Cushion hypothesis and credit risk: Islamic versus conventional banks from the MENA region.

Conventional banks are 'indirectly' allowed to take more risk under the shadow of sovereign guarantees. Banks commit moral hazards as any major banking crisis will be 'cushioned' by deposit insurance and bailed out using the taxpayer's money. This study offers an alternative explanation for the determinants of banks' credit risk, particularly those from the Islamic regions. Although conventional banks and Islamic banks may share state and social cushioning systems, Islamic banks are strictly prohibited by moral and religious principles from gambling with depositors' funds, even if there is a cushion available to bail them out. However, banks belonging to collective societies, such as those in the MENA area, may be inclined to take more risks due to the perception of having a larger safety net to protect them in the event of failure. We analyse these theoretical intersections by utilising a dataset consisting of 320 banks from 20 countries, covering the time span from 2006 to 2021. Our analysis employs a combination of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Fixed Effects (FE), and 2-step System-GMM methodologies. Our analysis reveals that Islamic banks are less exposed to credit risk compared to conventional banks. We contend that the stricter ethical and moral ground and multi-layer monitoring system amid protracted geopolitical and post-pandemic crises impacting Islamic countries contribute to the lower credit risk. We examine the consequences for credit and liquidity management in Islamic banks and the risk management strategies employed by Islamic banks, which can serve as a valuable reference for other banks.

Measurement of efficiency and its drivers in the Chilean banking industry.

This paper estimates efficiency measures for the banking system in Chile for the period 2000-2019. In contrast to previous studies, we use input-distance functions, introduce the nonparametric slack-based model, and choose the intermediate inputs approach in determining inputs and outputs. Our results suggest that the Chilean system has achieved relatively high levels of efficiency, although with no significant variation over the sample period. Ownership (government, foreign and public) and size had a positive impact on efficiency. On average, mergers and acquisitions seem to have targeted highly efficient banks in order to improve the overall efficiency of the controlling institution in the short run. Other sources of efficiency gains could be an increase in bond funding or a reduction in expenses and capital holdings. The latter could be induced by deepening the local derivatives market.

The CSR perspective: Interplay of technological innovation, ethical leadership and government regulations for sustainable financial performance.

The financial performance of Chinese public and private sector banks is changing over time. There is no stability in the financial performance of Chinese banks which hurts businesses and the market. The purpose of current research was to determine the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on driving the sustainable financial performance of Chinese banks. From methodological perspective, data was collected from 329 banking sector employees from China to partial least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) is employed for data analysis. The research used SPSS 24 and Smart PLS 4 as statistical analysis tools. This research confirmed that achieving sustainability in financial performance for Chinese banks can be achieved with CSR influenced by technological innovation, ethical leadership, and government regulations. This research has statistically confirmed that transformational leadership leading to CSR with technological innovation, ethical leadership, and government regulations can make significant improvements in financial performance. The framework developed by current research is a novel contribution to the literature. The findings of this research improve the literature on the banking sector and advanced performance. Furthermore, this research has highlighted significant ways that can help the banking sector employees to improve their financial performance with sustainability.

Systemic risk spillover between the stock market and banking deposits: Evidence from a sustainability perspective in the South Asian countries.

This research explores the link between stock markets and banking deposits in South Asian (Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal) countries. This study empirically examines the systemic risk potential of financial institutions in South Asia using current systemic risk statistics. Yearly data on stock prices and banking deposits from January 2000 to December 2020 were analyzed using a two-stage process. In the first phase, we measure VaR (value at risk), and in the second step, we measure the DCC GARCH model for our empirical analysis. The study findings reveal systemic risk spillover between the stock markets of South Asian countries and the relevant country's banking system deposits. The policymakers can use our study findings to create a more sustainable financial sector.

Prediction of robo-advisory acceptance in banking services using tree-based algorithms.

The banking sector is increasingly recognising the need to implement robo-advisory. The introduction of this service may lead to increased efficiency of banks, improved quality of customer service, and a strengthened image of banks as innovative institutions. Robo-advisory uses data relating to customers, their behaviors and preferences obtained by banks from various communication channels. In the research carried out in the work, an attempt was made to obtain an answer to the question whether the data collected by banks can also be used to determine the degree of consumer interest in this type of service. This is important because the identification of customers interested in the service will allow banks to direct a properly prepared message to a selected group of addressees, increasing the effectiveness of their promotional activities. The aim of the article is to construct and examine the effectiveness of predictive models of consumer acceptance of robo-advisory services provided by banks. Based on the authors' survey on the use of artificial intelligence technology in the banking sector in Poland, in this article we construct tree-based models to predict customers' attitudes towards using robo-advisory in banking services using, as predictors, their socio-demographic characteristics, behaviours and attitudes towards modern digital technologies, experience in using banking services, as well as trust towards banks. In our study, we use selected machine learning algorithms, including a decision tree and several tree-based ensemble models. We showed that constructed models allow to effectively predict consumer acceptance of robo-advisory services.

The impact of digital financial inclusion on bank performance: An exploration of mechanisms of action and heterogeneity.

The use of digital technology by banks and other financial institutions to facilitate financial inclusion is referred to as digital financial inclusion. This fusion of digital finance and traditional banking methods has the potential to impact banks' operational effectiveness. This study uses the panel effects model to examine the link between digital financial inclusion and bank performance in 30 Chinese provinces from 2012 to 2021. This research uses kernel density estimation to examine the spatial-temporal growth patterns of both variables. The mediator variable in examining how digital financial inclusion affects bank performance is risk-taking. Finally, the paper analyses the regional heterogeneity of the impact. It presents the following conclusions: (1) In China, digital financial inclusion and bank performance have constantly increased, with noticeable regional variances in their development levels. This regional inequality has widened gradually since 2018, yet it has not resulted in polarization. (2) The significant positive correlation between digital inclusive finance and banking performance indicates that banking performance tends to increase with the enhancement of digital inclusive finance. (3) Digital financial inclusion impacts bank performance, with risk-taking as a moderator. The spread of digital financial inclusion services enhances banks' willingness to take risks, enhancing overall efficiency. (4) Digital financial inclusion boosts bank performance in the Northwest, South, North, and East regions while lightly inhibiting it in the Central region. Based on the findings, this study makes bank and government suggestions.

The mediating role of stakeholders on green banking practices and bank's performance: The case of a developing nation.

The banking sector serves as a nudge between increased financial investments and reduced environmental impacts in the modern era of sustainability thus, integrating the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. This paper aims to explore the practices and ongoing activities on account of sustainable banking which is being practised in the Pakistani Banking Sector. A mixed methods approach using a survey with a sample size of (n = 250) and in-depth interviews of (n = 25) provides significant evidence for the research. SmartPLS4.0 was used for hypotheses testing and to ascertain the path coefficient association within the constructs. This research fills the gap in existing literature by testing and implying the mediating role of Stakeholders' Influence on the relationship between Green Banking Practices and the Bank's Performance. The results of the quantitative analysis show a positive association between variables, highlighting the role of stakeholders and their need to partake efficiently, in the countrywide execution of green banking. The qualitative analysis portrays that; green banking is currently the partial focus of the banking sector in the developing economy of Pakistan whereas, approaches like financing green projects, investments in renewable energy, in-house greening of the banking sector, and provision of easy lending facilities to encourage and support environmental initiatives are some commonly practised accomplishments of the banking sector.

Computer vision syndrome and ergonomic risk factors among workers of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: an institutional-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is the most pressing public health concern that affects vision and reduces quality of life and productivity, particularly in developing countries. Most of the previous studies conducted in Ethiopia focus on the knowledge and personal risk factors of bank workers. Moreover, ergonomic workstation design was not objectively assessed, which could hinder the implementation of effective intervention strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to determine CVS and ergonomic factors among commercial bank workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 466 study participants from May 26 to July 24, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. Data were collected via a standardized tool of CVS (CVS-Q). Besides, workstation ergonomics were pertinently assessed. The collected data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for data analysis and cleaning. Multivariable logistics regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with CVS. The variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant factors. Results: Prevalence of CVS was 75.3% (95% CI: 71.2-79.2%). Blurred vision, eye redness, and headache, 59.8%, 53.7%, and 50.7%, respectively, were frequently reported symptoms. Glare (AOR = 4.45: 95% CI: 2.45-8.08), 20-20-20 principle (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.06-3.67), wearing non-prescription eyeglasses (AOR = 4.17; 95% CI: 1.92-9.06), and poor workstation (AOR = 7.39; 95% CI: 4.05-13.49) was significantly associated with CVS. Conclusion: The prevalence of CVS was found to be high. Glare at work, ignoring the 20-20-20 principle, wearing non-prescription eyeglasses, and poor workstation ergonomic design were independent predictors of CVS. Therefore, comprehensive interventional activities like adhering to the 20-20-20 principle, avoiding the use of non-prescription glasses, minimizing glare, and improving workstation ergonomic setup are essential to prevent CVS.

Uncertainty in banking and debt financing of firms in Vietnam.

This study explores the effects of banking uncertainty on firms' debt financing. Employing data from 2007 to 2022 of Vietnam-a bank-based economy, we document that banking uncertainty negatively impacts corporate debt. The impact firmly holds across various debt maturities and sources, with the most predominant driver witnessed in bank debt. We also investigate the potential underlying mechanism linking banking uncertainty to debt financing, thereby validating the working of three crucial channels, including increased costs of debt, substitution of trade credit, and contractions in firm investment. Furthermore, conducting extended analysis, we find that debt financing exhibits more pronounced reactions to banking uncertainty for firms with closer ties to banks or during macroeconomic shocks, as captured by the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings survive after robustness checks by alternative measurement, static and dynamic econometric models, and endogeneity controls.

Factores de riesgo psicosocial y molestias musculoesqueléticas en cajeros bancarios de una empresa bancaria en Lima - Perú / Psychosocial risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort among tellers at a banking company in Lima, Peru

Objetivo: Determinar si la presencia de molestias musculoesqueléticas y el nivel de riesgo psicosocial se hallan relacionados en cajeros de una empresa bancaria en la ciudad de Lima. Métodos: Diseño metodológico de tipo transversal y descriptivo. Se analizó una muestra de 234 trabajadores. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el Cuestionario de Riesgos Psicosociales en el Trabajo SUSESO - ISTAS 21 VERSIÓN BREVE, una adaptación del Cuestionario Nórdico de Molestias Musculoesqueléticas y una ficha de datos sociodemográficos. Se aplicaron los instrumentos de valoración entre los meses septiembre y noviembre del año 2018. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi Cuadrado para analizar la relación entre las variables principales del estudio. Resultados: Las dimensiones de factores psicosociales con más prevalencia de riesgo alto fueron “Exigencias psicológicas” (50.1%) y “Doble presencia” (49.1%). Las molestias musculoesqueléticas más frecuentes fueron las reportadas en el cuello (75.9%) y en la zona dorsolumbar (75.0%). Se observó relación entre el nivel de riesgo psicosocial en la dimensión “Compensaciones” y cantidad de regiones corporales afectadas por molestias musculoesqueléticas en los cajeros bancarios (p<0.05). Conclusiones: Existe relación entre el nivel de riesgo psicosocial en la dimensión de “Compensaciones” y la cantidad de regiones corporales con reporte de molestias musculoesqueléticas. Se recomienda propiciar factores psicosociales protectores para evitar las molestias musculoesqueléticas en los cajeros bancarios (AU)

Objective: We examined associations between psychosocial risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort among tellers at a bank Lima, Peru. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 234 workers. The instruments used were the Questionnaire of Psychosocial Risks at Work SUSESO - ISTAS 21 Short Version, an adaptation of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and a sociodemographic data sheet. These two questionnaires were administered between September and November 2018. We analyzed associations between the two main study variables with chi-square tests. Results: The most prevalent psychosocial factor dimensions were “psychological demands “ (50.1%) and “double presence” (49.1%). The most frequent musculoskeletal discomfort were in the neck (75.9%) and thoracolumbar (75%) areas. We observed an association between the level of psychosocial risk in the “compensation” dimension and the number of body regions affected by musculoskeletal discomfort (p<0.05). Conclusions: There is a relationship between the level of psychosocial risk in the “compensation” dimension and the number of body regions with reported musculoskeletal discomfort. We recommend implementing psychosocial risk factor preventive measures to avoid musculoskeletal discomfort in bank tellers (AU)

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among bank workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND@#Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are dramatically increased in the world due to the advancement of technology and competitiveness of markets. There were limited studies carried out regarding WMSDs among bank workers in Africa particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among bank workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.@*METHODS@#Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed in the study. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select 838 bank workers from 62 banks in Addis Ababa. Self-administered standard Nordic questionnaires were used as well. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with WMSDs. Moreover adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value < 0.05 was used to show the strength of association between explanatory variables and dependent variable.@*RESULTS@#Out of 838 total numbers of participants, 755 bank workers returned their questionnaires responding with a rate of 90%. Of these, 77.6% (N = 586) suffered WMSDs with a 95% CI [75-81%]. Based on the final multivariate logistic regression analysis being female [AOR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.91-4.65], sitting back in a twisted position [AOR = 3.59, 95% CI 2.13-6.08], sitting back bent [AOR = 4.06, 95% CI 2.48-6.66], work on fixed position [AOR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.17-2.71], no work time break [AOR = 3.33, 95% CI 1.44-7.71], type of chairs [AOR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.19-5.75] and job stress [AOR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.19-4.54] were factors significantly associated with WMSDs.@*CONCLUSION@#From the study's findings, the magnitude of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among bank workers was high. Being female, awkward posture, no work time break, fixed position, type of chairs, and job stress are the factors significantly associated with WMSDs. So bank workers should use proper types of chairs, practice proper work posture, increase healthy working conditions, and create awareness programs on how to maintain beneficial health conditions which may lead to increased leisure time.

How age affects the relation between personality facets and work values of business and private bankers / Cómo afecta la edad a la relación entre las facetas de personalidad y los valores del trabajo de empleados de banca comercial y privada

Personality traits and work values are important characteristics in personnel selection. Studies on their associations show limited agreement. In order to clarify, this paper investigates their association on a personality facet level. Work values are differentiated in intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This paper adds the role of age to the association. Earlier studies on traits and values about the influence of age on their development and associations are reviewed. Then the moderating influence of age in the association between facets of the Five-Factor Model and work values of the Universal Values Model of 465 Dutch bankers is studied. The results elucidate the association between personality facets and work values and the role of age in their associations. Considering this in personnel selection might contribute to sustainable employability of both the young as well as the older worker. Therewith, the study contributes to the debate of ageing in recruitment and selection

Los rasgos de personalidad y los valores laborales son características importantes en la selección de personal. Los estudios sobre sus asociaciones muestran un acuerdo limitado. Para clarificarlo, este artículo investiga su asociación en el nivel de facetas de la personalidad. Los valores laborales se diferencian en factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos. Además este trabajo añade el papel de la edad en esta asociación. Se revisan estudios previos de rasgos y valores sobre la influencia de la edad en su desarrollo y asociación. También se estudia la influencia moderadora de la edad en la asociación entre las facetas del modelo de los cinco factores y los valores laborales del modelo de valores universal en una muestra de 465 empleados de banca holandeses. Los resultados elucidan la asociación entre aspectos de personalidad y valores laborales, y el papel de la edad en dicha asociación. La consideración de esta asociación en selección de personal podría contribuir a la empleabilidad sostenible de los empleados jóvenes y de los de más edad. Por lo tanto, el estudio contribuye al debate de la edad en el reclutamiento y la selección

Dinheiro / Money

O presente artigo trata da natureza do dinheiro como expressão da busca por liberdade pessoal em meio à interdependência econômica real entre os agentes econômicos, imposta pela divisão social do trabalho. Trata da busca de poder por meio de sua acumulação no capitalismo e das diferentes corporificações a que, dentro dessa vertente, o dinheiro foi se conformando ao longo da história. Com especial ênfase no crédito bancário e no sistema de bancos que o emitem, amparados na construção de uma mecânica de compensação de pagamentos que os enlaçou num mesmo sistema para sustentar a sobrevida dessa última forma de dinheiro, o próprio crédito. Forma de dinheiro com a qual convivemos nos dias atuais, sem nos darmos conta disso. O artigo procura mostrar também como esse sistema bancário se entrelaçou ao Estado, em proveito próprio, insuflando à sociedade, por meio da mídia, ideias que a mantém alheia a essa percepção.

This article considers the nature of money as an expression of man's quest for personal freedom in a context characterized by the real economic interdependence among economic agents, imposed by the social division of labor. It also considers the quest for power through the accumulation of money in capitalism, and the various embodiments of money through history. Special emphasis is given to bank credit and the banking system that issues it, supported by the construction of a mechanism of payment compensation. This mechanism has woven the banks into a system built to sustain the survival of this last form of money, i.e., the credit itself, with which we coexist today, without realizing it. The article also seeks to show how the banking system has become closely interconnected with the State, and how it profits from this link, spreading into society, via the media, ideas that prevent society from perceiving its true nature.

A ciranda do dinheiro / The financial merry-go-round

Os mecanismos do dinheiro são centrais nas nossas sociedades, mas há um profundo desconhecimento de como funcionam. Neste texto introdutório, descrevemos alguns dos mecanismos mais significativos, em particular como se dá a sua apropriação, e como esta apropriação leva a deformações da economia em geral, em particular nesta fase de financeirização do planeta. Terminamos o artigo com referências à globalização financeira e aos paraísos fiscais.

Money plays such an important part in the economy and in our lives, yet the knowledge of its workings is impressively limited. In this short text, we describe some of the more significant mechanisms, particularly concerning who has more access to it, and how this access leads to an overall deformation of our economies, in this era of financial turmoil. We end the paper with a reference to financial globalization and tax havens.

Dilemas pessoais no trabalho imaterial bancário / Personal dilemmas in the banking immaterial labour

Visando destacar e analisar a vivência de dilemas pessoais ante a lógica do trabalho imaterial bancário, a presente pesquisa exploratória de orientação qualitativa aliou o suporte teórico oferecido, principalmente, por Bauman, Sennett e Gaulejac ao campo empírico referente ao trabalho bancário. A coleta de dados deu-se por meio da realização de entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas e de grupos focais, que somaram um total de 38 sujeitos da pesquisa. Analisados à luz da literatura pertinente, os resultados indicam que a vivência de dilemas pessoais no trabalho imaterial bancário está relacionada ao medo da incompetência e estigma de perdedor, ao nomadismo involuntário, à captura e dominação do tempo de vida, à corrida individualizada para o mérito, ao medo da estagnação profissional e à saúde na precarização das relações de trabalho.

The present qualitative exploratory research aims to analyze the experience of personal dilemmas in the context of banking immaterial labor. The theoretical support is mainly offered by Bauman, Sennett and Gaulejac. The data collection method used was semi-structured individual interviews and two focus groups, all counting 38 participants. The results were analyzed according to the pertinent literature and they indicate that personal dilemmas in the banking work are related to fear of incompetence stigma; to the involuntary nomadism; to the fact that work captures and dominates time after work; to competition for merit; fear of professional stagnation; and to health conditions under precarious labor relations.