UNIMAS Journal (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak)
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MOTIVATION FOR OVERSEAS TRAINING AMONG CHINA UNIVERSITY TEACHERS' - A SDT MODEL ANALYSIS
Full text linkThe Belt and Road Initiative has presented both opportunities and challenges for China and countries along its route. Despite policy efforts aimed at promoting international development by government and university, there remains a lack of enthusiasm among Chinese university teachers for participation in internationalisation efforts. The phenomenon of weak response is aimed at uncovering the expectations and key factors that influence a teacher's decision to join overseas programmes, as well as determining the actual impact of cross-cultural training on teachers. Based on the self-determination theory, this thesis uses qualitative research to investigate the motivations of international training on academics at the higher education in China. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 27 university teachers who have received or are undergoing overseas training to reinforce the impact of cross-cultural training on their professional growth. Competence, autonomy, relatedness, and satisfaction shape motivation within a supportive environment that meets expectancy and basic psychological needs, in line with expectancy-value theory and self-determination theory principles. This study also hopes to provide a reference for talent training in other universities and point out the direction for further studies by future researchers
EXPLORING ANTECEDENTS’ MODERATING AND MEDIATING EFFECTS ON THE PATHWAY FROM USERS’ INTRINSIC MOTIVATIONS TO VALUE CO-CREATION BEHAVIORS IN MOBILE BANKING SERVICE
Full text linkThe objective of this research is to investigate the effect of customers’ intrinsic motivations (CIM) on customer engagement and value co-creation behaviors (CVCB) within the Chinese mobile banking (M-banking) context. Grounded in Stimulus-Organism-Response theory, Service-Dominant Logic, and Self-Determination Theory, this study aims to assess the mediating role of customer engagement in the relationship between CIM and CVCB. Additionally, by incorporating Generational Theory, the research seeks to determine whether these relationships vary among different generational cohorts of Chinese M-banking users. Survey data were collected from a total of 680 Chinese M-banking users from 29 provinces and regions in China. This research utilized structural equation modeling and path analysis approaches to examine the proposed research framework. The study findings revealed that Chinese M-banking users’ CIM had positive impacts on customer engagement and CVCB, although CIM did not exerted significant direct effect on CVCB, it did indirectly influence CVCB via customer engagement, which validated customer engagement’s mediation effect on the relationship between CIM and CVCB. Moreover, study results revealed that generational differences’ moderation effect was only significant on the relationship between customer engagement and CVCB. The research finding offered added evidence that extends the knowledge from prevailing research regarding CVCB in Chinese M-banking settings, which has been untapped in marketing literature. This research provides practical insights for Chinese banks and policymakers to enhance customer engagement and CVCB in M-banking. Since intrinsic motivation drives user participation, banks should design services that foster autonomy, competence, and relatedness. As generational differences further influence engagement, policymakers should consider ensuring M-banking remain inclusive by offering customized strategies such as simplified interfaces for senior customers and interactive features for younger users. By aligning M-banking services with intrinsic motivation and generational needs, financial institutions can increase customer contentment, trustworthiness, and long-term engagement, strengthening service effectiveness in China’s digital banking sector
AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF BANKS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC: UNRAVELING THE NEXUS BETWEEN ESG, PROFITABILITY, AND STABILITY
Full text linkBanks' ESG issues are gaining traction and public attention following the Paris Agreement 2015. As a result, many researchers are currently examining the influence of ESG pillar practices on banks' financial performance and stability. However, these results seem far from conclusive. Therefore, continuous studies need to be carried out. The objective of this research is to investigate the impact of ESG initiatives implemented by banks on their profitability (ROA, ROE, and Tobin's Q) and financial stability (Z-Score(CAR) and Z-Score(EQTA)). Using a set of unbalanced panel data of 178 commercial banks from 12 countries in the Asia Pacific region, spanning from 2013 to 2022, this study performs panel regression analysis to explore the ESG and bank profitability and bank stability links. Our research findings support stakeholder theory and the resource-based view (RBV) as explanatory frameworks for connecting ESG pillars and bank profitability and financial stability. These include banks' environmental, social, and governance measures enhancing profitability and stability. The results are robust across different models and settings (e.g., ESG pillars vs. dimensions, different financial performance and financial stability proxies, and lagged ESG pillars and dimensions in the model)
Exploring thriving at work: a systematic literature review and future research directions
Full text linkThis systematic literature review provides a comprehensive examination of thriving at work, a construct characterized by its dual dimensions of vitality and learning, which signify employees’ psychological well-being and capacity for growth. Synthesizing research from the past 15 years, it identifies individual-level antecedents like emotional intelligence, job crafting, and resilience, while organizational factors such as leadership style, support systems, and work environments also play critical roles. The review demonstrates that thriving enhances individual outcomes, such as job performance, well-being, and innovation, while bolstering organizational effectiveness through adaptability and team cohesion. Drawing on theoretical frameworks like the socially embedded model of thriving, self-determination theory, this study proposes a robust framework for understanding thriving at work. It identifies critical research gaps, such as the need for cross-cultural and longitudinal studies, as well as investigations into digital work settings, offering actionable insights for fostering thriving through inclusive leadership and supportive organizational practices
UTAUT MODEL THE ADOPTION OF AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE UTAUT MODEL AND BEHAVIORAL INTENTION
No full textThe purpose of this study is to examine the adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies in the context of the Unified Technology Acceptance and Use Model and behavioral intention. The research aims to assess medical students' perceptions of AR and VR technologies, focusing on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. AR and VR are considered to have significant potential in mitigating the negative effects of the pandemic. The population of the study consists of students studying at medical faculties in Turkey. As a result of the tests, it was determined that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating situations and hedonic motivation have a positive effect on attitude. However, it was determined as a result of the analysis that social influence and habit did not have any effect on attitude. On the other hand, it was also determined that attitude has a positive effect on behavioral intention
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OPEN INNOVATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIAN PUBLIC SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Full text linkWhile confronting a multitude of internal and external challenges, public service organizations are consistently subjected to greater expectation and public scrutiny to perform. As such, previous studies have suggested that innovation could play important roles in enhancing the performance of public service organizations, especially by leveraging external resources and capabilities through open innovation. Despite the promise of how advantageous open innovation is, there is conflicting evidence of its impact on organizational performance. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between open innovation and organizational performance in the context of public service organizations. Through a survey questionnaire collected from 112 out of 155 local authorities in Malaysia, quantitative data were analyzed using PLS-SEM in the SmartPLS 4 software to test hypotheses of this study. The results suggest that while open innovation has a significant positive effect on organizational performance, the relationship was not moderated by the type of innovation. The findings of this study provide some new insights into the impact of open innovation on organizational performance, particularly in the public sector. Nevertheless, it is recommended for future research to investigate the specific impacts of different open innovation activities or types on performance in a more diverse context
BALANCING SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION: EXPLORING THE INTERVENTION OF STRATEGIC AMBIDEXTERITY IN PROCESS INNOVATION
Full text linkAccomplishing sustainable performance notwithstanding an inexorably uncertain environment has become both a basic test and a convincing objective inside the domain of contemporary business. Even with rising uncertainty, accomplishing sustainable performance has arisen as a foremost test and a convincing objective in contemporary business. The study aims to address the imperative set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) by exploring the mediation role of strategic ambidexterity in the relationship between intellectual capital dimensions (Structural Capital, Relational Capital, Human Capital, Social Capital) and sustainable performance within businesses. Given the increasing global challenges, particularly the call for sustainability, this research investigates the intricate connections among these variables. Employing quantitative methods and Smart PLS, the study conducted an online survey distributed to managers of selected hotels, yielding 385 workable responses out of 500. The results reveal a positive correlation among the variables of interest, confirming the acceptance of all hypotheses. In conclusion, the findings suggest that hotels strategically leveraging their intellectual capital for innovative exploration and exploitation processes exhibit enhanced capabilities to attain sustainable performance, aligning with the broader goals of global sustainability. The managers could benefit from the implementation of putting resources into the turn of maintenance of a very capable workforce, supporting social ties inside and outside the association. Furthermore, executing situation arranging and possibility techniques empower fast arrangement, adding to sustained performance
Thermal, Structural and Biodegradability Properties of Bio-Based Kenaf/PMMA Composites Reinforced with Chitosan
Full text linkThis study investigates the incorporation of chitosan into kenaf/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) hybrid composites to enhance thermal, physical, and biodegradability properties. Kenaf fibers were alkali-treated, ground, and mixed with PMMA, while chitosan was incorporated at 10 g and 20 g concentrations in PMMA. The composites were fabricated via hot pressing method and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), water absorption and soil burial analyses. FTIR spectra revealed intensified –OH and –NH stretching peaks (~3351 cm⁻¹), indicating strong hydrogen bonding and compatibility between chitosan and the PMMA matrix. SEM micrographs showed improved fiber–matrix adhesion with reduced void formation in the 20 g chitosan composite. TGA results demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, with char residue increasing from 1.43% (0 g chitosan) to 2.07% (20 g chitosan) and degradation temperatures shifting toward higher ranges. Water absorption tests showed a reduction of up to 28% in moisture uptake in chitosan-modified samples compared to the control. Soil burial analysis confirmed improved biodegradability, with weight loss increasing by nearly 35% after 30 days for the highest chitosan-loaded sample. EDX analysis further confirmed successful chitosan incorporation with increased oxygen and carbon elemental signals. Overall, chitosan significantly improved the interfacial bonding, thermal stability, durability, and environmental responsiveness of the kenaf/PMMA hybrid composites, making them viable candidates for sustainable applications such as biodegradable panels and green furniture
DIGITAL FINANCE TOOLS AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN MALAYSIA: AN ANALYSIS BASED ON SURVEY DATA
Full text linkDigital finance has become a transformative force in the financial services sector, driving innovation and promoting global financial inclusion. Financial inclusion refers to providing affordable and appropriate financial services, which are essential for economic growth, poverty reduction, and social equality. In Malaysia, limited empirical evidence exists on how digital finance tools influence financial inclusion. This study aims to examine the relationship between digital financial tools, specifically mobile banking, internet banking, and e-wallets, with financial inclusion across diverse demographic groups in Malaysia. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 211 randomly selected respondents representing various age groups, income levels, education backgrounds, and both urban and rural areas. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms and analyzed using SPSS. Findings indicate that digital finance tools significantly contribute to financial inclusion in Malaysia. These insights are valuable for policymakers, financial institutions, and technology providers seeking to enhance inclusion through digital solutions. The study also highlights challenges and opportunities in promoting adoption across different societal segments. Future research should explore emerging financial technologies and strategies to bridge digital divides within diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts
Comparative Analysis of Electric Vehicle Purchase Behavior Across Generations X, Y, and Z: The Mediating Role of Environmental Concern
Full text linkThis research examines the differences in electric vehicle purchasing behavior between Generations X, Y, and Z, focusing mostly on how environmental concern mediates such discrepancies. The current global concerns towards sustainable means of transportation prompt this study to look into how each generation views these types of cars before using its attitude as a predictor for purchase choices. In a descriptive-correlational study involving 740 respondents from the Philippines, it is established that the key feature influencing decision making by different age groups is a combination of environmental awareness and financial resources. As for the generations of millennials – X and Y in particular – they have been attached to sustainability especially with issues of social responsibility while Generation Z underlines on innovation plus technology. This research paper stresses on why targeted marketing and EV infrastructure growth should be used to promote age-unbiased adoption of these cars and offers insights for policy makers as well as corporate organizations aiming at increasing sustainable auto transportation usage. The proposed implications propose tailored strategies aimed at addressing the unique incentives and barriers to the adoption of renewable energy sources which results in more sustainable future for society and should be adopted by generation-based cohorts.