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Vulnerability to Empowerment: Digital Literacy as A Shield for Women Against Cyber Harassment

Rehana Anjum , Arun Barkat , Rubab Kanwal Shaikh — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Digital literacy encompasses knowledge, skills, and viewpoints that equip individuals to navigate safely and confidently in a progressively digital environment. In today's digital era, women face various cyber threats like harassment, stalking, identity theft, and unauthorized sharing of personal information. These Challenges hinder their online engagement, thereby limiting their access to educational, professional, and personal growth opportunities. Digital literacy is the crucial yet unexplored mechanism in overcoming these challenges, empowering women to navigate the internet securely, protect their digital identities, and uphold their rights. In Pakistan, cybercrimes are dealt with in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 which incorporates various provisions to protect women against cyber threats like offenses against the dignity of a natural person, cyber-stalking, unauthorized use of identity information, unauthorized access to intimate images, etc. however, the effectiveness of these legal safeguards is constrained by a deficiency in awareness, accessibility and implementation. This research has employed qualitative doctrinal methodology. Firstly, it aimed to develop a clear understanding of cyber threats encountered by women. Secondly, the study investigated the multi-faceted role of digital literacy in empowering women against cyber threats. Thirdly, this research examined the relationship between digital literacy and Pakistan’s legal framework with special reference to the principal provisions of PECA. Fourthly, instant Research formulated strategies to bridge the gap through targeted digital literacy programs, enhanced legal education, and policy reforms. Finally, the research concluded with recommendations to promote gender-responsive policies ensuring women's empowerment.

Key Words: Digital-literacy, Cyber-threats, PECA, Policy-reforms, Cyber harassment.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18296456

Exploring the Experiences of Female Students Regarding Cyber Bullying and Academic Performance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the lived experiences of female university students regarding cyber bullying and its effects on academic performance in the age of artificial intelligence. Cyber bullying has emerged as a serious challenge in higher education, particularly as universities increasingly rely on AI-mediated learning environments such as learning management systems, online assessments, and digital communication platforms. The purpose of this paper was to explore how female students experience cyber bullying in these environments and how such experiences influence their academic engagement and performance. The research focused on the central objective of understanding the personal, emotional, and academic consequences of cyber bullying within AI-supported educational settings. Data were collected at the University of Narowal using a qualitative research design. The study population consisted of female university students and a purposive sample of n=20 participants were selected based on their experiences with online learning and cyber bullying. Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary data collection method. The data were analyzed using manual thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and sub-themes. The findings showed that female students experienced cyber bullying in the form of online harassment, social exclusion, and misuse of digital and AI-based academic platforms. These experiences led to anxiety, reduced self-confidence, fear of online participation, and decreased academic motivation. Many participants reported that cyber bullying negatively affected their concentration, class participation, and overall academic performance. The study also found limited institutional support and a lack of effective reporting mechanisms. This research contributes to our understanding of the intersection between gender, cyber bullying, and AI-mediated education. It highlights the need for stronger institutional policies, supportive systems, and ethical AI design to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments for female students.

Keywords: Cyber bullying, Academic Performance, Artificial Intelligence

Understanding Cyber Victimization: Risk Patterns Among University Students in Pakistan

Husnain Hameed Awan , Muhammad Atif Nazir , Sobia Sifarish , Maleeha Amjad — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the prevalence, patterns and consequences of cybercrime victimization among university students in Lahore, Pakistan, emphasizing the psychological impact and systemic barriers to reporting. Drawing on data from 150 students across four major universities, the study employs a mixed-methods approach grounded in Routine Activity Theory, Victim Facilitation Theory and Broken Windows Theory. Findings reveal that 45.3% of students have experienced cybercrime, yet 59.8% did not report it, primarily due to institutional mistrust and cultural stigma. Emotional consequences such as anxiety, anger and fear were common, while gender disparities highlighted the heightened vulnerability of female students. Instagram and WhatsApp emerged as the riskiest platforms due to algorithmic exposure and encryption loopholes. The study concludes with policy recommendations for universities, law enforcement and digital platforms, emphasizing workshops, anonymous reporting channels and identity verification protocols. The research underscores the need for comprehensive cyber safety frameworks in developing nations.

Keywords: Cybercrime, Social Media, University Students, Lahore, Victimization, Routine Activity Theory, Psychological Impact, Institutional Barriers, Cybersecurity, Gender

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18288462

Impact of Cyber Bullying On the Academic Performance of Female Students at University Level

Soha Naseem , Dr. Rukhsana Sardar , Fakhar-Ul-Zaman — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bullying is a form of control that is described as hostile behavior or repeated threats by others, as well as a real or perceived power imbalance between the victim and the bully. External bullying includes social exclusion (e.g., you never connect with us, you are not welcome, etc.) and the spread of rumors. The majority of academics concur that bullying is defined as an intentional act of aggression intended to cause injury to another person and to create an imbalance of power between the victim and the aggressor. The fact that internet users between the ages of 12 and 30 typically use mobile and internet communication tools as their main communication channels is another noteworthy characteristic. Ironically, these new forms of engagement and communication have led to the harmful practice known as cyber bullying, which involves using electronic communication to harass and harass people. It is well acknowledged that bullying has disastrous consequences regardless of whether people "label" themselves as bullies or victims. These can include low self-esteem, despair, anxiety, loneliness, and insecurity, as well as more severe situations that could lead to suicide. This study investigates how cyber bullying affects student academic achievement. It will look into the problems and ethical issues of integrating cyber bullying into educational institutions, as well as students' perceptions of potential hurdles. Using a quantitative methodologies approach to determine the influence of bullying on their learning experiences. The findings will seek to fill a gap in the existing knowledge by providing practical insights into how bullying can interfere with student involvement in academic activities and academic success. The study will also enlighten educational practitioners and policymakers on the benefits and problems of cyber bullying, as well as how to resolve issues through root cause analysis. Finally, the study will help to design more effective and efficient anti-cyber bullying instructional tools, hence improving learning outcomes across a wide range of educational institutions.

Impact of Transformational Leadership Styles on Teachers Innovation and Knowledge Sharing at University Of Narowal

Nida Javed , Dr. Rukhsana Sardar , Amina Nawaz , Aftab Nawaz — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the study is to focus on the impact of transformational leadership (TL) on faculty performance within the University of Narowal, specifically in the area of creativity and knowledge-sharing practices. The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design, and 150 faculty members (permanent and visiting) working in social and natural science departments were surveyed using Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X), knowledge sharing scale, and innovation scales. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure proportional representation between departments and academic ranks. The correlation, regression, mediation analysis, and descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS. The alpha of Cronbach and associated measures were used to determine content validity and reliability of the constructs. The findings showed that transformational leadership is an effective predictor of innovation among faculty members. Those teachers who were exposed to a high level of TL by their department heads showed more exposure to new teaching practices, research, and problem-solving practices. Specifically, product and process innovation were both significantly positively correlated with TL. Additionally, the knowledge sharing was also identified to play an important mediator role in the TL-innovation relationship. The faculty innovation had a strong predictive relationship with TL, which explained 40 percent of the variance. The investigation presents the evidence on the Pakistani context of higher education and outlines the need to develop TL capabilities of the heads of departments. The cultures of innovation and knowledge-sharing can be improved in universities by strengthening training, mentoring, and institutional support.

Exploring the Impact of Managerial Leadership on Students Academic Progress at the University of Narowal

Amina Nawaz , Dr. Rukhsana Sardar , Nida Javed , Aftab Nawaz — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research was carried out to investigate the impact of managerial leadership style on academic progress of students in University of Narowal. The study concentrated on three main leadership styles namely; transformational, transactional and laissez faire and then examined their impact of the students’ Grade Point Average (GPA), course completion and retention. This study employed a survey research design and 200 students with different academic levels in different departments were surveyed using designed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multiple regression and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between leadership practices and academic progress. To understand the moderating impact of gender, academic year and department of study on perceived and effective leadership, demographic variables such as gender, academic year and study discipline were considered. The results reveal that transformational leadership was the single largest contributor to student academic progress. Students who perceived their leadership being more transformational reported higher levels of engagement, motivation, and self-efficacy and these were manifested in enhanced GPA scores, course completion on schedule and students' retention. Leaders were seen to develop a supportive, participative, and motivating climate (academically oriented) with mentorship, acknowledgment, and a common sense of direction (vision). These practices are linked to the active involvement of the students in their learning, and this involvement leads to effective critical thinking, problem solving skills and university progress. Transactional leadership was found to work moderately well by supplying structure, clear expectations and progress related rewards. Although transactional leadership was effective in controlling and improving behavior in the short term, it may not be as effective as transformational leadership at inspiring students to higher levels of motivation and engagement. Laissez faire leadership (least active management by faculty with few involvement and passive decision making) was negatively related to students' academic progress (lower GPAs, delayed course completion, and greater repetition). This contributes to the lack of support and lack of involvement being directly associated with poor student progress.

Leveraging Mudarabah in Islamic Banking and Finance in Pakistan through Quran and Sunnah Al-Naba (78:10-11) and Prophet Mudarabah Model

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research proposal aims to promote the development of Mudarabah-based financing products in Islamic banking and/or in Islamic finance through an investor(s), fostering risk-sharing and entrepreneurship in Pakistan’s economy. Mudarabah, a Shariah-compliant partnership, offers a unique opportunity for banks and Investors to support businesses while sharing risks and rewards. However, its implementation has been limited due to lack of awareness, regulatory hurdles, and risk aversion.

This study seeks to explore the concept of Mudarabah through the lens of the Qur’an and Sunnah, analyzing how its values of experience (Qavi), trust (Amanah), justice (‘Adl), and cooperation (Ta‘awun) can inform modern Islamic banking and Financial models. The proposed framework will address regulatory and operational challenges, encourage Shariah-compliant entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable financial inclusion. By enhancing Mudarabah-based financing, Islamic banks and financial institutions can contribute to Pakistan’s economic development, job creation, and sustainable growth, aligning with the UN’s sustainable development goals and Islamic finance principles

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18283851

Servant Leadership: A Driving Force to Employee Empowerment, Trust and performance: Mediation and moderation Perspectives

Iram Arshad , Dr. Ejaz Ahmed , Faiz Rasul Zaka , Hafiz Muhammad Hanif — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study is directed at how servant leadership can affect the performance of employees, empowerment and trust that have job satisfaction, psychological safety and employee engagement as intermediate factors. The moderating variable that supports such associations is also covered in the paper through servant leadership as a role model. Data were collected between the employees who represented various spheres of organizations as a result of the structured questionnaire. According to the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) findings, servant leadership positively influences employee outcome through the mediators both directly and indirectly. Important factors that encouraged engagement and performance were found to be jobs satisfaction and psychological safety. The moderating effect of servant leadership as a role model also enhanced the trust and level of empowerment. The findings can be applied to the literature of leadership and organizational behavior because the researchers have proved that servant leadership promotes positive work climate that translates to higher levels of employee commitment and performance in contemporary organizations.

Keywords: Servant leadership, Job satisfaction, psychological safety, Employee engagement, Employee performance, Servant leadership role modeling

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18282871

The Rise of Chinese investment in Pakistan; Development or Track to Economic Subordination?

Muhammad Saifullah , Javaid Ashraf — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Economic horizons in the Global South have been transformed by the emergence of Chinese investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) especially in countries that have been strategically oriented such as Pakistan. Although this is usually packaged as development partners, Chinese investment casts very critical challenges to the way their companies operate, how they conduct business in the market, and how well they conform to the interests of the host country. This paper will look at the economic effects of Chinese investment into Pakistan and assess whether their activities are neo-imperialism characteristics like those that were once practiced by the western multinationals in Africa and Latin America. The study examines two major dimensions based on a qualitative document study analysis which consists of how the Chinese Investment(s) together with their operating companies affect the labor market and the local industries in Pakistan and how their conduct compares to the historical examples of economic imperialism. The results show that Chinese companies are overrepresented in the strategic managerial positions with the local employees holding minor and low paying jobs. Also, the Chinese Investment has taken over markets through the national support and foreign influence and this has led to the crowding out of the local businesses and reduced the competitiveness of the Pakistani industries. Comparative study of the African and Latin American experience suggests that the Chinese Investment does not eliminate the exploitative systems of Latin American and African experience, instead it replicates them. These are labor hierarchies, monopolies and false corporate social responsibility. The paper finds that unless policy frameworks are strong, Chinese Investment risks will entrench the economic dependency in Pakistan and not bring equitable development in the country.

Keywords: Investment, MNC’s, Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Monopolistic Tendencies

Japan’s Nation Branding Strategy Through “Cool Japan” Campaign and Its Acceptance Among Pakistani Youth

Alisha Shafiq , Dr. Saima A Kayani, Dr. Asia Karim — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores Japan’s cultural diplomacy with a focus on its nation branding strategy through the “Cool Japan” campaign and its reception among Pakistani youth. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of public diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and nation branding, the research examines how Japan employs anime, manga, video games, and cuisine to construct a favorable global image. Using a mixed-method approach, including qualitative analysis and a quantitative survey of 190 Pakistani youth, the findings reveal a high degree of awareness and positive perceptions of Japanese culture. The majority of participants reported frequent engagement with Japanese cultural products, which significantly influenced their interest in Japan, lifestyle choices, and desire for cultural exchange. Results confirm that Japan’s cultural diplomacy is highly effective in shaping positive attitudes abroad. Furthermore, the study highlights valuable lessons for Pakistan to strengthen its own cultural promotion strategies.

Keywords: Nation Branding, Cultural Diplomacy, Public Diplomacy, Cool Japan Campaign, Japanese Culture, Pakistani Youth

Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) Hypothesis and Co2 Emissions: An Empirical Study of MENA Developing Countries

Fazal Karim , Shah Saud , Rafiullah — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the impact of per capita income, its square, forest area, FDI inflows, population density, urbanization, and trade openness on CO2 emissions in MENA developing countries. Using 35 years of data (1981–2015) from the WDI, stationary was tested with the ADF test, and the ARDL bounds testing approach was applied. Results show that all variables significantly reduce CO2 emissions in both the short and long run. Unit root tests indicate that CO2 emissions and per capita GDP are occasionally co-integrated, supporting the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The findings highlight that higher income and FDI contribute to emission reduction, while coordinated environmental and economic policies are essential for sustainable development in developing MENA countries. Similarly, the findings show that developing countries need to bring into line a well-coordinated environmental and economic policy mix that would ensure greater output. Similarly, at the same time look after their environment from deprivation and pollution.

Keywords: Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) Hypothesis, CO2 Emissions, Population Density, Urbanization, Trade Openness

The Relationship between Basic Psychological Needs, Psychological Capital and Life Satisfaction Among University Students

Syed Shah Ali Abbas , Dua , Muhammad Amjid , Sadaf Nayab , Noorjehan — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psychological capital (hope, optimism, resilience, self-efficacy) refers to the psychological capacity of an individual that can be assessed, enhanced, and effectively utilized to enhance performance. Self-determination theory posits existence of fundamental needs (autonomy, relatedness, competency need) that must be fulfilled to enhance psychological well-being and ensure wholesome development (Ryan and Deci 2000). Maladjustment and even psychopathology are said to occur when these demands are not met i.e., causing psychological needs frustration (Vansteenkiste and Ryan 2013). Life satisfaction can be interpreted as the summit of joy experienced across life domains (Salvatore and Mun˜oz Sastre, 2001). Our purpose of research was to find the relationship between basic psychological need satisfaction/frustration, compound psychological capital and satisfaction with life Satisfaction of university students. We collected data from 353 participants (university students). Basic Psychological need satisfaction and frustration scale (BPNSFS), compound psychological capital (CPC-12) and satisfaction with life scale was used for data collection. We found positively significant correlation between PsyCap (hope, optimism, resilience, self-efficacy) and life satisfaction. Our findings indicate that basic psychological need satisfaction is significantly and positively correlated with psychological capital and life satisfaction. While frustrating these needs is negatively correlated with PsyCap and life satisfaction (except for positive relationship of autonomy frustration with hope, optimism, resilience, self-efficacy, life satisfaction and positive relationship between relatedness frustration and competence frustration with resilience).

Keywords: Basic Psychological Needs, Psychological Capital, Life Satisfaction, University Students, Student Well-being

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18271333

The Future of Learning with AI: A Systematic Review on Transforming Student Education and Competencies

Asif Iqbal , Asif Kabir, Zahid Mahmood , Nazir Haider Shah , Mehtab Mushtaq — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) has evolved into a substantial research field, generating a diverse body of literature with varied perspectives and applications. This review synthesizes empirical studies published between 2014 and 2024, examining AIED’s integration across secondary and higher education with a focus on pedagogical strategies and tools, ethical considerations, institutional collaboration, and the application of machine learning models in teaching, learning, and assessment. An initial mapping of 4,076 research articles, refined through an in-depth analysis of 62 selected studies, provides a robust conceptual framework of the current knowledge landscape. The findings highlight AIED’s transformative role in secondary and higher education by enhancing pedagogy, addressing ethical challenges, fostering institutional collaboration, and leveraging machine learning applications. These insights provide strategic direction for teachers, administrators, and policymakers in shaping effective, ethical, and inclusive integration of AIED in education. Future research should emphasize enhancing explainable AI, mitigating ethical risks, and evaluating AI tools in diverse real-world classroom contexts.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence in Education, Machine Learning Models, Ethical Challenge, pedagogical strategies, Explainable AI, Secondary and Higher Education

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18270365

Energy Harvesting Textiles

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Energy harvesting textiles (EHTs) are intelligent fabrics that are designed to harness various sources of available energy like solar rays, mechanical motion, temperature differences, and electromagnetic waves. With their potential to convert various sources of energy, EHTs can be used for self-sustaining wearable technology devices, healthcare monitoring and even sustainable fashion technology. The current literature review provides a compilation of recent advancements in energy harvesting technology, materials, and processing. Also, various key considerations for energy efficiency, robustness, and processing costs are reviewed.

Keywords: Energy Harvesting Textiles, Smart Fabrics, Wearable Electronics, Nanomaterials, Sustainability

Gender Mainstreaming to Prevent Radicalization & Extremism: A Case Study of Women's Seminaries in Pakistan

Dr. Tehmina Aslam (Corresponding Author), Muhammad Amir Shehzad — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Females seeking education in religious seminaries feel marginalized and driven towards radicalization and extremism in a society that is prejudiced in favour of females who seek education from schools and colleges delivering worldly knowledge Western education, such as science, mathematics, and English. Pakistan’s constitution encourages Western education and awards such learners with rewards such as representation at the national decision and policy-making level, as compared to female students from religious seminaries. This study aims to find ways to represent females (who have sought education at religious seminaries) at the national level to mainstream them, thereby preventing their slide towards radicalization and extremism. Through the use of the qualitative research paradigm, an exploratory study would be conducted by administering structured, standardized, and open-ended interviews to female students and their teachers at religious seminaries, as well as to some legislators who can initiate necessary legislation, if and when required. Thematic analysis would be conducted, and the findings would be organized. The conclusion drawn would address the ways female who studied at religious seminaries would get a chance to be mainstreamed as a measure to prevent any possibility of their being swayed to radicalization and extremism.

Keywords: Gender Mainstreaming, Prevent Radicalization, Extremism, Women's Seminaries, Pakistan

Assessment and Optimization of Advanced Treatment Processes for the Removal of Pharmaceuticals and Microplastics in Potable Water Reuse Systems

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Use of drinkable water has been the last resort in eradicating water shortage in places where water stress is rife. Nevertheless, the sustainability of potable reuse systems is under attack by emerging sources of pollution including pharmaceuticals and microplastics. The adsorption of a pharmaceutical on activated carbon adsorption (GAC and PAC) will be used to measure the performance of the advanced treatment processes such as reverse osmosis (RO), advanced oxidation process (AOPs), and adsorption of pharmaceuticals and microplastics in treated wastewater on the adsorption process. The analysis of the optimization strategies is also conducted through the mixture of different technologies of treatment used in the study. The findings indicate that RO had the best removal efficiencies of pharmaceuticals and microplastics and especially the larger ones. OZs, particularly ozonation and UV/H 2 O 2 were convenient in degradation of pharmaceuticals but the degradation also depended on the compound. Activated carbon adsorption was found to be enticing with hydrophobic pharmaceuticals and not microplastics. The combined regime in RO-Ozone treatment and the GAC adsorption produced the most favorable overall cumulative elimination of the pharmaceuticals and microplastics. Even though that energy consumption and operation in these technologies is costly, the integrated system emerged the most suitable when used in systems of reusing potable water. The article demonstrates a possibility of the treatment of reclaimed water safety with the support of advanced treatment technologies and the necessity to conduct further studies that can contribute to the optimization of work by the treatment and the removal of the flaws of functioning.

Keywords: Assessment, Optimization, Advanced Treatment Processes, Pharmaceuticals, Microplastics, Potable Water Reuse Systems

Recognition Has a Nationality: How Power, Color, and Credibility Shape Organizational Quality Management

Usman Rehmat — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Recognition and credibility are nothing more than niceties in any given workplace. They are currencies that drive facilitation and safeguarding of employee morale and organizational break/bound shifts of effective systems of quality management. Employees who feel they are appreciated and recognized for their direct contributions appreciate more encourage innovation, and rally organizational goals more. However, in many organizations around the world, particularly in the developing and transitioning economies, the ideal remains the desired. Here and now, recognition is more often than not about systemic inequities and deficiencies of power, country of passport, color of skin, immigration, managerial favouritism and, in general, the equity of recognition. This paper examines the systemic inequities of management, loss of employee motivation, and gaps in the systems of quality management, caused by practices of appropriation of credit, exertion of authority, and power of identity. We take a mixed approach in order to create a broad perspective. We juxtapose the hard quantitative data of a time-lagged survey, analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), with qualitative auto-ethnographic narratives, and the global workforce statistics. Our findings present recognition injustice as a strong predictor for psychological damage, work disconnection, and turnover intention. Conversely, consistent ethical leadership along with transparent and fair human resource systems reinforces a strong mitigating effect. From this research, we offer a significant contribution to the HRM literature regarding recognition injustice as an issue of structural injustice, as opposed to being an issue of manager incivility, an inter-personal issue, or an issue of systemic incivility within the organization. We conclude with an imperative: Organizations and regulators need to move away from ambiguous ideas and implement regulatory, defensible, evidence-based recognition structures that, in an ethical and quality assurance framework, make recognition governance a standard for operational compliance.

Keywords: Recognition injustice; Credit theft; Power abuse; Ethical leadership; Structural Equation Modelling; Auto-ethnography; Nationality bias; Quality management; HRM; Structural violence; Psychological safety; Workplace discrimination; Global inequality; Managerial favouritism; Employee disengagement

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18247109

Examining stewardship in family firms, exploring the role of growth, career, and autonomy on the Accountant’s psychological intention to stay

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: The present research examines how professional accountants’ growth orientation, career opportunities, and autonomy form psychological ownership and their intention to stay, eventually nurturing stewardship behavior in the family-owned firms. Furthermore, it explores the organizational settings rather than family identification permits stewardship in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach: Based on a self-administered cross-sectional survey of 396 practicing accountants employed in family firms. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the hypotheses among the accountant’s growth, career, autonomy, psychological ownership, intention to stay, and ultimately stewardship behavior.

Findings: Overall, the results indicate that growth orientation, career opportunities, and professional autonomy significantly strengthen psychological ownership and intention to stay, ultimately strengthening stewardship behavior. Furthermore, results present that stewardship among non-family accountants emerges from workplace arrangements and psychological environments that nurture identification, obligation, accountability, and sustained affiliation.

Practical implications: Family firms can augment stewardship by nurturing growth orientation environments, proposing obvious career pathways, and allowing expressive autonomy. Such practices support retaining proficient accountants, diminish agency-driven propensities, and ensure long-term organizational stability.

Originality/value: The present research advances stewardship theory by signifying that such behavior in family-owned firms is empowered through structural and psychological tools rather than intrinsic family association. Furthermore, it contributes novel insights on how professional accountants, an overlooked population, yield stewardship-affiliated behaviors within the institutional setting of emerging economies.

Keywords: Accountants, growth, career, and autonomy

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18240308

Causes and Effects of Extra-Marital Relationships in Tehsil Taxila: An Analytical Study

Shoaib Akhtar , Dr. Muhammad Saeed — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the causes and effects of extra-marital relationships among married couples in Tehsil Taxila, Pakistan. Through a mixed-methods approach involving a structured questionnaire (N=200) and qualitative insights, the research identifies key socio-psychological drivers including lack of emotional intimacy, unresolved conflicts, boredom, desire for novelty, and peer pressure alongside significant economic factors such as financial stress, dependency imbalances, and misuse of family resources. These interconnected vulnerabilities severely undermine marital stability, leading to the irreversible breakdown of trust, frequent separation or divorce, and profound psychological distress, with women and children disproportionately affected. The consequences extend to the community level, eroding social cohesion through stigma and division, threatening Islamic marital sanctity, and imposing wider societal costs through economic, legal, and health burdens. The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally and religiously sensitive interventions that promote emotional connectivity, financial responsibility, and adherence to Islamic values to safeguard marital harmony and family integrity in this conservative socio-cultural context.

Keywords: Extra-Marital Relationships, Marital Stability, Socio-Psychological Causes, Economic Factors, Emotional Intimacy, Tehsil Taxila, Islamic Perspective, Social Cohesion