Strategic Attributes and Organizational Performance: Toward an Understanding of the Mechanism Applied to the Banking Sector.

The study examines and theorizes the importance of strategic attribute constructs (strategic orientation, organizational culture, and organizational internal market orientation) as applied to Pakistan's banking sector by identifying their roles in enhancing organizational performance and the mediating effect of organizational commitment. The current study adopted quantitative research designs and methods to determine structural relationships between the proposed constructs. A total of 10 hypotheses were tested underpinned by the Resource-Based View of the Firm and Social Exchange theories. The strategic attributes studied were significantly and positively related to, and enhance, organizational performance if the banks: (1) focus on strategic positioning, (2) fostering a strong organizational culture, (3) strategize internal marketing practices, and (4) boost organizational commitment. The findings supported the mediating role of organizational commitment between strategic attributes and organizational performance. This study contributes to existing literature and supports prior research while filling in gaps in the literature concerning developing countries.

Factors Affecting E-Shopping Behaviour: Application of Theory of Planned Behaviour.

E-shopping is a rapidly growing phenomenon among different individuals who intend to shop online. However, a trust deficit in the E-shopping environment has always been a critical issue in the brick-and-click mode of shopping, being one of the main reasons for E-cart abandonment in E-commerce. This empirical study is aimed at investigating the perceived effect of website trust on E-shopping intentions and behaviour, drawing upon the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires from working adults who shop for garments online. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the model fit and assumptions. Our findings suggest that website trust and E-shopping attitude play substantial roles in building E-shopping intentions and actual behaviours. Both are the significant predictors of the behaviour mediated by E-shopping intentions. However, E-shopping intentions did not mediate between subjective norms and E-shopping behaviour, when working adults decide to purchase garments online.

The Impact of Private Standards on Corporate Social Responsibility Compliance and Rural Workers' Motivation in Developing Countries: A Study of Mango Farms in Pakistan.

This study examines the role of a private standard on corporate social responsibility (CSR) compliance in the Pakistani mango industry and how this compliance affects rural workers' motivation. Pakistan is the fifth largest mango producer in the world and the fourth largest exporter in global mango trade; also, mango is the biggest fruit crop within the country. Mango trade is subject to trade terms, where buyers decide the conditions of trade agreements by means of codes of conduct. The key dimensions of the codes involved in agrofood trade are food safety, traceability, worker welfare, and environmental consideration, issues which are all connected with CSR. Private standards ensure compliance with these codes of conduct. This study draws on interviews and a questionnaire survey with certified mango producers and farm workers in Pakistan. The mango industry also involves other stakeholders such as government institutes and NGOs; interviews were also conducted with their representatives. Given that this study is an impact assessment research, the researcher designed a theoretical framework using a mixed method approach to investigate the rationale behind acquiring the standard by the mango growers in Pakistan and what impact (if any) this shift has generated with regard to the farm workers' job satisfaction and motivation. This study is the first to empirically examine good agricultural practices in Pakistan and evaluate their impact. This study shows that private standards play a significant role in ensuring compliance, and CSR practices implemented through them were found to be positively related to the rural workers' job satisfaction and motivation. Furthermore, this study has made separate contributions to theory, methodology, and practice. The production of the synergistic model for improving compliance is among the key highlights of the study. The findings of this study can extend to other agriculture and primary production industry workers in Pakistan and even beyond to other developing countries' rural agriculture workers.