Financial statements comprise of insightful statistics about likely risk and the return associations of many decisions and have significant role in firms’ success, particularly for SMEs. Thus, through a sample of 94 Pakistani small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this study inspects the influences that could have impact on firms’ practice of the financial statements in making significant financial decisions. Principle component analysis finds key factors which define use of financial statements containing; experience, knowledge and ability. Logit analysis then discloses that these variables have significant association with whether Pakistani SME owners use financial statements while making business decisions. Findings indicates that the owners of Pakistani SMEs practice financial statements in decision making rendering to their knowledge about financial statements, experience and finally their ability to interpret figures confined in financial statements. Outcomes should be valuable for SME owners, educators, and the service providers.

Agro-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are currently receiving top priority among policymakers of?the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations? due to their great contribution to employment and GDP growth. This ...

This study examines the relationship between CO₂ emissions, labor force participation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and trade openness on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Saudi Arabia, within the context of Vision 2030’s economic reforms. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, reduce oil dependency, and promote sustainable growth, making it crucial to understand the factors influencing inflation and economic stability. Using annual data from 2001 to 2022 and the nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) bounds testing approach, the study analyzes both short- and long-term effects. The findings reveal that higher CO₂ emissions have a deflationary effect, reducing the CPI in both the short and long term, while FDI shows an inflationary impact with a delayed effect. Labor force expansion contributes to lowering the CPI, reflecting its deflationary pressure, especially over the long term. Trade openness is also examined for its dual effects on CPI, In the short run, both positive and negative trade openness reduce consumer prices, while in the long run, positive trade openness increases inflation, and negative trade openness lowers prices. This shows the differing inflationary impacts of trade openness over time. These findings contribute to the policy discourse on balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and inflation management, offering strategic insights for policymakers in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.

Purpose- This paper investigates how financial inclusion impacts sustainable development in Pakistan, with financial literacy and social capital as mediators. The purpose is to explore whether these factors are connected and what this link means for more inclusive and sustainable growth. Study Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research design was adopted, which was based on data gathered through a structured questionnaire survey of 488 banking customers in Pakistan. Data were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) using PLS4-SEM software to assess the direct and indirect relationships between financial inclusion, social capital, financial literacy, and sustainable development. Findings- The findings suggest that financial inclusion positively and significantly impacts sustainable development. Financial literacy and social capital are demonstrated to play a mediating role in enhancing the pathway between financial inclusion and sustainable development. The findings show that increased financial inclusion improves financial literacy and social capital, hence promoting better economic, social, and environmental sustainability outcomes. Research limitations/implications – This study adds to the insights of the policymakers and financial institutions that help achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Its major implication for policymakers and financial institutions in Pakistan is that strategies that will lead towards enhancing access to banking services, promoting more financial literacy initiatives, and developing social cohesion are essential drivers of inclusive and sustainable development in Pakistan. Research Practical Implications- The study advocates for corporate governance reforms and policy interventions to prioritize human talent capital investments. Financial strategies such as maintaining liquidity and managing leverage are recommended to stabilize firm volatility. Originality/value- This research contributes to the existing literature by providing a detailed analysis of the synergistic relationship between financial inclusion, social capital, and financial literacy in the context of sustainable development. It offers a robust empirical framework for addressing development challenges in emerging economies, focusing on actionable strategies for achieving SDGs.

Purpose-This research investigates the impact of work-life balance on employee productivity, with a specific focus on female employees in the banking sector of Pakistan. The inclusion of the moderating role of leadership traits adds depth to the study by explaining how individual characteristics influence this relationship. Design/methodology/approach- Data were procured from a cohort of 200 female employees actively engaged in employment within the banking industry of Pakistan, employing a self-administered questionnaire as the data acquisition instrument. Subsequent data analysis was executed employing statistical software, SPSS, complemented by the utilization of the PROCESS macro. Findings- The research findings reveal a statistically significant correlation between work-life balance and employee productivity. Furthermore, the study discerns that an individual's leadership attributes function as a pivotal moderating determinant in the association between work-life balance and employee productivity. Originality/Value- This study explains the equilibrium between the personal and professional dimensions of female employees working within the banking sector, elucidating its influence on employee performance. Additionally, the investigation delves into the moderating influence exerted by leadership traits. Practical Implications- This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, supporting evidence-based strategies for gender equality, work-life integration, and employee well-being. It also highlights the benefits of work-life balance practices adopted by individuals and organizations and contributes empirical understanding of the relationship between leadership traits, work-life balance, and employee productivity.