International Journal on Economics, Finance and Sustainable Development

The Role of International Human Resource Management Practices in Addressing Job Alienation: An Analytical Study of The Opinions of a Sample of Employees At Zain Iraq

Sahar Jabbar Rahman — 2026-07-05

This study seeks to examine the impact of international human resource management strategies on mitigating job alienation among employees in multinational corporations in Iraq. The research used a descriptive-analytical methodology and utilized a questionnaire as the primary instrument for data collection from a sample of 75 employees at Zain Iraq firms. The data were examined using the SPSS V29 software for fundamental statistical tests and the AMOS V29 software for structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Utilization of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to evaluate causal linkages among variables. International human resource management strategies include six primary dimensions: recruiting, training and development, performance assessment, compensation and incentives, leadership, and organizational communication, while job alienation is singular in nature. The findings indicated a substantial link and influence between multinational human resource practices and degrees of work alienation. Enhancing training, communication, and organizational equity mitigates feelings of alienation and fosters belonging and work satisfaction, while insufficient transparency in performance assessments and salary discrimination exacerbates isolation and detachment. The report advocates for the implementation of a national plan for international human resource management in Iraq, based on principles of justice, cultural empowerment, and the advancement of communication and collaborative training methods to foster trust and organizational loyalty.

Macroeconomic Volatility, Security Allocations, and Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: A Vector Error Correction Approach

Sophia Maimuna John — 2026-07-05

The intersection of fiscal reallocations driven by internal security threats and open-economy monetary shocks presents a profound policy challenge for resource-dependent developing nations. While traditional public health literature focuses heavily on clinical or micro-level institutional determinants of maternal death, it frequently overlooks the macro-fiscal and monetary transmission channels that dictate real health-resource efficacy. This study empirically investigates the extent to which exchange rate depreciation mediates or exacerbates the relationship between military expenditure and maternal mortality in Nigeria. Utilizing annual time-series data spanning from 2000 to 2024, the study employs a rigorous Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) under the Johansen cointegration framework to separate long-run structural equilibria from short-run dynamic innovations among uniformly integrated I (1) series. The long-run normalized structural equation reveals a stark dual-threat mechanism affecting maternal health. First, military expenditure exhibits a statistically significant positive elasticity (β= 0.245), validating the Samuelsonian "Guns versus Butter" hypothesis where rising security funding systematically crowds out nominal social budgets. Second, exchange rate depreciation exerts a significant positive effect on the maternal mortality ratio (β= 0.188), confirming an intense import-dependence pass-through mechanism. Because Nigeria relies on imports for over 70% of its medical inputs, currency devaluation functions as a severe cost-push supply shock that prices vulnerable demographics out of obstetric care. The Error Correction Term (ECT_t-1= -0.385) indicates that while the system maintains long-run stability, short-run shocks to defense and currency values take approximately 2.6 years to resolve, leaving pregnant populations highly exposed in the interim. To mitigate these macro-structural hazards, Nigeria must establish ring-fenced fiscal buffers for maternal healthcare that are legally insulated from defense reallocations. Additionally, policymakers should deploy targeted counter-cyclical foreign exchange subsidies for essential medical imports and aggressively incentivize vertically integrated domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing to decouple human capital survival from external monetary volatility.

The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance on Firm Value With Good Corporate Governance as a Moderating Variable

Amanda Ragellia Putri — 2026-07-11

This study aims to analyze the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility and financial performance on firm value, with Good Corporate Governance serving as a moderating variable. The study employs a quantitative method using secondary data from energy sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2021– 2024. The research sample was obtained through purposive sampling, comprising 75 data after outlier removal. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression with SPSS software. The results indicate that CSR does not affect firm value, whereas financial performance has a negative effect on firm value. The Board of Directors moderates the effect of CSR positively and that of financial performance negatively on firm value. The Independent Board of Commissioners moderates the negative influence of CSR and the positive influence of financial performance, while the Audit Committee is unable to moderate the influence of CSR but is able to moderate the influence of financial performance on firm value. This study is expected to serve as a reference for companies and investors in understanding the factors that influence firm value.

The Impact of ESG Disclosure, Competitive Advantage, and Cash Holding on Financial Performance and Firm Valuation

Eny Maryanti — 2026-07-19

This study examines the influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosure, Competitive Advantage, and Cash Holding on Financial Performance and Firm Value. Quantitative methods were used with secondary data from 50 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2020-2024 period. The analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression. The results show that Cash Holding have a significant positive effect on Financial Performance and Firm Value. ESG Disclosure has no significant effect on Financial Performance or Firm Value, indicating that ESG practices are not yet a primary consideration for investors. Competitive advantage has a significant positive effect on financial performance, but not on firm value, indicating that competitive advantage has a greater impact on a company's internal operational efficiency than on market perceptions of firm value. This finding confirms that sustainability initiatives have not yet had a direct financial impact, while a strong competitive position has a significant impact on firm performance. This study provides important insights for managers and investors in decision making.

The Impact of Boundary Spanning on The Stages of Crisis Management: The Mediating Role of Artificial Intelligence – A Field Study at The Diyala Governorate Office

Faeq Khudr Mutab — 2026-07-25

This research aims to demonstrate the impact of Boundary Spanning processes on crisis management phases through the mediating role of artificial intelligence, specifically within the Diyala Governorate Office. The research stems from a central problem: the extent to which Boundary Spanning processes, with their dimensions of surveying, monitoring, prediction, and evaluation, can enhance crisis management phases—namely, early warning and detection, preparedness and prevention, crisis containment, recovery, and organizational learning—when employing artificial intelligence technologies. The research adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, deemed the most suitable for the nature and objectives of the study. It also utilized a quantitative approach through a questionnaire and a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews and analysis of official documents. The research population consisted of 293 employees of the Diyala Governorate Office. A questionnaire, designed based on existing literature and previous studies, was used to measure the research variables and test the hypotheses.

The research reached a number of conclusions, most notably the existence of a statistically significant correlation and influence between Boundary Spanning processes and crisis management phases, as well as a correlation and influence between artificial intelligence and crisis management phases. The results also showed that artificial intelligence plays a significant mediating role in enhancing the impact of Boundary Spanning processes during crisis management phases. The research concluded that the integration of Boundary Spanning processes and artificial intelligence technologies represents a modern strategic approach that can contribute to enhancing the preparedness of the Diyala Governorate Office to face crises and transitioning from reactive to proactive management based on prediction and intelligent data analysis.

Integrated Reporting and Sustainable Development Goal Achievement of Listed Non-Financial Firms in Nigeria

Chigozi Johnson Wikpe — 2026-08-08

This study examined the relationship between integrated reporting and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) achievement among listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. The increasing demand for corporate transparency and accountability has heightened the importance of integrated reporting as a strategic framework for communicating how organizations create value through financial and non-financial capital while contributing to sustainable development. Despite growing global adoption of integrated reporting, empirical evidence on its influence on corporate contributions to the SDGs in developing economies remains limited. To demonstrate an appropriate empirical approach, this study employed a quantitative ex post facto research design using a simulated balanced panel dataset comprising 40 listed non-financial firms observed over the period 2019–2025, resulting in 280 firm-year observations. Integrated reporting was measured using an Integrated Reporting Disclosure Index, while Sustainable Development Goal achievement was proxied by an SDG Disclosure Index derived through content analysis. The simulated data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, panel regression techniques (Pooled Ordinary Least Squares, Fixed Effects, and Random Effects), the Hausman specification test, and diagnostic tests, including Variance Inflation Factor, Modified Wald, Wooldridge, and Pesaran Cross-sectional Dependence tests. The illustrative results indicated that integrated reporting had a positive and statistically significant effect on Sustainable Development Goal achievement. The findings further suggested that firm size, profitability, and firm age positively influenced SDG achievement, whereas financial leverage exhibited a negative relationship. The study concludes that integrated reporting has the potential to strengthen corporate transparency, improve sustainability disclosure, and enhance organizational contributions toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, because the analysis was conducted using a simulated dataset for methodological illustration, future studies should validate these relationships using actual firm-level data from listed companies in Nigeria and other emerging economies.

Segmentation of Local Skincare Consumers Based on Electronic Word of Mouth (e-WOM) Characteristics: A Hierarchical Cluster Analysis Approach

Rafaillah Neysa Rachman — 2026-08-10

The rapid development of the local skincare industry in Indonesia has encouraged changes in consumer behavior in accessing and responding to digital information, particularly through electronic word of mouth (e-WOM). This study aims to map the e-WOM characteristics of local skincare consumers based on similarities in response patterns using cluster analysis. e-WOM was measured through three dimensions—intensity, valence of opinion, and content—adapted from Goyette et al. (2010), using six statements rated on a five-point Likert scale. A descriptive quantitative survey was conducted with 73 female students at Universitas Negeri Surabaya who actively used local skincare products and had been exposed to online reviews. The instrument was valid (item-total correlations ranging from 0.610 to 0.824, exceeding the critical value of 0.229) and reliable (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.843). Data were analyzed using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis with Ward's Method and Squared Euclidean Distance. The analysis identified three e-WOM clusters: Cluster 1 (High/Active e-WOM, 49.3%), Cluster 2 (Moderate e-WOM, 46.6%), and Cluster 3 (Low/Passive e-WOM, 4.1%). These findings indicate that consumers' responses to e-WOM are heterogeneous and form distinct behavioral patterns, providing a basis for consumer segmentation and more targeted digital marketing strategies.

Digital Knowledge and Organizational Performance in Emerging Economies: Evidence from Uzbekistan

Kamola Toshtemirova — 2026-08-17

This paper examines the relationship between employee-level digital knowledge and perceived organisational performance in Uzbek enterprises. The theoretical framing draws on the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities, which treat digital knowledge as a strategic resource complementary to technology investment. Empirical analysis is conducted on a cross-sectional online survey of 288 respondents from five industry sectors. Digital knowledge is operationalised through the Composite Digital Knowledge Index (CDKI; Cronbach's α = 0.797), and organisational performance is captured through a global self-report item. Spearman's rank correlation between the two variables is ρ = 0.51 (p < 0.001), a moderate-to-strong positive association. Group comparisons show a clear gradient across knowledge tiers: among respondents in the low-knowledge tier, 57% disagree or strongly disagree that digitalisation benefits their organisation, whereas in the high-knowledge tier, 68% agree or strongly agree. Multivariate sensitivity analysis with position, age and industry controls confirms the primary association. The findings support the interpretation that digital investment produces performance returns only in the presence of adequate human-capital complementarity, and they argue for the integration of digital-literacy programmes into national digital transformation strategies.

An Analysis of the Current State of Fiscal Policy and Its Role in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Amna Shehab Ahmed Al-Hassan — 2026-08-20

Background: Fiscal policy directly affects the integrated economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development and is a central instrument for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytical approach using secondary fiscal, macroeconomic, and sustainable-development data for Iraq, with emphasis on public expenditures, public revenues, public debt, GDP structure, and SDG performance over the available period from 2003/2004 to 2021. Results: The analysis identifies persistent structural challenges, including the rentier nature of the Iraqi economy, dependence on oil revenues, weak non-oil revenue mobilization, dominance of current over investment spending, political and security pressures, administrative and financial corruption, and environmental constraints. Conclusion: Strengthening the contribution of fiscal policy to sustainable development requires economic diversification, a more dynamic private sector, stronger small and medium-sized enterprises, better public-private partnerships, and an institutional mechanism for managing oil revenues across generations.

Public Healthcare Expenditure and Labour Productivity Dynamics in Nigeria: Evidence from the ECM–ARDL Model (1986–2025)

Glory Chibuzo Agu — 2026-09-12

This study investigates the impact of public healthcare spending, life expectancy, labour force participation rate, and real gross domestic product on labour productivity in Nigeria between 1986 and 2025. Based on Wagner's law of growing state activity, the study uses an Error Correction Model (ECM) and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to analyze annual data from the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. While the limits test verifies a long-term cointegrating relationship between the variables (F-statistic = 72.31), unit root tests show a mixed order of integration, I(0) and I(1), supporting the ARDL technique. The findings demonstrate that labour productivity is negatively and statistically insignificantly impacted by public healthcare spending over both the short and long terms. Real gross domestic product has a substantial, positive, and considerable impact on labour productivity, whereas life expectancy and the labour force participation rate have large negative long-term effects. Every year, about 6.8% of short-run disequilibrium is rectified, according to the error correction term (−0.068). The study comes to the conclusion that increasing labour productivity in Nigeria is more dependent on fundamental labour-market reform and steady economic growth than on the amount of money spent on healthcare. It suggests shifting health spending to infrastructure and preventative care, coordinating labour force growth with job creation, and pursuing steady, growth-oriented macroeconomic policy.

Leadership as a Capability Builder: The Mediating Role of Organizational Digital Readiness in Digital Strategy Adoption

Firas Ali Abdullah — 2026-09-20

Public organizations increasingly commit to digital agendas yet routinely fall short of turning that commitment into adopted strategy. This paper asks why—and points specifically to what happens between leadership intent and strategic digital action. Using dynamic capabilities theory as the theoretical lens, we argue that transformational leadership works not by directly producing digital strategy adoption but by first cultivating organizational digital readiness, which in turn enables adoption. Survey responses from 164 managers and employees across Iraqi public institutions were analysed through regression-based path analysis with bias-corrected bootstrapping (5,000 resamples). The results support this view clearly: leadership predicts readiness (a = 0.42, p < .001), readiness predicts adoption controlling for leadership (b = 0.60, p < .001), and the indirect effect through readiness (0.25; 95% CI [0.147, 0.373]) accounts for roughly 40% of the total leadership-to-adoption effect. Critically, a competing test of moderation—in which readiness was specified as a boundary condition rather than a channel—yielded a non-significant interaction term (p = .89), providing no empirical support for the moderating specification in the present sample. These findings provide evidence that, in the present sample, readiness functions primarily as a mediator rather than a moderator of the leadership–adoption relationship. Practically, they suggest that investment in infrastructure, digital skills, and change-accepting culture is not a precondition for leadership to matter; it is, rather, the very mechanism through which leadership produces results.

The Interrelationship between Societal and Organizational Factors and Women’s Career Progression in the Nigerian Banking Industry

Ebiwari Otutu — 2026-09-24

This study examines the interrelationship between societal and organizational factors and women’s career progression in the Nigerian banking industry. The study adopted a qualitative research approach based on a narrative literature review and relied exclusively on secondary sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reports, conference papers and other credible scholarly materials. The literature was analyzed thematically and guided by Social Closure Theory. The findings indicate that societal factors such as cultural expectations, gender stereotypes, family responsibilities, religious beliefs and traditional gender roles are closely connected with organizational factors such as recruitment practices, promotion opportunities, mentoring, organizational culture and leadership. The study further found that societal expectations can enter the workplace through managerial attitudes and organizational practices, while organizational practices can either reinforce or reduce existing societal inequalities. Transparent recruitment and promotion systems, effective mentoring and supportive workplace policies can therefore improve women’s opportunities for career advancement. The study concludes that women’s career progression in the Nigerian banking industry is influenced not only by individual qualifications and performance but also by the interaction between societal and organizational structures. The study recommends greater attention to equitable organizational practices and supportive policies to create more opportunities for women to advance into senior management, executive and leadership positions.

Integration of E-Monev and SIPD Data: Key to Improving Regional Performance Accountability

Jhoni Arwan Sulaksono — 2026-09-30

The Sidoarjo Regency Government has developed an electronic monitoring and evaluation (e-Monev) system to track the performance of regional development programs, in line with Presidential Regulation Number 95 of 2018 on the Electronic-Based Government System and Ministry of Home Affairs Regulation Number 70 of 2019 on the Regional Government Information System (SIPD). However, Sidoarjo's Government Agency Performance Accountability System (SAKIP) score declined from 77.50 in 2023 to 75.65 in 2024 and 72.62 in 2025, while the Second Quarter 2026 evaluation of the Regional Government Work Plan (RKPD) revealed wide performance gaps among regional apparatus units and indications of poor data integration between the internal e-Monev system and the Ministry of Home Affairs' SIPD Dalev. This study analyzes the effectiveness of e-Monev in driving regional-apparatus performance improvement in Sidoarjo Regency and formulates applicable policy recommendations. A desk-study method was applied to official RKPD evaluation reports for the Fourth Quarter of 2025 and the Second Quarter of 2026, using Urgency-Seriousness-Growth (USG) prioritization, problem-tree root-cause analysis, and William Dunn's six-criteria policy evaluation framework, informed by the IS Success Model, the Technology Acceptance Model, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The analysis found that the root cause lies in the lack of integration between internal e-Monev data and SIPD RI, producing inconsistent and delayed performance data that limits evidence-based decision-making. Among three policy alternatives evaluated, single-source-of-truth data integration scored highest (50 of 60) compared with human-resource capacity building (41) and performance-based incentives (34). The study recommends a Regent Regulation on Integrated Regional Development Performance Data Governance, supported by data stewardship, tiered data-verification procedures, and structured follow-up monitoring by Bappeda.

Training and Development on Employee Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Rivers State, Nigeria

Agwanihu Nkolika Eluemouno — 2026-09-28

This research investigated the impact of training and development on employees performance of manufacturing firms in Rivers State, Nigeria, focusing particularly on job knowledge and job skills as essential components of training and development, and psychological empowermet as the moderating variable. Based on Human Capital Theory and the Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, the research asserts that employees' knowledge and skills represent strategic organisational resources that may improve performance and maintain competitive advantage. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey research approach, focussing on a population of 1,248 employees from selected industrial enterprises in Rivers State. The Taro Yamane sampling method was used to get a sample size of 302 workers. We used a structured questionnaire to collect primary data and the Spearman's Rank Order Correlation Coefficient to assess the hypotheses we made at a 0.05 level of significance. The results showed a strong link between job knowledge and employee performance, as well as a strong link between job skills and employee performance in manufacturing companies in Rivers State. The study finds that training and development programs that work well may greatly boost employee performance by helping them learn more about their jobs and how to do them better. As a result, it suggests that manufacturing companies in Rivers State should offer regular, structured, and job-specific training programs to help workers learn more about their jobs and develop practical skills through workshops, mentoring, and on-the-job training. This will boost productivity, efficiency, and overall performance of the organisation.