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Purpose: This study aims to examine the cryptocurrency adoption (CA) level among Indian retail investors who use cryptocurrency as an investment and mode of transaction. Design/methodology/approach: Through self-administered survey questionnaires, data is collected from 397 retail investors of Haryana (India). This study adopted a quantitative method using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings: This paper offered a robust model with a high explanatory value for CA in which four of the five proposed factors of diffusion of innovation theory (trialability, compatibility, complexity and observability) and one of the two proposed factors of consumer behavioral theory (perceived value) significantly influences CA. More specifically, the absence of regulatory support is a barrier to the broad adoption of cryptocurrencies, as its regulations are necessary to mitigate or minimize uncertain outcomes. Research limitations/implications: This research primarily focuses on CA in India. Thus, it can be extended to cover diverse other countries for more precise results. Practical implications: The results provide insights to the government to design the policies, better regulate and make investment strategies that can ultimately enhance CA. In addition, the study's results also inform financial educators, policymakers, employers and academicians about the significance of several variables affecting CA in India. Social implications: From a social standpoint, this study is an advance that directs central banks and governments to develop, regulate and manage digital currencies and implement a digital currency ecosystem. Moreover, the results assist in understanding investors' perceptions and decision-making perspectives toward cryptocurrencies through the country's digitalization. Originality/value: This paper fills the study gap to assist policymakers and cryptocurrency experts in broadening their knowledge base and recognizing prioritized intentions. Additionally, this study provides a theoretical model with the latent variable for a present and pertinent matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to answer two research questions: first, to study the factors that directly and indirectly influence the intentions of job-seekers and second, to examine the moderating role of gender differences in e-recruitment adoption through the application of technology acceptance model (TAM) in India. Design/methodology/approach: A convenience sampling technique was used to collect online data via GoogleDocs through various online channels such as social media, LinkedIn and email. The final data was collected from 364 final-year graduates and postgraduate students to confirm the impact of female and male differences, measurement invariance in composite models (MICOM) and multi-group analysis (MGA). Findings: The results indicated that perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) have a direct impact on attitude (AT), whereas PU influenced behavioral intentions (BI) of job-seekers, but PEOU did not. AT directly leads to the BI. The outcomes of mediation analysis show that AT partially mediates the relationships between PU to BI and PEOU to BI. Further, the findings of MICOM and MGA showed that gender significantly moderates all the relationships between the constructs except for the influence of AT on BI. Research limitations/implications: This study contributes to the current literature, revealing that the original TAM model is still pertinent and effective in prevailing periods in emerging markets. The significance of PEOU and PU on AT and BI implies that job-seekers will strongly adopt e-recruitment when it is user-friendly and assist them to accomplish their tasks easily and efficiently. Moreover, gender has a vital moderating influence in e-recruitment adoption. In the case of females, the effect of PEOU is stronger, and for males, PU has a substantial impact on adoption. Practical implications: Developers and recruiters should provide significant information related to salary, location and job profile on e-recruitment to enhance the adoption rate of online recruitment. Further, the usefulness of e-recruitment systems was more significant for males compared to females, whereas female job-seekers prefer the e-recruitment system, which is easy to use and operate. Originality/value: This research fills a gap in the literature by examining the essential factors affecting the BI of job-seekers as well as empirically testing the impact of gender differences to adopt TAM for e-recruitment – an under-explored subject in developing countries like India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the role of knowledge management (KM) processes in enhancing competitive strategies of differentiation and cost-effectiveness and its impact on innovativeness in knowledge-intensive service organizations (KISOs) in India. Design/methodology/approach: This study collected data from 293 employees working in Indian KISOs through a questionnaire survey. After checking for reliability and validity of data, this study tested the hypotheses by structural equation modeling using AMOS 26. Findings: The results show that KM processes have a significant and positive relationship with competitive strategy and innovativeness. Competitive strategy partially mediates the relationship between KM processes and innovativeness. These KM processes promote differentiation and cost-effectiveness, which in turn enhances innovativeness. A differentiation strategy has a stronger positive relationship with KM processes and innovativeness than a cost-effective strategy. Research limitations/implications: This study's cross-sectional design limits its ability to establish a general cause–effect relationship. Even so, theoretically, the results corroborate the contingent view of KM in emerging economies such as India. The findings show the mediating role of competitive strategy on the relationship between KM and its processes with innovation and competitiveness – providing a better cost-effectiveness relationship and organizational differentiation capacity. Practical implications: This study suggests managers to adopt KM processes such as creation-sharing, acquisition and knowledge base enabling firms to be different and cost-effective than their competitors. This study provides evidence on how KISOs can leverage their innovativeness by using KM processes in congruence with its competitive strategy and gain competitive advantage. Social implications: This study emphasizes the development of KM processes in the management of KISOs, which contributes substantially to India's economic growth via Gross domestic product and employment. On the social side, this study suggests to manage cultural issues in KM processes, arising because of presence of multi-cultural workforce and a high-power distance society. Originality/value: This study bridges a research gap of previous studies providing empirical evidence regarding the mediating effect of competitive strategies in the relationship between KM processes and innovativeness. This study adds proof to the KM contingency view of firms, suggesting when KM processes are formulated to achieve competitive strategy; substantial benefits such as innovativeness can be realized. This study adds evidence from the emerging economy of India, where KISOs are increasingly creating value and employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors which influence mobile government (m-government) services adoption in India.Design/methodology/approach Adoption behavior of m-government services by 311 respondents is probed by using a multiple set of constructs drawn from technology acceptance model (TAM), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), theory of planned behavior (TPB) and hierarchical regression analysis. Specifically, eight hypotheses were tested around constructs like Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (EOU), Compatibility (COM), Trust (T), Influence (I), Self-Efficacy (SE), Facilitating Conditions (FC), Attitude (ATT) and Behavioral Intention to Adopt m-government services (BI).Findings Results show that PU, EOU, T and ATT were found to have significant influence on the adoption of m-government services. Furthermore, demographic variables (age, marital status, occupation, educational qualification and frequency of using m-government services) were not found to be significant predictors for the adoption of m-government services in India.Originality/value While most of the technology adoption studies are focused on commercial activities, studies on internet interfaces vis-à-vis the public services are limited to investigation of e-government services. Besides, there are more studies contextualized in the developed countries as compared to developing countries. Academic research on m-government adoption is scant and the present paper is a significant contribution in the Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to identify mutually exclusive risk categories and determine whether these categories effectively capture the potential impact of risk disclosures on the initial returns of initial public offerings (IPOs) in the financial and non-financial sectors. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 131 Indian IPO prospectuses (104 non-financial and 27 financial) issued between 2015 and 2021. Content analysis was performed to identify mutually exclusive risk categories, and the effects of these categories on initial IPO returns were assessed by regression analysis Findings: The findings revealed that risk factor disclosures have a significant impact on underpricing, but not all risk factors are relevant. In the current study, in the financial sector, IPO underpricing was mostly driven by technological and competitive risk factors. In the non-financial sector, underpricing was predominantly influenced by operating risk and compliance risk factors. Research limitations/implications: The limitations of this study include the use of sentence-based context analysis, which does not assess the quality of risk disclosures. The statistical data reduction technique used to generate mutually exclusive risk categories may also be a limitation. Practical implications: This research has the potential to assist companies in standardizing the disclosure of risks within IPO prospectuses. The insights gained can inform market regulators in designing policies aimed at aiding investors in formulating investment strategies, ultimately enhancing transparency and clarity regarding information disclosure. Moreover, the findings offer valuable guidance to investors in selecting IPOs aligned with their risk tolerance levels. Social implications: From a societal perspective, this study represents advancements by guiding regulators towards developing and regulating standardized, mutually exclusive risk factors. Such measures can aid investors in enhancing their decision-making perspectives regarding IPOs, promoting a more informed and confident investment environment. Originality/value: This study is a pioneering attempt to address knowledge gaps by identifying distinct categories of risk disclosures in IPO prospectuses and examining their potential influence on IPO underpricing in the financial and non-financial sectors in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the extent to which outsourcing of human resources (HR) is used and the attitude of the library staff towards outsourcing in science and technology libraries in Delhi and Chandigarh, India. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is the result of a survey conducted in 25 science and technology libraries of Delhi and Chandigarh, India. Questionnaire and interview tools of survey were used to collect the primary data. Findings – Most of the Indian libraries have been using selective outsourcing for many years, which has had favourable impact on the activities and services of these libraries. Outsourcing seems a viable solution, as a majority of the libraries lack the required permanent HR. Normally, outsourcing is considered to be an anti-staff and an anti-professional activity. However, the study found the library professional staff supportive of outsourcing because it reduced their workload and improved their skills and professional competencies. Originality/value – This paper explores the hidden practices of Indian libraries to fill the gaps present in required and available HR. However, they hesitate to accept openly that outsourcing is a tool for managing resources and services that are not available in-house. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a performance-based allocation model for university libraries in India. Design/methodology/approach - Using economic models with weighted values, a system of allocating funds to university library departments is illustrated. Findings - The paper finds that many university libraries in India struggle to continue their existing operations and services due to financial problems. Careful budgeting and most appropriate use of financial resources is essential to solve the existing financial problems. Originality/value - The model takes into account efficiency and equity considerations, which can assist the library in allocating its budget in a transparent and fair manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) investment on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) profitability in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a framework based on the ICT investment and firm size, measuring the impact on profit before depreciation, interest, tax and amortisation of MSME by taking a random sampling of 300 Indian MSME manufacturing firm's secondary data from the Prowess database. This framework was analysed using the design of experiment (DoE) technique. Findings: The study showed that ICT investment has a significant positive relationship with profitability. This study examines the different ICT investment levels to predict investment strategies and fine-tune profit targets. The critical finding is that ICT investment maximises profit at one million rupees. This discovery aids MSME leaders' sustainable business decision-making. Research limitations/implications: This study has an explicit limit to the Indian context, where the firm requirements of countries are different, and these findings need to be validated with many operating variables and applied to more firms with more data. Even so, as a theoretical implication, this study took a novel approach to ICT adoption (through ICT investment) in the Indian MSME sector with guiding levels of ICT investment for each type of firm (i.e. micro, small and medium). This study opens new avenues for investigating researchers and stakeholders by exploring other factors responsible for ICT adoption. Practical implications: This study uniquely provides practitioners with the functional level of ICT investment for MSMEs in the Indian context. These finding guides top management to make strategic ICT adoption decisions with information symmetry. At the same time, these findings suggest financial institutions astern their credit programme to provide credit for ICT investment in MSMEs. Social implications: This study highlights the value of ICT as a practical resource for business owners that significantly makes MSMEs more informed and profitable, thus creating more jobs and incrementing the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Originality/value: This study offers unique empirical findings on how decision makers in MSMEs maximise profits through optimal ICT investment levels depending upon the firm size in an emerging economy like India. There is evidence in the study to conclude that ICT is a need of MSME and has implications for firm performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This present three-wave longitudinal study aims to elucidate underlying mechanism in high-performance work practices (HPWPs) and job performance relationship by examining the role of person–job as a potential mediator. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 357 faculty members of universities in Punjab (India) using a well-structured questionnaire for four consecutive months. Hypotheses were tested using PLS-SEM software. Findings: This study results substantiated HPWPs have a direct favorable impact on the person–job fit because their extensive engagement policies, such as employee empowerment and rewards, help employees to perceive their jobs as being a good fit. Furthermore, these practices fulfil employment expectations for employees, resulting in job fit and boosting the employee's performance; highlighting person–job fit as potential mediator. Research limitations/implications: Grounding on the person–environment congruence theory, this study shed light on the relationship between HPWPs and job performance via person–job fit in the Indian higher education sector. This develops a unique management philosophy and strategies for long-term sustainable growth of organizations to give proper concrete evidence for the significance of human resource management (HRM). Practical implications: This study findings persuade HR professionals in higher education institutions to actively engage in reconsidering and implementing their current HPWPs efficaciously to ensure that the employees are well-suited to their roles, i.e. increased person–job fit and perform at a higher level. Furthermore, considering the favorable impact of HPWPs on job fit and performance, it is pertinent to extensively use these practices in organizations all over the world especially across developing nations as a successful HRM solution. Originality/value: This longitudinal study provides first-hand information on person–job fit intervening as a mediator in HPWPs and job performance relationship thereby contributing to the current corpus of HPWPs work. This fills the gap in HPWPs and job performance literature by identifying a novel concept of person–job fit that is mostly unexplored in developing countries like India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the value co-creation at bottom of the pyramid (BOP) using social media and to investigate how it is impacted by age, gender and peer influence. Design/methodology/approach: A BOP approach provides sustainable profits by involving low-income producers and consumers by way of co-creating values. The focus of the BOP approach in the business environment in this study is to establish co-creation among the different stakeholders at the BOP level. With the help of a literature review and related theories, a conceptual model has been developed. The model has been tested statistically for validation using a survey by considering 314 usable respondents. Findings: This study has focused on the impact of different issues such as age, gender and peer influence concerning the consumers at BOP segments involving in co-creation activities. The study finds that people at BOP segments emphasize more social media usage compared to the influence of peers in the context of co-creating values. Research limitations/implications: Co-creation at BOP is a new approach. This study is unique research where it identifies the impact of gender, age and peer influence at the BOP level consumers for co-creation activities. The study also highlights the influence of social media on BOP consumers for co-creating values. The model so developed along with the findings of this study contribute to the overall body of knowledge in this area which has a wider theoretical and social implication. Practical implications: The proposed model in this study can help organizations to understand the impact of age, gender, peer influence on value co-creation activities at BOP using social media. This study can help managers of the organizations involved in co-creation at BOP to formulate an appropriate strategy to get engaged with the customers at BOP. Finally, this study can motivate customers to value co-creating and engaging with organizations. Originality/value: This study has primarily identified the impact of age, gender and peer influence for the consumers at BOP segments and is involved in different co-creation activities. The study has been mainly conducted in India, an emerging economy. None of such studies has been conducted in the emerging markets. Thus, this study claims to have possessed its uniqueness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of advent of electronic information resources on "academic and carrier related core aspects of user performance". Design/methodology/approach: Seven sampled agricultural universities across northern India were surveyed personally by the investigator for collecting data about the questions under investigation through a structured questionnaire. The response of the users for each statement under investigation was collected with simple "Yes"/"No" option. The investigator also resorted to the telephonic and e-mail communication to collect prompt response and had a personal interaction with respondents to substantiate the collected responses and remove any ambiguity thereof. Findings: It is found that the majority of respondents are of the opinion that due to advent of e-resources the users' interest in studies has enhanced (62.90 per cent) and that the e-resources have played a significant role in timely completion/submission of their study related assignments (74.30 per cent). It is also evident that a good proportion of respondents agree that the advent of e-resources has laid a positive impact on performance of users in "academic examinations" (50.80 per cent), "competitive examinations" (52.80 per cent), and the "interviews" (46.18 per cent) they face. Statistically, it is also verified that the performance of users with respect to five aspects investigated in this study is significantly associated with advent of e-resources (p < 0.01), whereas it does not show any association with one aspect i.e. "timely completion of an academic degree". Research limitations/implications: The findings are based on mere opinion of users and need to be verified by devising a well-articulated methodology for verification of the user performance related facts both in print and electronic eras, independent of the users' opinion. Practical implications: The findings of this study shall prompt the budget allocating authorities of the libraries to reformulate their fund allocation policies. Findings of this study shall act as logical basis to enhance budget for improving the volume of e-resources. These also emphasize the fact that a provision of recurring fund needs to be created for facilitating single window based anytime anywhere access to the available e-information base, which may include annual subscription charges for availing (i) proxy software services for remote access and (ii) federated search engine for single window searching. Originality/value: This is first work of its nature in northern Indian agricultural libraries. The findings will be useful for the authorities to decide about the degree of importance the libraries need to endorse with the procurement of information resources in electronic form. The study will really inspire the researchers and librarians to conduct similar studies in other specific domains of knowledge and come out with significant findings and suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]