Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review
A peer-reviewed research journal Editor-in-Chief: Dr Israr Ahmad, Ph.D · Post-doctoral · AFHEA View Editorial Board | Article Processing Charge (APC) The Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review (IJSSER) is a open access, double-blind, peer-reviewed interdisciplinary research journal published with a continuous model in two issues online by ICR Publications Ltd., UK. The journal welcomes original research, review articles, and case studies from Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Business and management, Environment, Development, Anthropology, Psychology, Public Health, Education, Law, Technology & Innovation. and cultural studies that focus upon real-world research. Journal Metrics ? Understand Journal Metrics › 29 G10 Index 25% Acceptance Rate (2024) 7 days Submission to First Decision 1–2 months Peer Review Time 2–4 months Submission to Publication Indexed in Research Commons WOS, Google Scholar, OpenAlex, Crossref, WorldCat Frequency 2 issues/year 15 G H index (2024) View all metrics > Journal history Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review (IJSSER) was previously known as the International Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review (ISSN 2706-9346). The journal’s website link https://ijsser.com/index.php/ijsser remains the same.
IJSSER is committed to an open-access model for publishing, ensuring that all of its content is freely available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) 4.0. This policy empowers researchers, academicians, and the general public to freely download, copy, print, and access the links to the full texts of published materials at no cost. Furthermore, authors are encouraged to read, distribute, and submit the published works to their institution's library and any other appropriate repositories.
Evaluating The Success of New FMCG Products In Traditional Markets: Based on The Quality of Buyer-Seller Relationships
The quality of relationship marketing theory is still vaguely relevant to business-to-business transactions for a new product. This study aims to investigate the quality of relationships associated with new product buying and selling transactions, in terms of their importance for assessing the success of products in the traditional market among wholesalers. Qualitative research methods are applied using phenomenology and pragmatic approaches. The main data was collected from the results of in-depth interviews and mini-group discussions for interpretation and analysis using a conditional matrix approach. The research findings identified that the quality of buyer-seller relationships and new product sales turnover have a causal relationship to product success in the market. This finding conception proposes a matrix analysis formulation of the two-factor dimensions in their four positions, namely, success or failure, and the possibility of success or the possibility to fail. This concept contributes to the elaboration of relationship and transactional marketing theory. Its practical implications for relationships or partnerships between distributors and wholesalers, simultaneous B2B, and strategic policy of the 4Ps marketing mix, include managerial substance, namely human resource management, sales & distribution management, management information systems, and inventory management.
Copyright (c) 2025 Roderikus Agus Trihatmoko https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unlocking Trade-Led Growth in West Africa: The Moderating Role of Institutional Quality in a Dynamic Panel Analysis
This study examines the conditional effect of trade liberalization on economic growth in West Africa, with a particular focus on the moderating influence of institutional quality. A panel dataset covering 16 West African countries over the period 2017–2022 is employed to estimate a dynamic growth model using the System Generalized Method of Moments (System-GMM), which effectively addresses endogeneity and growth persistence. Robustness checks are conducted using Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (POLS) and Fixed Effects (FE) estimators. The results reveal three key findings. First, trade liberalization has a positive and statistically significant effect on economic growth in the region. Second, although institutional quality exhibits a negative direct effect, likely due to short-run adjustment and compliance costs, the interaction between institutional quality and trade liberalization is positive and strongly significant, demonstrating that governance effectiveness is critical for harnessing the growth benefits of openness. Third, the negative coefficient estimates for financial development and industrialization indicate structural inefficiencies, including credit misallocation and a continued dependence on low-value, resource-based production. Overall, the findings suggest that while West Africa possesses substantial potential for trade-driven development, meaningful gains remain constrained by weak institutional capacity and limited structural transformation. The study recommends targeted governance reforms, improved regulatory enforcement, strategic reallocation of financial resources toward high-value export sectors, and accelerated industrial diversification to ensure that trade liberalization translates into sustained, inclusive economic growth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anthony Orji, Ebuka Michael Muorah, Onyinye Imelda Anthony-Orji, Jonathan Emenike Ogbuabor, Oluchi Okoro, Chukwuebuka Jude Chiobi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Profit To Purpose: How Corporate Social Responsibility Transforms Rural Communities In Kenya
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved globally from philanthropic acts to strategic initiatives with social, environmental, and economic implications. In Kenya, CSR is often applied philanthropically, with limited integration into long-term development strategies, especially in rural areas. This study investigates the social impacts of Rabai Power Company’s (RPL) CSR initiatives on sustainable rural development and corporate reputation in Kilifi County, Kenya. It aims to assess how CSR activities influence community beneficiaries and shape the company's legitimacy and stakeholder perceptions. A qualitative case study approach was used. Data were collected through four key informant interviews and one focus group discussion. The study was guided by Stakeholder Theory, Legitimacy Theory, and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework. The data were thematically analyzed to identify recurring patterns related to CSR impacts. The CSR initiatives by RPL significantly contributed to education, healthcare, water provision, socio-cultural development, and youth empowerment. Beneficiaries reported enhanced well-being and greater trust in the company. However, challenges such as the sustainability of services, equitable resource distribution, and governance issues were identified. Strategic CSR, when aligned with local needs and supported by participatory governance, enhances both community development and corporate legitimacy. Communities perceive RPL not merely as a business entity but as a development partner. The study recommends institutionalizing CSR through cross-sectoral partnerships, capacity building, and sustainable funding. The research contributes to CSR theory by contextualizing its application in a rural African setting and reinforces its relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Copyright (c) 2025 Joseph Malechwanzi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
When Co-Parenting Becomes A Battlefield: The Impact of A High-Conflict Divorce on Father–Child Relationships
Fathers are traditionally seen as the patriarchal heads of households. However, in many societies, mothers exert substantial influence over the extent of paternal involvement post-divorce. Non-resident fathers often face significant barriers, particularly maternal gatekeeping, which limits access to their children and undermines their parental role. These dynamics contribute to persistent societal narratives that depict such fathers as “deadbeats” or "irresponsible." This study challenges the prevailing notion of the “absent father” by examining the emotional, social, and legal barriers to paternal involvement following divorce. Specifically, it explores how maternal gatekeeping affects father–child relationships and child development outcomes. A semi-systematic literature review was conducted using a six-step process to identify, select, and analyse over 100 scholarly sources related to post-divorce co-parenting, maternal gatekeeping, and father involvement. PRISMA principles were used to ensure transparency in the selection process. The review indicates that paternal involvement plays a critical role in promoting children’s emotional well-being, resilience, and social adjustment. Children who experience consistent and responsive parenting from fathers tend to form secure attachments and exhibit more favorable long-term outcomes. Maternal gatekeeping, however, can disrupt this process and lead to psychological and relational harm for both the child and the non-resident father. While legal systems remain the primary site for addressing post-divorce parenting disputes, the findings highlight the urgent need for social work intervention. Social workers are uniquely positioned to mediate high-conflict co-parenting relationships, promote equitable parental involvement, and advocate for the child’s best interests.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nathaniel Phuti Kgadima, Andrew Spaumer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adaptive Leadership Styles and Organizational Performance: Evidence from Local NGOs in Ethiopia
The objective of this study was to examine the influence of leadership styles on the performance of local NGOs in Ethiopia. A mixed-method design, combining descriptive survey and correlational approaches, was employed. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 276 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and 199 board chairpersons from systematically sampled local NGOs. Responses were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The results demonstrate that leadership styles significantly influence organizational performance. A key contribution of the study is the identification of a contextually adaptive blend of leadership styles as the most effective approach. While transformational leadership emerged as the predominant style, it was complemented by limited transactional practices and moderate use of laissez-faire elements, applied contingently to address situational demands. The study concludes that leadership style is a critical determinant of performance in Ethiopian NGOs. The most effective approach is not a single, dominant style but rather a flexible combination of transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership tailored to context. Given the cross-sectional design and reliance on internal stakeholders, future research should adopt longitudinal approaches, include external stakeholder perspectives, and extend the scope to international NGOs. This research contributes to leadership scholarship by moving beyond universalist models to propose a contingency framework for leadership optimization in developing economies, thereby enriching discourse on adaptive leadership. Practically, it offers NGO leaders and policymakers an evidence-based blueprint for cultivating agile leadership practices that strategically blend styles to enhance organizational effectiveness, stakeholder trust, and social impact.
Transformational and Transactional leadership
Copyright (c) 2025 Lakachew Zeleke, Prof Guyo, Makori Moronge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Under Pressure to Perform: How Social Cues in Academia Shape Perfectionism Among Early-Career Scholars
Perfectionism is increasingly recognized as a socially driven psychological experience shaped by workplace environments. Drawing on and extending the dual-cycle model of perfectionism developed by Goodwin et al. (2025), this qualitative study investigates how social cues within academia influence the development of maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism among early-career scholars. Based on in-depth interviews with 42 participants, including PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and assistant professors across research-intensive universities in the Pakistan, we identify performance pressure, organizational dehumanization, and rehumanization as key contextual mechanisms. Our findings reveal that dehumanizing environments, marked by the denial of fallibility, agency, subjectivity, and individuality, activate cycles of maladaptive perfectionism characterized by self-criticism, shame, and overwork. In contrast, rehumanizing social cues, such as empathy, recognition, and affirmation of uniqueness, support adaptive perfectionism driven by intrinsic motivation and self-compassion. This study expands the understanding of perfectionism beyond individual traits, offering a relational framework for how academic cultures shape striving. We contribute to the literature by demonstrating how subtle organizational dynamics mediate psychological outcomes and highlight the transformative potential of rehumanizing academic institutions. Implications for leadership, mentoring, and structural reform are discussed.
this is an academic paper intended to put input to the existing scolarly work on organizational culture
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Naveed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strategic Human Resource Management and Brain Drain in Nigeria: An Empirical Study of Retention Practices and Workforce Mobility (2020–2024)
This study investigates the relationship between strategic human resource management (SHRM) practices and the ongoing brain drain of skilled professionals in Nigeria. Drawing on Human Capital Theory and Strategic HRM frameworks, the research employs a mixed-methods design that integrates quantitative labor market data from 2020 to 2024 with qualitative insights from 80 participants, including HR professionals and expatriates. The findings reveal a statistically significant inverse relationship between HRM quality, measured through indicators such as workplace flexibility, structured career development, and performance-based incentives, and skilled emigration rates. Regression results confirm that improvements in HRM practices are strongly associated with higher employee retention. Moreover, thematic analysis of interview data highlights systemic barriers such as gender inequity, limited institutional support, and weak adoption of HR analytics as key push factors. Comparative insights drawn from previous research in Greece further validate the cross-context applicability of SHRM in addressing talent mobility. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at integrating national HRM reforms, promoting workplace flexibility, and establishing robust diaspora reintegration programs. These findings offer a critical framework for strengthening Nigeria’s workforce retention strategies and curbing the long-term socioeconomic impact of brain drain.
Copyright (c) 2025 Onimajesin Salihu Isiaka https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Relationship Between Host Community And Tourism Development: Tripoli-Lebanon As A Case Study
This study examines the dynamic relationship between tourism development and the host community, highlighting the dual potential of tourism to generate socio-economic opportunities while posing cultural and social challenges. Emphasizing the principles of sustainable tourism, the research underscores the importance of community participation, acceptance, and equitable benefit-sharing in ensuring tourism initiatives are both effective and inclusive. Tripoli, Lebanon’s second-largest city, serves as the focal point of this inquiry due to its underutilized yet abundant cultural and historical assets, including urban heritage from various historical eras, traditional markets, and natural coastal features. Despite these advantages, the city remains economically marginalized, with high unemployment and a socially conservative population, conditions that make it a critical case for examining community-centered tourism strategies. Drawing on data from a structured survey of 1,000 residents across Tripoli’s diverse districts, the study assesses local perceptions, awareness levels, and preferences regarding different forms of tourism development. The findings reveal strong support for culturally aligned tourism types, such as family, eco-, and cultural tourism, while highlighting localized resistance to nightlife-oriented models. By integrating quantitative data with contextual analysis, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers and development planners aiming to harness tourism as a catalyst for sustainable urban revitalization that respects the socio-cultural fabric of the host community.
Copyright (c) 2025 Racha Sultan, Imane Baba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Analysis of Factors Affecting Media Freedom At The South African Broadcasting Corporation
This study used a descriptive research design and qualitative research methodologies to investigate the factors affecting media independence at the South African Broadcasting Corporation. The study employed purposive sampling to pick four directors, four editors, and four journalists from the South African Broadcasting Corporation utilizing non-probability selection. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The results indicate that the South African Broadcasting Corporation has difficulties, including an inadequate legislative framework and insufficient governmental assistance to establish effective regulations that safeguard personnel and foster a media climate conducive to autonomous work. The research revealed that the political environment affecting the South African Broadcasting Corporation impacts media freedom. Certain political organizations, prominent persons, and entities are obstructing the broadcaster's operations by seeking to influence the narrative of the disseminated material. The results indicated that the broadcaster's economic condition affects media freedom. The broadcaster is experiencing financial difficulties, leading to reduced compensation for staff, layoffs, and the failure to broadcast sanctioned programs. The South African Broadcasting Corporation must formulate strategies that directly tackle internal and external political, economic, and legal challenges to become a high-performing, financially sustainable, digitized national public broadcaster that delivers engaging, informative, educational, and entertaining content across all platforms. The study is significant as it will enhance the understanding of the elements influencing media freedom in South Africa. The findings may assist management in formulating strategies needed to address these challenges and safeguard the SABC's independence and integrity.
political science, international relations
Copyright (c) 2025 Tumelo Modiba, Charity Lufuno Manwadu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Understanding AI Adoption In Education: The Role of Readiness, Confidence, And Social Influence Among Pakistani Students
The purpose of this study is to explore the key factors influencing Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in education among Pakistani university students. Specifically, it examines how AI Readiness (AIRD), AI Confidence (AICF), and Social Influence (SI) affect students’ Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU), and how these perceptions shape their Attitudes toward AI (ATT). The study also investigates the mediating roles of PEOU and PU. A quantitative research design was adopted using survey data collected from Pakistani students. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied through Smart PLS 4 to assess both the measurement and structural models. The results reveal that AIRD, AICF, and SI significantly influence students’ perceptions of ease of use, while AIRD and SI also positively impact perceived usefulness. However, AI confidence does not appear to shape perceived usefulness. Notably, perceived ease of use plays a substantial role in forming positive attitudes toward AI, while perceived usefulness does not have a direct effect. Mediation analysis further confirms that PEOU mediates the relationship between AIRD, AICF, SI, and ATT, whereas PU does not. The findings underscore the critical importance of usability over perceived benefits in shaping students' acceptance of AI technologies. In contexts where AI adoption is still emerging, ease of use appears to be the dominant factor influencing attitudes. Educators and policymakers should focus on enhancing students’ readiness and confidence in using AI, promoting user-friendly tools, and leveraging social influence to drive adoption. These insights are crucial for designing inclusive strategies that support effective AI integration into educational environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Asad Ur Rehman , Muhammad?Ali? Raza, Nasir Abbas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0