Purpose: This study investigates the effectiveness of microfinance-backed entrepreneurship as a mechanism for the holistic empowerment of women.Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a mixed-method research-design consisting of quasi-experimental design (quantitative approach) involving women, both entrepreneurs (132) and non-entrepreneurs (238), as well as in-depth semi-structured interviews (qualitative approach).Findings: Quantitative analysis revealed that female entrepreneurs are better off than female non-entrepreneurs in terms of economic, social, political and psychological indicators of empowerment. However, relatively lesser impact was found in terms of political, and to an even smaller extent, social empowerment of women. Analysis of in-depth interviews corroborated these findings confirming that entrepreneurship serves as an effective tool for the holistic empowerment of women. However, non-entrepreneurs also exhibit social empowerment.Research limitations/implications: Given the restricted geographical ambit of the study, prudence ought to be exercised in drawing inferences applied to alternate contexts. That the vast majority of questionnaire respondents are illiterate presented a notable impediment in the process of collection of accurate responses.Practical implications: Microfinance intervention ought to be specifically directed to cultivating entrepreneurship among women; in particular, to achieve the full benefits of empowerment, women availing microfinance ought to exert full control over their own business ventures.Originality/value: In analyzing holistic empowerment through microfinance supported businesses set up by women, the study adds to the existing literature on women entrepreneurship and empowerment.

This study investigates the differing trajectories of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions decoupling in the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 1990 to 2023. Using the Decoupling Consistency Index (DCI) in conjunction with the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition, we analyze the contributions of CO₂, energy intensity, economic growth, and population to emissions changes across distinct periods. The results reveal that the EU has achieved absolute decoupling, driven by sustained reductions in energy and CO₂ that outweigh economic growth pressures. In contrast, the GCC exhibits partial decoupling, with efficiency gains often offset by rapid economic expansion and population growth. Notably, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have made significant progress toward emissions reductions through accelerated renewable investments and energy reforms. At the same time, other GCC countries face challenges from fossil-fuel dependency. The study highlights the importance of tailored, region-specific climate policies and structural reforms to advance sustainable decarbonization. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers aiming to balance economic growth with environmental objectives in fossil-fuel-rich and transition economies.

Purpose: This research aims to examine how health consciousness, social identity, self-identity, trust and willingness to pay premium impact individuals’ intention to make green purchases, which in turn influences organic purchasing behavior. Additionally, the study tried to examine the moderating effect of willingness to pay premium.Design/methodology/approach: Utilizing a purposive sampling approach, a questionnaire survey was used to gather information from 452 customers in India. The conceptual model was assessed, and the research hypotheses were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling.Findings: The results of this study showed that the intention to make green purchases is strongly influenced by consumers health consciousness, social identity and trust. However, self-identity did not influence consumers green purchase intention. Furthermore, the moderating effect of willingness to pay premium was significant, except for self-identity, in the relationship of health consciousness, willingness to pay premium social identity and trust with green purchase intention.Practical implications: The research will help producers and marketers refine food and marketing tactics to promote a favorable perception of organic food products.Originality/value: This study is pioneering in (1) investigating the moderating impact of willingness to pay premium (WLPP) in the relationship of health consciousness, social identity, self-identity and trust with green purchase intention and (2) investigating the influence of consumer identities on green purchase intention in the Indian context.

Purpose: This study aims to identify the factors influencing blockchain adoption and assess its impact on the financial and market performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Oman, utilizing the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. Design/methodology/approach: The nature of the study is explanatory based on data gathered from 282 SME owners and managers/employees using a convenience sampling method. After examining construct validity and reliability, Partial Least Squares with Structural Equation Modelling was used to examine the proposed model of the study. Findings: The results indicate that all the determinants, including Cost Concerns, Top Management Support, Relative Advantage, Technology Compatibility, Security Concerns and Technological Readiness are significant load-on drivers for blockchain adoption. However, Government Policy and Vendor Support were deemed insignificant contributors to blockchain adoption. Moreover, the adoption of blockchain has a favourable effect on both financial as well as market performance. Practical implications: The study finds that there is a great possibility of blockchain technology transforming SMEs in Oman by boosting data security, transparency and efficiency of processes. This supports Vision 2040 for Oman towards advancing technology, economic development and job creation. Managers and policy makers should, therefore, encourage the adoption of this innovation. Originality/value: The study highlights the importance of blockchain technology in small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Oman, in line with the national authorities' economic development plans in Vision 2040. The findings of the study will add significantly to the existing body of knowledge by providing a holistic understanding of the determinants of blockchain adoption in SMEs from the perspective of the TOE framework and its influence on performance.

Purpose: This paper aims to examine employee perceptions of the labor market in the employee turnover intention model and explores how different situations outside work (labor market conditions) play a role in employee-organizational membership. In addition, it also examines the mediating role of commitment in the relationship between stress and the turnover model. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 628 private school teachers working in the economically depressed state of J&K (India), which were randomly selected. Confirmatory factor analysis was used for validation of a scale. Structural equation modeling and PROCESS by Hayes was used to test the hypothesized relationships between the study variables. Findings: The antecedents of occupational stressors contribute negatively toward employees’ psychological state resulting in undesirable employee-organizational relationships such as high turnover intentions and low organizational commitment. Nevertheless, lack of external job opportunities compels employees to maintain organizational membership, even though against the stressful working environment. Research limitations/implications: This study while acknowledging the inherent limitations, questionnaires are susceptible to and single sectional nature of the study poses limitations. Practical implications: The practical implication explains that the employee and organization relationship is governed more by external economic conditions than by the psychological feelings of the employees toward the organization (organizational commitment). As also, the moral system of employees, as well as their feelings toward the noble profession makes them feel morally exalted and this binds them to the membership of the organization. Originality/value: This study mainly focuses on, to understand if and how the conditions of the labor market relate to the employees’ attitudes. This would enable us to gain more insights to the systematic relations of employees’ attitudinal variables such as occupational stress, organizational commitment and employee turnover intentions.