:00

This bibliometric analysis examines global trends in workplace deviance research, a domain tied to organizational effectiveness through links to misconduct, incivility, and withdrawal behaviors. Despite rapid growth, the literature remains diffuse, which constrains cumulative theory development and application. The study maps key trends, influential contributors, themes, and collaboration structures. A Scopus advanced search using the terms workplace deviance and Counterproductive Work Behavior (CWB) identified 1,624 peer-reviewed records from 2015 to 2025. Descriptive statistics and graphs were produced with Scopus Analyzer, records were cleaned and harmonized in OpenRefine, and VOSviewer was used to model keyword co-occurrence and co-authorship by country networks. Output rose steadily from 2015 and accelerated after 2020, peaking in 2024, with 2025 showing strong partial-year activity. The United States and China lead by volume, followed by Pakistan, India, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. Themes centre on CWB, organizational justice, leadership styles, abusive supervision, knowledge hiding, cyberloafing, psychological contract breach, and crisis-related contexts. Collaboration networks show dense hubs in North America and Asia with growing ties across South and Southeast Asia. Implications point to strengthening ethical climate, fair procedures, leadership capability, and norms for digital conduct, with attention to knowledge hiding and related knowledge management behaviors associated with retaliation and withdrawal. Overall, the study delivers an integrated and current map of the field, clarifies intellectual anchors, highlights connectors across individual, relational, and organizational mechanisms, and outlines fronts for replication and intervention. It offers a robust reference point for future empirical and conceptual work and supports evidence-informed strategy in organizational settings.

THE MEDIATING ROLE OF BUSINESS PERFORMANCE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCY, BUSINESS STABILITY AND BUSINESS FINANCING

2025-12-09T15:30:14+08:00

Previous research has shown inconsistent results regarding the direct influence of entrepreneurial competency and business stability on SME performance. This study offers new insights by identifying business financing as a mediating variable that strengthens the impact of both factors on business performance. The results indicate that entrepreneurial competency and business stability may have limited direct effects, but their influence becomes significant when SMEs have adequate access to and control over financial resources. Financial capacity thus serves as a strategic enabler, allowing internal strengths to generate improved business outcomes. The study involved 93 SME entrepreneurs, with data collected using a structured questionnaire that measured entrepreneurial competency, business stability, business financing, and business performance. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling with the Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) approach. Findings confirm the mediating role of business financing and highlight its importance in supporting SME growth and sustainability.

A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: EXPORT BARRIER IN INTERNATIONALIZATION OF AGRO-FOOD SMES

2025-11-17T09:05:51+08:00

The internationalisation of agro-food small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is increasingly constrained by multifaceted export barriers that limit their competitiveness in emerging markets. Despite their vital role in sustaining economic growth and food security, agro-food SMEs often encounter institutional, managerial, and technological challenges that hinder their ability to expand abroad. This study systematically reviews the existing literature to identify and synthesise the key barriers shaping the export performance of agro-food SMEs. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, a rigorous search was conducted across two major databases, Scopus and EconBiz. The identification and screening process yielded 28 primary studies that met the inclusion criteria. Through thematic analysis of these studies, three overarching themes emerged: (1) institutional and environmental contexts shaping SME exporting, encompassing regulatory constraints, trade policies, and market volatility; (2) firm-level capabilities, finance, and managerial cognition, highlighting issues related to resource scarcity, limited managerial expertise, and financial barriers; and (3) networks, linkages, and digital/supply-chain technologies as enablers, emphasising the role of collaborative partnerships, innovation, and digitalisation in overcoming structural barriers. The findings underscore that export barriers are not isolated but interdependent, with institutional weaknesses amplifying firm-level limitations, while network and technological advancements serve as critical mitigating mechanisms. This review contributes to the understanding of export dynamics in agro-food SMEs by integrating insights across contexts and offering a framework that informs policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to enhance SME internationalisation strategies.

TAX LITERACY AMONG NON-ACCOUNTING MARA TVET STUDENTS: A MODERATION MODEL BASED ON THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR

2025-12-22T15:44:10+08:00

Tax literacy is increasingly recognized as a critical component of financial capability for young adults, especially those entering self-employment or gig-based income structures. Despite the Malaysian Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector’s success in producing skilled graduates, tax education remains absent in most non-accounting programmes, including MARA TVET institutions. This gap poses significant compliance risks as graduates transition into income-generating activities requiring personal tax responsibility. Anchored in the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), this conceptual paper examines the relationship between a multidimensional Tax Literacy construct and Tax Compliance Readiness among non-accounting MARA TVET students. The study proposes that this relationship is directly moderated by the Perception of Tax Education, which assesses if the perceived value of training amplifies the impact of actual literacy on compliance intent. A quantitative survey of 300 students across MARA TVET institutions in Klang Valley is recommended to test two core key hypotheses. The study contributes theoretically by refining tax literacy measurement and empirically by offering a framework for developing a tax education module tailored to TVET learners. Findings are anticipated to support curriculum integration efforts and inform policymakers on strengthening tax readiness among Bumiputera youth.

HUBUNGAN SOKONGAN SOSIAL DAN PENGALAMAN AKTIVITI KEUSAHAWANAN TERHADAP KECENDERUNGAN MENJADI USAHAWAN PELAJAR INSTITUSI TVET

2025-12-01T16:38:34+08:00

Kadar pengangguran yang meningkat dalam kalangan graduan institusi pengajian tinggi telah menimbulkan keperluan mendesak untuk meneroka laluan kerjaya alternatif yang lebih lestari, seperti bidang keusahawanan. Kajian ini dijalankan bagi mengenal pasti hubungan empirikal antara sokongan keluarga, peranan idola, dan penglibatan dalam aktiviti keusahawanan terhadap kecenderungan pelajar untuk menceburi bidang keusahawanan. Fokus kajian ini adalah kepada pelajar Diploma Kejuruteraan Mekanikal di Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah (PSAS), Perak, melibatkan 155 orang responden yang dipilih melalui persampelan rawak berstrata. Pendekatan kuantitatif digunakan menerusi pengedaran soal selidik dalam talian, dan analisis data dijalankan menggunakan statistik deskriptif serta korelasi Pearson melalui perisian IBM SPSS versi 25. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara sokongan keluarga dan peranan idola dengan kecenderungan menjadi usahawan. Namun, penglibatan pelajar dalam aktiviti keusahawanan tidak memperlihatkan hubungan yang bermakna secara statistik. Implikasi kajian ini menekankan peranan penting sokongan sosial dalam membentuk niat keusahawanan pelajar, serta mencadangkan agar institusi pendidikan teknikal dan vokasional (TVET) memperkukuh pelaksanaan program keusahawanan yang berorientasikan nilai, pengalaman dan bimbingan yang autentik. Hasil kajian ini juga menawarkan input awal dalam perumusan dasar dan pelaksanaan strategi pendidikan yang lebih berkesan dalam memupuk generasi usahawan muda di peringkat politeknik.

The increasing unemployment rate among graduates of higher education institutions has intensified the need to explore more sustainable alternative career pathways such as entrepreneurship. This study examines the empirical relationships between family support, the influence of role models, and students’ involvement in entrepreneurial activities, and how these factors shape their inclination towards entrepreneurship. The research focuses on Diploma in Mechanical Engineering students at Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah (PSAS), Perak, involving 155 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. A quantitative research design was implemented using an online questionnaire, and the data were analysed with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation via IBM SPSS Version 25. The results reveal significant relationships between family support and role models with students’ entrepreneurial inclination. However, participation in entrepreneurial activities does not demonstrate a statistically significant association. These findings underscore the importance of social support in fostering entrepreneurial intentions among students and recommend that TVET institutions enhance entrepreneurship programmes by emphasising values-based learning, authentic experiences, and structured mentoring. The study also provides foundational insights to guide policy formulation and the development of more effective educational strategies aimed at cultivating young entrepreneurs within polytechnic institutions.

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE RURAL ELDERLY CARE: AN OVERVIEW OF PENSION MODELS IN HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE, CHINA

2025-12-22T15:21:31+08:00

China’s rapidly aging population presents a major social and economic challenge, particularly in rural provinces such as Heilongjiang, where demographic decline and urban migration have weakened traditional family-based elderly care systems. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the rural pension models available to elderly people in Heilongjiang namely, family-based care, institutional care, and community-based services and analyzes their structural characteristics, limitations, and interrelationships. Drawing on recent policy reports, national surveys, and academic literature, the study highlights that while family care remains culturally dominant, it is increasingly unsustainable due to the rise of “empty nest” households and declining rural incomes. Institutional care, though expanding, faces barriers of affordability, stigma, and uneven quality across rural areas. Meanwhile, community-based services are emerging as a promising yet underdeveloped model, constrained by weak infrastructure and limited government support. The paper proposes a diversified, complementary framework integrating all three models, emphasizing the role of policy coordination, fiscal support, and social innovation. It also identifies research gaps related to financing mechanisms, integration of health and long-term care, and digital inclusion for the elderly. The analysis is conceptually guided by the welfare pluralism perspective, which recognizes the interdependence of state, family, market, and community actors in elderly support. The study reveals that while family-based care remains culturally rooted, demographic and economic pressures require stronger institutional and community-based interventions. The paper concludes by proposing a complementary, integrated care framework to support policy development in rural aging management.

MEMAHAMI KEDUDUKAN SUNNAH MELALUI PERSPEKTIF AL-QURAN DALAM KONTEKS KONTEMPORARI MALAYSIA

2025-12-01T15:44:19+08:00

Al-Quran dan Sunnah merupakan dua sumber utama syariat Islam yang saling melengkapi dengan al-Quran memberikan prinsip umum manakala Sunnah berfungsi sebagai penjelasan praktikal. Walau bagaimanapun, dalam konteks kontemporari Malaysia, timbul permasalahan seperti penolakan autoriti Sunnah oleh gerakan Quraniyyun serta penyebaran hadis palsu melalui media sosial yang menimbulkan kekeliruan dalam kalangan masyarakat. Kajian ini meneliti kedudukan Sunnah sebagai sumber hukum Islam kedua selepas al-Quran dengan merujuk ayat-ayat yang menegaskan ketaatan kepada Rasulullah SAW sebagai pelengkap wahyu. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis tematik terhadap teks al-Quran dan literatur sarjana Malaysia seperti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (2016) serta Zulkiple Abd Ghani (2021). Objektif utama adalah menjelaskan konsep Sunnah, menilai fungsinya dalam menjelaskan al-Quran serta menangani cabaran kontemporari seperti penolakan gerakan Quraniyyun dan penularan hadis palsu. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa al-Quran secara jelas mengiktiraf autoriti Sunnah melalui ayat seperti Surah al-Hashr (59:7) dan al-Nisa’ (4:59), sekali gus menolak pandangan yang menafikan kedudukannya. Cabaran semasa seperti penolakan Sunnah dan penggunaan hadis daif menuntut pendekatan ilmiah serta pendidikan hadis yang lebih sistematik. Kajian ini mencadangkan strategi praktikal antaranya pengukuhan kurikulum pendidikan hadis di universiti, penganjuran platform dialog oleh ulama serta kempen kesedaran digital untuk meningkatkan literasi Sunnah dalam kalangan masyarakat Malaysia. Secara keseluruhan, kajian ini menyumbang kepada wacana tafsir dan hadis di Malaysia dengan menegaskan hubungan erat antara al-Quran dan Sunnah dalam menghadapi cabaran semasa.

The Qur’an and Sunnah are the two primary sources of Islamic law that complement each other with the Qur’an providing general principles and the Sunnah serving as practical elaboration. However, in contemporary Malaysia, challenges such as the rejection of the Sunnah’s authority by the Quraniyyun movement and the spread of fabricated hadiths via social media have caused confusion among the community. This study examines the Sunnah’s position as the second source of Islamic law after the Qur’an by analysing verses that affirm obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a complement to revelation. A qualitative approach is employed through thematic analysis of Qur’anic texts and Malaysian scholarly works, including Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (2016) and Zulkiple Abd Ghani (2021). The main objectives are to clarify the concept of the Sunnah, evaluate its role in interpreting the Qur’an, and address contemporary issues such as the Quraniyyun movement and fabricated hadiths. Findings reveal that the Qur’an explicitly recognises the Sunnah’s authority through verses such as Surah al-Hashr (59:7) and al-Nisa’ (4:59), refuting denialist views. Current challenges, including Sunnah rejection and misuse of weak hadiths, necessitate scholarly and systematic hadith education. The study proposes practical strategies: strengthening university hadith curricula, organising ulama-led dialogue platforms and launching digital awareness campaigns to enhance Sunnah literacy in Malaysian society. Overall, this research contributes to Qur’anic and Hadith discourse in Malaysia by reaffirming the inseparable link between the Qur’an and Sunnah amid modern challenges.

EXPLORING ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION THROUGH INTEREST, SKILLS, AND STARTER KIT ASSISTANCE AMONG EMPOWERNCER PARTICIPANTS

2025-12-12T16:14:43+08:00

This study investigates the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions among participants of the empowerNCER programme in Batang Padang, Malaysia. The research focuses on three critical factors which are entrepreneurial interest, skills, and starter kit assistance, which are considered essential for fostering entrepreneurship in socio-economic empowerment initiatives. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to 438 respondents enrolled in the empowerNCER programme. Data were analysed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to assess the predictive strength of the selected variables. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial skills emerge as the most dominant factor influencing entrepreneurial intentions, followed by starter kit assistance and interest. Regression analysis confirms that skills have the strongest predictive effect, indicating that capability development plays a more significant role than material support or motivational aspects. These results suggest that while providing starter kits and stimulating interest are beneficial, skill enhancement remains the cornerstone for entrepreneurial success. The study underscores the importance of integrating skill development programmes with material assistance and motivational strategies to strengthen entrepreneurship initiatives. Policymakers and programme designers should prioritize comprehensive training modules alongside resource provision to ensure sustainable entrepreneurial growth. This research contributes to the understanding of entrepreneurship development within empowerment programmes and offers actionable insights for improving policy frameworks and implementation strategies.

THE ROLE OF EXECUTIVE COMMUNIST PARTY MEMBERSHIP IN EQUITY INCENTIVES AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA

2025-12-01T15:30:56+08:00

The equity incentive system is widely recognized as an effective mechanism to mitigate the principal-agent problem in modern corporations. Nevertheless, its implementation may encourage executives to prioritize short-term personal gains over long-term firm interests. This study examines whether equity incentives enhance firm performance, whether executives' Chinese Communist Party (CPC) membership independently contributes to firm performance, and whether CPC membership amplifies the effectiveness of equity incentives. Based on agency theory, using fixed-effects regression on Chinese listed companies that adopted equity incentive plans during 2017-2022, the results show that equity incentives are positively associated with firm performance, CPC membership is linked to favourable firm performance, and CPC executives significantly strengthen the positive relationship between equity incentives and performance. Overall, these findings highlight the dual role of political affiliation, both as an independent driver of firm performance and as a factor that reinforces the effectiveness of incentive mechanisms, offering theoretical insights and practical implications for corporate governance in emerging markets.

KESAN LITERASI KEWANGAN TERHADAP KECEKAPAN PENGURUSAN KEWANGAN DALAM KALANGAN PEKERJA DI UNIVERSITI AWAM

2025-12-09T15:55:48+08:00

Pengurusan kewangan yang cekap amat penting bagi menjamin kestabilan dan perancangan masa depan pekerja. Amalan berbelanja dengan boros tanpa mengambil kira keperluan atau kehendak akan mengakibatkan kegagalan dalam menguruskan kewangan. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan untuk menguji kesan literasi kewangan berkaitan pengetahuan, tingkah laku, dan pengalaman kewangan, terhadap kecekapan pengurusan kewangan dalam kalangan pekerja universiti awam di Malaysia. Seramai 148 orang staf akademik dan bukan akademik di salah sebuah universiti awam telah terlibat dalam kajian ini. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif di mana data dikumpulkan melalui borang soal selidik dalam talian menggunakan platform Google Form. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan aplikasi Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Hasil analisis regresi berganda menunjukkan bahawa ketiga-tiga pemboleh ubah bebas menyumbang sebanyak 63.0% terhadap varians kecekapan pengurusan kewangan. Kajian mendapati Tingkah Laku Kewangan (Beta=0.375) dan Pengalaman Kewangan (Beta=0.335) mempunyai pengaruh yang paling kuat dan signifikan. Pengetahuan Kewangan juga didapati mempunyai hubungan positif yang signifikan (p<0.05). Ini menunjukkan bahawa pekerja yang mempraktikkan tingkah laku kewangan yang baik serta belajar daripada pengalaman lebih berkemampuan dalam menguruskan perbelanjaan. Sehubungan itu, majikan perlu memainkan peranan penting dalam meningkatkan kesedaran dan pengetahuan pekerja terhadap pengurusan kewangan peribadi. Langkah ini bertujuan untuk memastikan pekerja mempunyai kompetensi pengurusan kewangan yang baik dan terkawal, seterusnya dapat mengatasi masalah kewangan yang sering menjejaskan prestasi pekerja dan operasi organisasi. Lazimnya, pekerja yang mempunyai kemahiran dan keupayaan mengurus kewangan diri dengan baik akan turut memaparkan prestasi kerja yang cemerlang.

Efficient financial management is crucial for ensuring the stability and future planning of employees. Wasteful spending habits that disregard the distinction between needs and wants often lead to financial management failure. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the impact of financial literacy specifically financial knowledge, behavior, and experience on financial management competency among public university employees in Malaysia. A total of 148 academic and non-academic staff from a public university participated in this study. This study utilized a quantitative approach, with data collected via an online questionnaire using the Google Forms platform. The obtained data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that the three independent variables collectively contributed 63.0% to the variance in financial management competency. The study found that Financial Behavior (Beta=0.375) and Financial Experience (Beta=0.335) had the strongest and most significant influence. Financial Knowledge was also found to have a significant positive relationship (p<0.05). This indicates that employees who practice good financial behavior and learn from past experiences are more capable of managing their expenses. Consequently, employers need to play a vital role in enhancing employee awareness and knowledge regarding personal financial management. This initiative aims to ensure that employees possess competent and controlled financial management skills, thereby overcoming financial issues that often affect employee performance and organizational operations. Typically, employees who possess good personal financial management skills and capabilities will also demonstrate excellent work performance.

CORPORATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM SELECTED SMES IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA

2025-12-01T15:17:34+08:00

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are globally recognised as key drivers of economic development. Considering their significant contribution to nation building, researchers have considered corporate entrepreneurship as a strategy that facilitates their effort in exploiting their present competitive advantages and exploring new business opportunities for performance improvement. Nevertheless, research on corporate entrepreneurship and SMEs has mainly focused on large firms or multinational enterprises in the context of developed countries, with sparse studies in developing countries. Thus, this study aims at filling this gap and draws on dynamic capabilities theory to investigate the effect of corporate entrepreneurship on firm performance of SMEs in Nigeria, being one of the developing countries of the world. To achieve this aim, probability sampling of stratified, proportionate, and simple random technique was employed to collect data from 445 owner managers/CEOs via a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The selected SMEs include; manufacturing, wholesale/retail trade, and education sectors operating in Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun states in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) software Version 30 was used for the analysis of demographic characteristics of the respondents and firms and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) SmartPLS 4 software was utilized for the analysis of inner model and outer model. The results show that all the hypothesised relationship are supported. Innovation has the highest effect on the performance of the studied SMEs, followed by strategic renewal and corporate venturing. The present study contributes to the existing literature on corporate entrepreneurship and performance of SMEs through empirical evidence.

THE EMERGING TRENDS OF SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH

2025-12-22T15:55:57+08:00

Sustainable leadership in higher education has become a critical area of inquiry as universities worldwide face the dual challenge of ensuring institutional excellence while addressing long-term social and environmental responsibilities. Yet, the research landscape remains scattered, requiring systematic synthesis. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 1,100 publications indexed in Scopus between 2015 and 2025, retrieved using the keywords “leadership,” “sustainable,” “higher,” and “education.” Data were refined using OpenRefine to ensure consistency, statistical trends were analyzed through the Scopus Analyzer, and VOSviewer software was applied to visualize citation patterns, keyword networks, and co-authorship collaborations. The results indicate a steady growth in publications from 2015, with a marked acceleration from 2019 onwards, peaking between 2023 and 2025. The United States, China, and Malaysia emerged as the most productive contributors, while the most-cited works highlighted themes linking leadership practices with sustainability performance, innovation, and organizational resilience. Co-authorship analysis revealed dense collaborative clusters across Asia, Europe, and North America, underscoring the global nature of the discourse. Overall, the findings demonstrate that sustainable leadership in higher education is an expanding, interdisciplinary field characterized by growing international collaboration and thematic convergence. This study contributes to the literature by consolidating fragmented evidence and providing a comprehensive overview that can inform future research agendas and policymaking in higher education leadership.

ASSESING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES AND SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE FOR BUMIPUTERA SME CONTRACTORS: KEY CONTRIBUTORS, RESEARCH HOTSPOTS

2025-12-01T17:00:39+08:00

The occurrence of supply chain disruptions, intensified by the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) in modern business scenarios, highlights the urgent need for robust strategies to mitigate their influence on business performance. Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) contractors face numerous challenges and vulnerabilities in supply chain management SCM activities, necessitating the establishment of a Supply Chain Resilience (SCRE) framework, primarily aimed at enhancing business continuity. Unlike larger firms, Bumiputera SMEs often lack essential resources and capabilities to manage these disruptions, rendering them particularly vulnerable. Therefore, this study identifies the key themes that integrate SCRE, considering its associations with Dynamic Capabilities (DC). A bibliometric analysis was performed employing performance assessment and scientific visualisation techniques. Data were extracted from the Scopus database and analysed by VOSviewer. The methodology encompasses a systematic framework, including defining search criteria, data analysis, network visualisation, and thematic clustering to identify structural and evolutionary patterns in SCRE. The findings emphasised that ‘supply chain resilience’ is a central theme, strongly linked to DCs, supply chain management, and organisational resilience. Furthermore, deficiencies in this study have been identified, especially in emerging markets and the role of DCs in SCRE. The results of this investigation will provide a comprehensive overview of the DCs and SCRE, thereby providing theoretical and practical implications for academicians, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The study lays the groundwork for future research directions that aim to advance DCs and SCRE in the construction sector.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF SMES ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN TERENGGANU

2025-12-22T15:35:59+08:00

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are widely acknowledged as the backbone of socio-economic development, particularly in emerging regions where they play a vital role in employment generation, poverty alleviation, and cultural preservation. This article explores the contribution of SMEs entrepreneurship to socio-economic development in Terengganu, Malaysia, and critically examines the constraints that limit their growth. By synthesizing recent scholarship, the study situates SME development within five central dimensions: financial accessibility, digital transformation, entrepreneurial capacity, global competitiveness, and inclusivity for women and youth. The analysis demonstrates that SMEs in Terengganu contribute to economic diversification through tourism, fisheries, handicrafts, and cultural industries while reinforcing community resilience and sustaining local identity. Yet persistent barriers such as restricted capital access, uneven digital adoption, skills deficiencies, exposure to global market pressures, and limited inclusivity undermine their potential impact. These challenges are interconnected and require integrated approaches that align institutional reforms with ecosystem-based strategies. Building on this foundation, the article proposes practical suggestions including hybrid financing models, targeted digitalization programs, localized training and mentorship, differentiation strategies rooted in cultural heritage, and inclusive entrepreneurship policies. These strategies reflect both global best practices and local realities, positioning SMEs as catalysts for sustainable development in Terengganu. The conclusion affirms that strengthening SMEs is not solely an economic agenda but a holistic pathway toward inclusive, competitive, and resilient regional growth, offering insights relevant for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners.

CAREER ASPIRATIONS AMONG MALAYSIAN YOUTH: A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF TIKTOK

2025-12-01T16:27:44+08:00

This study examines how TikTok shapes the career aspirations of Malaysian youth, particularly in the context of emerging digital occupations. Although TikTok began as a platform for short-form entertainment, it has evolved into a space where alternative career pathways especially content creation and online influence are prominently visible and increasingly normalised. This visibility appears to influence how young Malaysians evaluate success, stability and future opportunities. Using a qualitative approach, the study draws on in-depth interviews with ten participants to explore how exposure to TikTok content informs young people’s understanding of work, achievement and self-identity. The analysis focuses on the factors that attract youth to digital content creation, the motivations driving their interest and the extent to which the platform reshapes their long-term goals. Emotional and social considerations like the desire for autonomy, creative expression and public recognition also emerged as influential elements. The findings suggest that TikTok plays a meaningful role in shaping contemporary attitudes toward career and aspiration, revealing a widening disconnect between traditional educational trajectories and the possibilities offered by digital platforms. The study highlights the need for parents, educators and policymakers to better recognise the influence of fast-evolving media environments when supporting young people in making informed and realistic future career decisions.