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Sustainable Development Goals and Regional Security in West Africa: Critical Assessment of the Decline of ECOWAS
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Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the decline of ECOWAS as a regional security body for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) in West Africa and to provide solutions that would aid in repositioning the ECOWAS for optimal productivity.
Methodology: The paper employed qualitative research design in its study by sampling the various ECOWAS protocols, events and literatures on the subject matter. The data collection and used in the results and discussion segment focused on the period January 2014 to January 2024 covering a period of 10 years. Qualitative data were collected from existing database from journals, reports and books on the subject matter. These data were analysed descriptively to establish the relationships, patterns and trends of the variables.
Findings: The study discovered that the West African sub-region is characterized by a complex interplay of ethnic diversity, political instability, and socio-economic challenges which presents a unique environment for the implementation of SDGs and the assurance of regional security. Since inception of ECOWAS in 1975, it has played a central role in fostering economic integration and political stability among member states. However, the decline and survival of ECOWAS as a regional organization face significant challenges which threaten both the achievement of SDGs and regional security. Issues of interconnection between security and development remains inadequately addressed within the ECOWAS framework. The persistent issues of terrorism, civil conflicts, and organized crime within West Africa have severely hindered progress towards achieving SDGs. The paper assessed weak institutional capacity, internal conflicts and political stability, rising economic disparities of member states, and external influences as some key issues leading to ECOWAS decline.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The paper recommended, strengthening regional governance and institutions, resolving internal conflicts and political instability, reducing economic disparities among member states, countering external influences, and focus on sustainable development goals as way forward
The Impact of Weak Land Policies on the Escalation of Communal Conflicts in South Sudan
Get PDFPurpose: the purpose of the study is to critically explore the influence of South Sudan\u27s fragmented and inadequate land policy framework on persistent community conflicts. By evaluating structural deficiency and discrepancies within existing policies, the investigation seeks to unearth how these regulatory inadequacies contribute to contest over land resources.
Methodology: The study employed a descriptive explanatory survey research design with qualitative and quantitative methods. Employing a secondary research design, it synthesized academic literature, conflict case studies, and court documents from 2020 to 2025 to analyze how policy gaps exacerbate inter-communal violence. Key issues identified include legal pluralism, elite land grabs, returnee land disputes, environmental stress, and tensions between statutory and customary legal systems. A matrix of thematic codes derived from the examined literature served as the foundation for the data collection process, which was based on critical document analysis. In order to extract pertinent information about land policy, conflict causes, legal uncertainty, displacement, and institutional responses, documents and publications were analyzed. Ultimately, to arrive at valid conclusions findings from quantitative data were intersected with in depth qualitative data, secondary sources and case studies.
Findings: The Qualitative findings reveal the complex interplay between political patronage, institutional weaknesses, and historical grievances, while quantitative analysis indicates strong statistically significant correlations (r = 0.69 to 0.86) between these factors and conflict intensity. Notably, legal ambiguities and elite land acquisitions emerge as primary conflict drivers, especially in regions with weak enforcement and marginalized customary institutions.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that sustainable peacebuilding necessitates harmonizing legal frameworks, enhancing institutional capacity, implementing inclusive land restitution for returnees, and adopting climate resilience strategies. Recommendations for future research include longitudinal, comparative, and geospatial conflict mapping studies, as well as in-depth analyses of gender dynamics within land disputes
Impact of Organizational Culture on Risk Management Effectiveness in Multinational Corporations in India
Get PDFPurpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the impact of organizational culture on risk management effectiveness in multinational corporations in India
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Organizational culture plays a key role in risk management effectiveness in MNCs in India. A strong, adaptive culture promotes proactive risk identification and effective mitigation. Open communication and leadership commitment improve decision-making. However, cultural diversity within MNCs can challenge uniform risk management, requiring tailored approaches.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Competing values framework (CVF), organizational culture theory & risk culture framework may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of organizational culture on risk management effectiveness in multinational corporations in India. For multinational corporations, fostering an adaptive and involved organizational culture is critical to enhancing risk management effectiveness. From a policy perspective, MNCs should align their risk management policies with their organizational culture, as culture significantly influences how risk management strategies are executed across global subsidiaries
Role of Rituals in Strengthening Community Bonds in Netherlands
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the role of rituals in strengthening community bonds in Netherlands.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: In the Netherlands, rituals play a significant role in strengthening community bonds by fostering social cohesion and a shared sense of identity. Events such as Carnival serve as communal celebrations where individuals engage in collective activities, reinforcing social ties and cultural continuity. These rituals often involve role reversals and symbolic acts that allow participants to step outside their daily roles, promoting unity and mutual understanding. Such practices not only preserve cultural heritage but also adapt to contemporary contexts, ensuring their relevance and continued impact on community cohesion.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social solidarity theory, interaction ritual chains theory & costly signaling theory may be used to anchor future studies on role of rituals in strengthening community bonds in Netherlands. Community leaders and organizers should create rituals that are accessible and meaningful to all members, regardless of their backgrounds. Policymakers should fund and promote programs that encourage the preservation and adaptation of traditional rituals, as well as the creation of new ones, to strengthen community ties
Gender Disparities in Adoption of Alternative Livelihood Strategies in the Pastoral Community of West Pokot County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: Gender disparities continue to impede adoption of Alternative Livelihood Strategies (ALSs) among pastoralists in West Pokot County. After a period of concerted effort by development agencies to bridge the gender gap, information/data on the extent of the differentials remain scanty, yet, this is critical in the efforts to enhance adoption of ALSs. It is against this backdrop that this study, investigated gender disparities in adoption of ALSs in the community.
Methodology: Whereas both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were applied, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population for the study was adult household members in West Pokot County. Both multi-stage cluster and purposive sampling techniques were employed to sample respondents. Quantitative data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The analyzed data was presented in tables and charts. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data which was presented in narrative and verbatim forms.
Findings: The study revealed that majority of the pastoralists had adopted ALSs. However, there were gender disparities in the type, nature and number of ALSs adopted. Gender disparities also existed in the willingness to adopt, duration and general extent to which the ALSs had been adopted. The study, therefore, concludes that there are stack gender disparities in adoption of ALSs in the community that disadvantage the women. As a result, the pace and extent of adoption of ALSs in the community is slow and low.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study underlines that equal participation of both gender in adoption of ALSs is critical in the wellbeing of the community. This reinforces the tenets of Structural Functionalism theory and the Capacities and Vulnerabilities Assessment framework that, society is a complex system whose parts (both men and women) should work together to promote solidarity, complementarity and stability. This study provides information to the existing body of knowledge in gender and diversification of livelihoods among pastoralists. More importantly, the findings and recommendations of this study can enable development actors to develop practical gender responsive strategies that may improve adoption of ALSs
Effect of Organizational Agility on Performance of Commercial Banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: To examine the effect of organizational agility on the performance of commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya, in the context of adapting to market changes and evolving customer demands and regulatory requirements.
Methodology: The research employed a mixed-methods design that integrated both quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore the relationship between organizational agility and bank performance in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires administered to 108 branch and operational managers, focusing on variables such as organizational agility and bank performance. Additionally, qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 38 Chief Executive Officers, which facilitated an in-depth examination of strategic flexibility practices. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling, resulting in a high response rate. The data collection process adhered to ethical guidelines and included a pilot study to ensure the instruments\u27 reliability and validity. Quantitative analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to provide comprehensive insights.
Findings: The findings on organizational agility in commercial banks in Nairobi City County reveal a high level of adaptability among respondents, with quantitative data collected via eight questionnaire items demonstrating significant agreement across various aspects of agility. The statement with the highest mean score of 4.19 (SD = 0.76) emphasized the bank\u27s focus on actively seeking and valuing customer feedback, while the lowest mean of 4.03 (SD = 0.79) indicated potential improvements in decision-making speed related to organizational structure. Overall, all mean scores exceeded 4.00, confirming a strong perception of organizational agility. Additionally, a simple linear regression analysis illustrated that organizational agility significantly predicts bank performance, with an R-value of 0.681 and an R-squared value of 0.464, indicating that it explains 46.4% of the variance in performance. The unstandardized coefficient for organizational agility was 0.625 (SE = 0.049), suggesting that a one-unit increase in agility is associated with a 0.625-unit improvement in performance. Qualitative interviews with bank executives and managers further supported these findings, emphasizing that organizational agility directly translates into better financial performance and customer satisfaction, thus reinforcing the critical role of organizational agility in enhancing performance within the competitive banking environment.
Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study provides valuable insights for banking executives by highlighting the importance of organizational agility in enhancing responsiveness to market changes. Regulatory bodies can leverage these insights to formulate policies that support the adaptability and resilience of the banking sector. The findings encourage academic researchers to further explore the theoretical connections between strategic management and dynamic environments, thus contributing to the academic discourse on strategic flexibility. Key recommendations for commercial banks emphasize the need to prioritize the development of organizational agility to improve their responsiveness to market changes
Influence of Pricing Strategy on Microinsurance Uptake among Micro and Small Enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Get PDFPurpose: The study aimed to investigate influence of pricing strategy on microinsurance uptake among micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya.
Methodology: The study used a descriptive research methodology and positivist perspective. From a population of 12,429 registered MSEs in Nairobi County, a representative sample of 387 MSEs was chosen by multistage random selection. Structured questionnaires were used in data collecting; a pilot test was done to guarantee dependability and validity. SPSS version 27 let one examine quantitative data. While inferential analysis used several regression and correlation strategies to assess hypotheses at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05), descriptive statistics including means and standard deviations were computed.
Findings: Strong positive associations between microinsurance adoption and pricing techniques were found by the study (r = 0.672), notably at p < 0.01. Regression models revealed that pricing explained 45.2% of the microinsurance adoption variation. The ANOVA findings show an F-statistic of 247.449 with a p-value of 0.000 further indicating that the association between microinsurance acceptance and pricing strategy approach was statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. With an unstandardized coefficient (B) for the pricing strategy of 0.409, one unit increase in the pricing strategy resulted in 0.409 units rise in microinsurance adoption.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study therefore recommended that microinsurance providers should implement flexible pricing structures tailored to the financial realities of MSEs. This includes staggered payment plans, seasonal premium adjustments, income-based premiums, and loyalty discounts. Additionally, transparent communication of costs and benefits must accompany any pricing model to enable informed decision-making by businesses
Performance Management in Remote Work Scenario: Challenges and Strategies
Get PDFPurpose: Organizations struggling to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity may face various hurdles and problems when it comes to effective performance management in remote work environments. The research study investigated the main obstacles/challenges for managing performance remotely and looked at tactics/strategies used to improve performance management in remote work environments. The study reviewed the literature on the dynamics of remote work, theories of performance management, and the function of information technologies in supporting efficient decision-making and performance evaluation.
Methodology: A mixed research approach was used to collect data through surveys for quantitative data and interviews with managers and employees of public sector organizations for the collection of qualitative data from various sectors. The perceived influence of goal-setting frameworks, performance tracking software, training initiatives, communication tools, etc. on performance management efficacy was evaluated using quantitative surveys. Quantitative responses from 120 respondents were collected for statistical analysis. Structured interviews were conducted with 20 volunteer managers, HR professionals, organizational leaders, and remote workers to perform thematic analysis.
Findings: The results highlighted the main challenges/obstacles to remote performance management as being communication barriers, feedback methods, productivity tracking difficulties, goal-setting issues, and team cohesion. The potential solution identified as employee engagement via information systems and technology tools was determined to be extremely important besides regular virtual meetings, development & training programs, and a goal-setting framework.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study facilitated managers, HR professionals, and organizational leaders with practical advice on how to improve remote performance management, promote a healthy remote work culture, and increase output in a remote work environment. By providing useful advice and pointing out areas that require more investigation such as the long-term impacts of remote work on organizational dynamics and the function of leadership in remote performance management, this study contributed significantly to the rapidly developing field of remote work management
Relationship between Recreational Hiking and Mental Resilience in Adults in Scandinavia
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between recreational hiking and mental resilience in adults.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Recreational hiking enhances mental resilience in adults by reducing stress, boosting mood, and fostering mindfulness through exposure to nature and physical activity. It builds coping skills and self-efficacy by overcoming challenges, while group hiking strengthens social connections and emotional support. Regular hiking also improves cognitive function and reduces anxiety and depression, making it a holistic and effective way to promote mental well-being.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social learning theory, ecological systems theory & self-determination theory may be used to anchor future studies on the relationship between recreational hiking and mental resilience in adults. Health and wellness practitioners should integrate hiking into mental health interventions, particularly for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or burnout. Policymakers should prioritize funding for public parks, green spaces, and hiking trails to ensure equitable access to natural environments
Strategic Leadership and Competitive Advantage in Lusaka’s Selected Firms
No full textPurpose: In an increasingly competitive and changing world economy, organizational capacity to achieve and maintain competitive advantage is inextricably linked with the caliber of strategic leadership. This study examined the application of strategic leadership in realizing and maintaining a competitive advantage in the business environment of Zambia, based on two Lusaka-headquartered companies as case studies. The primary objective was to analyze leadership practices in selected firms and determine their role towards performance, innovation, and differentiation against a negative economic backdrop.
Methodology: The study employed a qualitative multiple-case study design to offer rich explications of practical leadership practices. Two private firms were purposively selected: Firm A, manufacturing, and Firm B, services. The firms were chosen based on their market presence and strategic interest. Data were collected through intensive semi-structured interviews with 12 participants- six from each firm-including senior leaders and mid-level managers who were directly involved in strategic planning and implementation. Secondary data obtained from internal business documents, strategic plans, and performance appraisals were also utilized for finding triangulation and contextual enrichment. Data was analysed thematically.
Findings: Thematic analysis of the findings revealed that there is a need for strategic leadership to achieve differentiation through vision-connected alignment, responsive planning, and continuous organizational learning. It was also noted that there were weak systems for leadership growth, regulatory uncertainty, and market volatility. These factors impede the optimal utilization of leadership potential and strategic outcomes. The study ends by making a suggestion to develop leadership capacity, implementation of flexible strategy models, and enhanced linkage between leadership vision and operational activities. These actions are required by companies eager to navigate their path through the intricate business environment of Zambia and sustaining long-term competitive advantage