Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Sciences

Advancing interdisciplinary management science: A pathway to sustainable development goals

Bunmi Isaiah Omodan — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Sciences (IJMS) plays a crucial role in advancing the understanding and application of management science in various fields. This editorial paper explores the intersection between interdisciplinary research and management science, emphasising the Journal's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IJMS encourages innovative research that addresses complex managerial issues, discourses, and challenges by incorporating principles from economics, engineering, social sciences, and technology. This paper highlights key areas of focus, such as decision-making, supply chain management, innovation, human resources, financial management, marketing, sustainability, educational management, conflict management, and governance. The relevance of each area to specific SDGs is discussed, showcasing how interdisciplinary approaches can provide comprehensive understanding and solutions to global issues. Despite the cognitive obstacles posed by disciplinary boundaries, methodological disparities, and pedagogical peculiarities inherent in interdisciplinary research, there are ample opportunities to leverage technological advancements and foster collaborative research for effective knowledge advancement. The IJMS's commitment to bridging theory and practice not only advances knowledge in management science but also makes a significant contribution to achieving the SDGs. This editorial calls for increased support from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to further recognise interdisciplinary research in line with the Journal's vision for a future where management science drives sustainable development.

Prime heritages of ethno-bureaucratic corruption in Africa: Ripped curtain sagas

Adoko Peter Obicci — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Present-day literature has extensively discussed bureaucratic corruption from different perspectives. However, there is a scarcity of literature that explores the broader narratives of bureaucratic corruption driven by self-interest and ethnic agendas. This paper aims to examine the prevalence of high-level bureaucratic corruption in Africa, specifically highlighting the role of ethnicism as a significant development barrier that negatively impacts social equality and service provision. By analysing relevant literature and considering various viewpoints, this paper presents publicly available data from magazines, newspapers, scholarly books, journal articles, and reports to demonstrate the corrupt practices of "elites" who are characterised as "militarists," "autocrats," and pseudo-democrats. The evidence suggests that the persistence of high-level bureaucratic corruption is primarily attributed to the prevalence of "neo-patronage-clientelism" and power dynamics based on ethnic supremacy. Moreover, it illustrates how the distorted power structure dominated by ethnic interests serves the narrow political and military elite, enabling them to exploit the country's resources within their inner circle. The paper argues that ethnic-bureaucratic corruption is equally prevalent and challenging, exacerbated by ethnic nostalgia. However, it concludes that bureaucratic corruption, coupled with ethnic divisions, has given rise to conflicts that pose a significant threat to the existence of African society. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the current research and literature concerning concerns related to bureaucratic corruption.

Leadership styles and organisational communication in selected public universities in Uganda

Wilberforce Turyahikayo, Wilson Mugizi, George Wilson Kasule — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0200

This study aimed to assess the impact of leadership styles on organisational communication in selected public universities in Uganda. Specifically, the study examined the influence of transformational and transactional leadership styles on organisational communication within these universities. The four public universities included in the study were Kyambogo University, Gulu University, Busitema University, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. A correlational research design was employed, and data was collected from a sample of managerial staff, namely administrative and academic heads, using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyse the data using SmartPLS. The descriptive findings indicated that the organisational communication within the university was satisfactory, and the utilisation of transformational leadership styles by the leaders was high, while the use of transactional leadership styles was moderate. The findings from the Structural Equation Modeling confirmed that both transformational and transactional leadership styles had a positive and significant impact on organisational communication, while the passive-avoidant leadership style had a positive but insignificant impact. As a result, it was concluded that while transformational and transactional leadership styles are crucial for enhancing organisational communication in public universities, the passive-avoidant management/laissez-faire style is not. The study recommended that university leaders should emphasise the use of both transformational and transactional leadership styles to improve organisational communication. This study's implication is that it identifies the leadership styles necessary for enhancing organisational communication in universities.

Detoxification from brian-drain debate: A close review to bitter reality in reference to Nepal

Atindra Dahal — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Contrary to claims made by some scholars who have not thoroughly assessed the situation, this article argues that Nepal does not suffer from brain drain. The paper adopts an academic and archival approach, utilising qualitative desktop research methods to comprehensively examine the issue. The arguments presented are supported by the Delphi method and firsthand experiences. The study relies on secondary sources supplemented by personal observations and informal discussions to provide a well-rounded perspective. Recent publications accessed through widely used archiving platforms are given priority to ensure the credibility and relevance of the sources cited. Through this rigorous methodology, the paper concludes that the real issue plaguing Nepal is excessive labour drain, not brain drain. The analysis reveals that the notion of brain drain in Nepal is largely a misconception, with only a negligible number of individuals falling into this category. The departure of this small group has not significantly hampered the nation's dignity or development. On the contrary, the labour drain has created a severe shortage of workers in critical sectors, impeding the nation's progress and exacerbating economic vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is imperative to reorient strategies to address the labour drain by focusing on creating employment opportunities, improving working conditions, and offering incentives for workers to stay. By concentrating on these areas, Nepal can curb the outflow of its labour force and channel the energy and skills of its people towards national development. Consequently, the paper asserts that it is unnecessary to no longer concern oneself with brain drain.

Wails Inside Arab Homes: Examining the lived experiences and exploitation of returnee Ugandan migrant domestic workers from Saudi Arabia

Florence Munyonyo Asiimwe — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The study aimed to investigate the experiences and exploitation of Ugandan migrant domestic workers who returned from Saudi Arabia. The study followed a constructivist paradigm, an interpretive framework that focuses on individuals' understanding of the world and their creation of unique meanings. A qualitative approach was utilised, specifically employing a phenomenological case study design. Data was gathered through unstructured interviews with twenty-eight (28) migrant domestic workers. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The findings regarding the lived experiences and exploitation of returnee Ugandan migrant domestic workers were visualised through concept maps created using NVivo version 10.0. The study discovered that the returnee workers' experiences were primarily related to their interactions with various individuals in their employers' households, including dealing with abusive employers, inconsiderate children and relatives, and challenging working conditions. Other experiences involved working in an unfriendly environment, carrying out difficult tasks, facing heavy workloads, experiencing occupational health difficulties, enduring physical abuse, inadequate rest, food deprivation, sexual advances, and false allegations. Consequently, providing legal protection for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia is crucial. Although progress has been made in addressing legal gaps, particularly regarding weekly rest days, more work remains. This includes implementing or expanding minimum wages and aligning working hour restrictions with those applicable to other workers. It is therefore recommended that Uganda and Saudi Arabia revise labour export laws to ensure that the rights of migrant domestic workers are respected.

Phases of adoption of One Acre Fund agricultural innovation among smallholder maize farmers, Bungoma County, Kenya

Protas Khaemba, Maxwell Sifuna — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0200

This study examines the adoption of One Acre Fund (OAF) agricultural innovations in Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya, in response to declining maise production. Despite agricultural development programs aiding Kenya's economic growth, research shows low technological acquisition. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 204 out of 9,924 OAF-registered farmers using descriptive research design. Inferential statistics were employed to analyse the different phases of adoption, with quantitative data presented in tables. The qualitative findings were analysed using thematic analysis and incorporated into the results of the inferential analysis as narratives. A situational analysis was performed to assess the status of various types of OAF agricultural innovation among smallholder farmers in the study area. Pairwise ranking was implemented to identify advanced acquisition strategies. The findings revealed that the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, such as age (p = 0.002), marital status (p = 0.000), level of education (p = 0.001), family size (p = 0.047), non-farm work (p = 0.327), and size of land (p = 0.110), significantly influenced the adoption of the OAF agricultural innovations. The study also indicated that the adoption phases were impacted by factors such as group memberships (p = 0.047), farm visits (p = 0.012), and training (p = 0.000). Based on the findings, the study recommends the implementation of awareness programs, crop insurance, the establishment of farm cooperatives, and the strengthening of farmers' knowledge systems to enhance OAF maise output and achieve food security.