Browsing by Author "Sulaiman R"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    Corporate social responsibility among service sector SMEs in Vietnam: exploring the influence of national context
    (Springer Nature B V, 2025-04-28) Nguyen M; Khan M; Bensemann J; Sulaiman R
    This study explores how the national context influences corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam’s service sector. Drawing on a multiple case study approach, our study involves 21 in-depth interviews with 17 owner-managers from 13 SMEs. On the one hand, our finding suggest that CSR convergence is primarily driven by three institutional factors: religious and spiritual beliefs, political governance, and socio-economic development. CSR divergence, on the other hand, originates from the interplay between national contextual factors and the organizational environments in which SMEs function, examined through the framework of institutional entrepreneurship. By addressing gaps in previous research—particularly the overlooked role of contextual dynamics in CSR differences among SMEs—this study enhances our understanding by demonstrating how isomorphic pressures and relational mechanisms work together. The study recommends that the government should develop national CSR guidelines and standards, improve monitoring systems, and streamline regulations and standards into a format that is comprehensible to local owner-managers.
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    The unseen in the glass ceilings: examining women’s career advancement in higher education institutions through a multi-level institutional lens
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-04-25) Khan M; Sulaiman R; Nazir O; Khan S; Awan S
    As women’s presence in higher education grows, their limited representation in academic leadership roles remains a critical concern. This study investigates the complex institutional barriers hindering women’s advancement into leadership positions. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 37 women in academia, our analysis reveals multifaceted challenges rooted in institutional, organisational, and individual factors. Institutionally, cultural and societal norms, including those influenced by religious traditions, profoundly influence gender dynamics within specific contexts. Organizational factors, such as a predominantly male workforce and entrenched practices, pose significant obstacles to women’s career progression in academic institutions. At a personal level, we introduce the concept of internalisation of subjugation, which captures women academics’ tendency to adopt more masculine practices, echoing observations from traditional leadership models. This research offers valuable insights into the nuanced barriers constraining women’s path to academic leadership. A comprehensive understanding of these challenges is essential for developing targeted strategies and policies to promote gender equality and inclusivity in higher education institutions.