Journal of Development Policy Research & Practice (JoDPRP)
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Adaptive Performance in Small and Medium Enterprises: Effects of Feedback Seeking, Work Uncertainty and Entrepreneurial Intention
Get PDFThe paper examines the relationship between feedback seeking and employees’ adaptive performance with the mediating role of work uncertainty and entrepreneurial intention within the Self-Determination Theory framework. Data were gathered using a three‑wave, time‑lagged survey design, targeting Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) employees from Pakistan’s six major cities (Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta) working in the manufacturing and service industries. Parallel multiple mediation was tested through Structural Equational Modelling (SEM). The study reveals that work uncertainty and entrepreneurial intention act as parallel mediators between feedback seeking and employees’ adaptive performance. By highlighting the role of team members, this research shifts the emphasis from managers to peers in soliciting feedback. These insights offer policymakers a new perspective for designing more effective workforce development strategies. Overall, the findings contribute to the feedback‑seeking and adaptive‑performance literature by demonstrating how organisations can increase performance by mitigating work uncertainty and fostering entrepreneurial intention.
JEL Classification Codes: D03, D81, D83, D91, J63, L2, L26, M14
Submitted: June 27, 2024Last Revised: July 17, 2025Accepted: August 07, 2025
Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.Acknowledgment: We gratefully acknowledge the support of Dr. Rab Nawaz Lohdi, whose trust and guidance were instrumental in the successful completion of this publication.Funding: No funding was received for this research
Antecedents of Environmental Concerns in Higher Education Institutions: Mediating Role of Attitudes Towards Organic Food
Get PDFThis study examines how attitudes towards organic food may act as a mediator in the relationship between environmental concern and health consciousness. It also looks at how collectivism directly affects environmental concerns. The study, which is based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, advances theoretical knowledge by incorporating individual-level attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs into the analysis. It employed a quantitative cross-sectional research design and utilised Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test its hypotheses. Data was collected through purposive sampling from a sample of 201 employees working in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Punjab, Pakistan. The results highlighted that attitudes towards organic food significantly mediates the relationship between health consciousness and environmental concerns. Furthermore, collectivism was found to significantly influence environmental concerns, reaffirming the cultural dimensions that shape pro-environmental behaviour. This study adds to the emergent literature on environmental psychology and sustainable consumer behaviour by elucidating the interconnection between individual health motivations and broader ecological outcomes. It reinforces the notion that decisions made to benefit personal health can have positive cascading effects on the environment, promoting a holistic view of sustainability. The findings of the study offer useful insights into relevant regulatory and policy making bodies for designing policies and tailoring adequate health and sustainability campaigns targeted towards promoting organic food consumption for better health and environmental outcomes.
JEL Classification Codes: I12, M14
Submitted: August 28, 2024Last Revised: July 29, 2025Accepted: September 10, 2025
Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.Funding Acknowledgment: This research was funded by the University of the Punjab, Pakistan.
Enhancing Industrial Competitiveness through Circular Economy Solutions in Pakistan
Get PDFThe circular economy (CE) is an emerging economic paradigm focused on minimising waste, maximising resource efficiency, and achieving sustainable development through closed loop systems. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the CE concept, with a particular focus on its background, global benefits, challenges, and socioeconomic implications, particularly in the context of Pakistan. Using a qualitative research methodology that includes comparative policy analysis and expert interviews, the study examines global best practices and national CE policies in India, Vietnam, Türkiye, China, Germany, and Pakistan, identifying three globally effective CE models. It further categorises investable CE-aligned projects across Pakistan’s mining, energy, agriculture, textile, and industrial sectors. The findings reveal significant opportunities for Pakistan, including the potential to generate USD 500 million in value through waste valorisation, reduce carbon emissions by 30%, and contribute an estimated 3-4% to GDP while creating green jobs. However, challenges such as regulatory gaps, insufficient infrastructure, and limited institutional capacity persist. The study highlights the interlinkages between CE and global green transitions and assesses the relevance of evolving international trade and investment regulatory frameworks and financing sources. Key policy recommendations include the development of a national CE roadmap, policy and regulatory reform, strategic infrastructure investment, targeted capacity building programmes, and active engagement with global investors and green finance platforms. These steps are essential to facilitating Pakistan’s smooth and inclusive transition towards a circular and sustainable economic model.
JEL Classification Codes: E24, E61, F23, G18, G24, O13, O14, O31, O44, P28
Submitted: March 06, 2025Last Revised: August 25, 2025Accepted: October 16, 2025
Conflict of Interest: The Authors declared no Conflict of InterestAcknowledgment: No administrative and technical support was taken for this research.Funding: No funding was received for this researc
Media’s Role in Shaping Climate Change Discourse in Pakistan
Get PDFThis study investigates how leading Pakistani newspapers represent climate change by analysing content from Dawn, The News, and Daily Jang. Employing Framing and Agenda Setting Theory, the study identifies key sources, frames, and narrative tones. The findings indicate that while there is more climate change coverage, the focus is primarily on disaster reporting with limited attention to solutions and mitigation strategies. Compared with other Global South countries, press coverage in Pakistan remains narrow in scope, lacking the depth required to impact policy discourse and civic engagement. Thus, this research calls for a more balanced and proactive approach to climate change journalism in Pakistan, increasing the frequency and diversifying the tone of coverage in order to create public awareness and encourage meaningful engagement with this pressing global issue.
JEL Classification Codes: Q54, Q58
Submitted: Jan 27, 2025Last Revised: June 30, 2025Accepted: July 21, 2025
Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.Funding Acknowledgement: No administrative and technical support was taken for this research
Fake News as a Propaganda Tool against CPEC
Get PDFThe China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has increasingly been targeted by disinformation and fake news campaigns. This study critically examines how such narratives function as propaganda tools, strategically influencing public perception and policy debates across cultural, economic, and political dimensions. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research analyses documented instances of viral fake news, corroborated by fact-checking sources and media reports. Applying agenda-setting, framing, soft power, and information disorder theories, the paper uncovers how false narratives, ranging from the so-called ‘debt trap’ to cultural and sovereignty concerns, are deliberately constructed to erode confidence in CPEC. Findings indicate that while these narratives lack empirical validity, their widespread dissemination poses tangible risks to Pakistan’s internal cohesion, foreign investment climate, and bilateral relations with China. The study concludes by proposing multi-layered counter-strategies including fact-checking mechanisms, media literacy programmes, enhanced transparency, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to mitigate disinformation threats. By offering a comprehensive perspective, this research contributes to a better understanding of the geopolitical information warfare surrounding CPEC.
JEL Classification Codes: D83, F51, F52, L82, O53
Submitted: July 16, 2025Last Revised: September 10, 2025Accepted: October 22, 2025
Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.Funding Acknowledgment: There is no funding received for this paper
Determinants of Green Banking Adoption: A Stakeholder Approach
No full textThis study attempts to identify the antecedents of Green Banking Adoption in the form of various Stakeholders’ Pressures. Institutional Theory provides the foundation for the study’s research framework. It proposes a positive influence on the Top Management Pressure (TMP), Customer Pressure (CUSTP), Competitor Pressure (COMP), and Community Pressure (COMUP) on Green Banking Adoption (GBA). Quantitative research was conducted using the survey method through self-administered questionnaires. A sample size of 419 branch managers was collected to run the data analysis on SMART PLS. GBA is a higher-order construct consisting of a number of lower-order constructs. The results revealed a significant relationship between TMP, CUSTP, COMP and GBA. No significant relationship was found between COMUP and GBA. The research can be used by the banking industry and regulators to facilitate GBA in Pakistan.
JEL Classification Codes: M1
Submitted: April 06, 2025Last Revised: August 04, 2025Accepted: September 01, 2025
Conflict of Interest: The Authors declared no Conflict of InterestAcknowledgment: No administrative and technical support was taken for this research.Funding: No funding was received for this researc
Promoting Peace and Interfaith Harmony: Role of Rural Support Programmes in Tharparkar, Pakistan
Get PDFFostering peaceful coexistence is crucial for societal cohesion in multifunctional communities. Over the last 30 years, Rural Support Programmes (RSPs) have made considerable progress in conflict resolution, reaching across various segments of society, and supporting social integration in Pakistan which has helped lower community conflict over time. This study focuses on the contribution of RSPs towards peacemaking and interfaith harmony. Using a mixed-methods approach, it specifically examines patterns of interreligious cohabitation and socio-cultural accommodation between Hindus (Dalits) and Muslims in Tharparkar, Sindh, through a functionalist framework of interdependence. The research finds that while divergent viewpoints persist on both sides, RSP’s neutral and inclusive approach enhances mutual understanding and respect. By embedding equity into their policies, such initiatives create space for constructive engagement without erasing distinct identities.
JEL Classification Codes: Z12, D74, O18, Z13, O53
Submitted: Sep 24, 2024 Last Revised: July 14, 2025Accepted: Aug 12, 2025
Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.Funding Acknowledgement: No administrative and technical support was taken for this research
An Overview of Microfinance Institutions and Related Developments in Pakistan
Get PDFThis research work is an attempt to assess the current state of microfinance in Pakistan with a view to collaboratively finding strategic and bespoke solutions to increasing the financial inclusion footprint in the country. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) have been held with stakeholders across a wide spectrum comprising investors, development agencies, practitioners, apex bodies, credit bureau and regulators so that a candid and consensual approach may emerge with solutions that are practical and implementable. It was pointed out by stakeholders that Pakistan’s financial institutions are well established, and the legislative framework and regulatory structure have nimbly evolved to create sufficient infrastructure for growth across the board. However, there is lack of partnerships among Microfinance Banks and Non-Banks Microfinance Companies. Going forward, financial institutions should focus on digital financial services to expand their network.
JEL Classification Codes: G21
Prospective Teachers’ Learning and Practicing Assessment in Teaching Practicum: Comparative Perspective in Pre-Service Teacher Education Programmes
Get PDFThis study examines the challenges associated with implementing learning-supportive assessment during teaching practicum, while also exploring the roles of University Tutors (UT), Cooperative Teachers (CT), Prospective Teachers (PT), and Heads of Practicum Schools (HPS) in selected universities in Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK). Using the qualitative case study approach, data was collected through lesson observations of UT in pre-service teacher education settings and PT in practicum schools. Additionally, interviews were conducted with UT and HPS, and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held with PT. The study concludes that, in comparison to their UK counterparts, PT in Pakistan encounter significant barriers to implementing learning-supportive assessment in practicum school settings. These barriers include large class sizes, a lack of institutionalised collaboration between universities and schools, inadequate lesson modelling, ineffective feedback practices, assignments that emphasise lower-order thinking skills, and limited opportunities to utilise technology in school settings. Based on the findings, the study recommends the implementation of a new assessment policy that expands examinations beyond mere knowledge recall to include competency assessment. This policy should incorporate adherence to Pakistani teacher standards and the use of reflective portfolios. Moreover, it is advised to provide training for UT and CT in enacting assessment techniques rather than solely providing theoretical knowledge. Additionally, the study proposes the development of problem-solving assignments or projects that require PT to engage in reflection, critical thinking, imagination, and multidimensional contributions.
JEL Classification Code: I2
A Novel Corruption Index
Get PDFCorruption is a qualitative variable that cannot be calculated directly. There are different approaches and techniques used for estimating corruption levels precisely. However, many new indices have been introduced to measure corruption levels, especially in the last decade. Researchers have used perception or experience indicators, simple data sources or multiple data sources, and proxy measures to estimate corruption in the past. All measures have limitations and drawbacks. The prevalent use of perception matrices to gauge corruption, derived from primary surveys of institutions and experts, presents challenges for cross-country comparisons. Such metrics often exhibit bias, particularly within perception indices. Relying solely on either perception or experience indicators is insufficient to estimate corruption levels accurately. This study introduces a novel approach that amalgamates perception and experience indicators to measure corruption in countries, specifically focusing on Pakistan. This combined index is compared to traditional perception-based indices using a weighted aggregative methodology. The ‘Novel Corruption Index’ portrays a clearer picture of corruption than other averaged perception indices for formulating effective anti-corruption policies by the government, especially tailored for Pakistan.
JEL Classification Codes: D73, F35