UZOECHI NWAGBARA
University of Sunderland, Business Management, Faculty Member
- Human Resource Management, Environmental Sustainability, Inter/intra-organizational Relationships and Networks, Multinational Corporations, Sustainability Communication, Business Ethics, and 3 morePolitical Philosophy, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Social, Environmental and Sustainability Accounting and Accountabilityedit
- Dr. Uzoechi Nwagbara, BA, MA, MSc, PG Cert/MA, FHEA, MInstLM, MCMI & MCEedit
This paper critically examines the centrality of intertextuality in the production and appreciation of Chinua Achebe's fiction, mainly, his political novel about militarism, Anthills of the Savannah (1987). Intertextuality deals with... more
This paper critically examines the centrality of intertextuality in the production and appreciation of Chinua Achebe's fiction, mainly, his political novel about militarism, Anthills of the Savannah (1987). Intertextuality deals with relations among texts: no text is an island. The departure from monolithic, author-centred theory of literary criticism to unrestricted and diversified one, following the urgency of poststructuralist lore, precipitated intertextuality. Militarism is the prevalence of the armed forces in the administration or policy of the state. ...
Research Interests: Art and Literature
This paper is based on understanding how effective leadership can be instrumental in confronting (potential) organisational challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic in organisations with specific focus on educational institutions in... more
This paper is based on understanding how effective leadership can be instrumental in confronting (potential) organisational challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic in organisations with specific focus on educational institutions in order to effectively lead change in these uncertain times. As well-known all organisations including educational institutions are currently bedevilled by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) challenges, which constitute obstacle to effective educational leadership. In rising above these challenges and in contrast with the managerially oriented educational management, this paper argues that effective leadership can engender effective change management as well as aid educational institutions to rise above this quandary, which will ultimately lead to better student outcomes and organisational success. The methodology adopted here is based on secondary sources and consequently this paper conceptually makes some contributions to the field of educational management,...
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This article explores the role of communication in shaping corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies, addressing stakeholders' criticisms of the multinationals' sustainability commitment and in building intangible assets like... more
This article explores the role of communication in shaping corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies, addressing stakeholders' criticisms of the multinationals' sustainability commitment and in building intangible assets like corporate reputation. Given the challenges posed by institutional pressures as well as pressures of climate change and social media technology, this article suggests that communication—social media—can be used to advance the multinationals' CSR commitment for a more sustainable future in Nigeria's Niger delta. In the era of new media communication, this is redoubled as multinational corporations (MNCs) as well as other stakeholders can effectively and rapidly influence policies and public opinion on social and environmental issues given the reach, speed, and user-generated content application flexibility of social media. Thus, social media can serve as platforms to address sustainability issues, as well as the prolonged poor corporate-stake...
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PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how institutionalised patriarchy triggers work-life-balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian female medical doctors. It is focused on Nigeria to understand how its unique institutional context... more
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how institutionalised patriarchy triggers work-life-balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian female medical doctors. It is focused on Nigeria to understand how its unique institutional context poses WLB challenges.Design/methodology/approachRelying on exploratory qualitative approach based on 41 semi-structured interviews with female medical doctors in Nigeria and informed by institutional theory (IT), this study explores how patriarchal institutions create, maintain and transmit male dominance, exploitation and inequality in the family, workplace and larger society.FindingsThe findings of this study show that patriarchy exists not only in family but also in all structures and institutions that allow for control of women by men and further inequality and exploitation of women. It was also found that in contrast to research in the west, WLB challenges stemming from Nigeria's patriarchal institutions are significantly different because o...
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In recent decades, effective leadership theorising, perceptions and studies have shifted attention to interpersonal skills and the leader’s capacity to inspire, encourage and motivate subordinates as well as create and maintain a sense of... more
In recent decades, effective leadership theorising, perceptions and studies have shifted attention to interpersonal skills and the leader’s capacity to inspire, encourage and motivate subordinates as well as create and maintain a sense of positive contribution to the whole of the organisation. This conceptualisation is in sharp contrast to prior studies and conceptualisations resonating with controlling, planning and target-oriented leadership. Consequently, this article takes as its premise the relationship between emotional intelligence (leading with the heart) and transformational leadership within the purview of COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic challenges. It is thus argued here that in times of crisis that humanity (and the organisation specifically) is faced with at the moment unleashed by COVID-19 pandemic challenges, a style of leadership that takes as its focal point emotional intelligence mediated by transformational leadership can be instrumental in leading business organi...
PurposeThis paper examines the relationship between the institution’s organizational work-life-balance (WLB) policies and practices and subsequent challenges faced by Nigerian workers. The paper argues that institutions shape WLB... more
PurposeThis paper examines the relationship between the institution’s organizational work-life-balance (WLB) policies and practices and subsequent challenges faced by Nigerian workers. The paper argues that institutions shape WLB practices (and policies), and thus, constitute WLB challenges.Design/methodology/approachRelying on qualitative, interpretive approach, and the institution-based view of organizational practice, the study investigates the relationship between institutions, WLB practices/policies, and subsequent challenges that female workers undergo, using 25 semi-structured interviews.FindingsThe findings reveal Nigeria’s unique institutional context frames and foster challenges for female workers. Also, it was identified that institutional and sociocultural pressures on female employees demonstrate that consequent challenges, while common to female workers in other countries, are more intense and challenging in Nigeria because of its peculiar institutions and context.Rese...
PurposeThis study explores the nexus between institutions and managerialist employment relations and subsequent work-life balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian employees. Through an exploratory approach, the paper investigates how... more
PurposeThis study explores the nexus between institutions and managerialist employment relations and subsequent work-life balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian employees. Through an exploratory approach, the paper investigates how institutions shape employment relations, which is characterised by systematic and normalised managerialist practices and lack of employee participation.Design/methodology/approachRelying on a qualitative, interpretive approach, this study explores the relationship between institutional pressures, managerialism and employment relations. 31 semi-structured interviews and nine focus group interviews data was used.FindingsThis paper found that institutions shape organisational practice, specifically employment relations and human resource management (HRM) practice generally through its normative tendency. The study also found that although managerialist employment relations leads to WLB challenges, Nigeria's unique context aggravates this situation constit...
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how language (choice) in CSR reports of leading oil companies in Nigeria is used to portray an image of “responsible organisation”. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws insights... more
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how language (choice) in CSR reports of leading oil companies in Nigeria is used to portray an image of “responsible organisation”. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws insights from communication studies (persuasion theory) and critical discourse analysis (CDA) studies to discursively unpack all those subtle and visible, yet equally invisible, linguistic strategies (micro-level elements): wording (single words), phrases and chains of words (clauses/sentences). These linguistic strategies (micro-level elements) proxy organisational discourses (meso-level elements), which are reflective of wider social practices (macro-level elements). The authors base the investigation on CSR reports of six leading oil companies in Nigeria from 2009 to 2012. Findings The findings of this study reveal that (leading) Nigerian oil companies linguistically use CSR reports to persuasively construct and portray the image of “responsible organisat...
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between managerialist employment relations and employee turnover intention in Nigeria. The study context is public hospitals in Nigeria, which have a history of... more
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between managerialist employment relations and employee turnover intention in Nigeria. The study context is public hospitals in Nigeria, which have a history of problematic human resource management (HRM) practice, a non-participatory workplace culture, managerialist employment relations and a high employee turnover intention. Design/methodology/approach Based on a qualitative, interpretive approach, this paper investigates the process by which Nigerian employment relations practices trigger the employee turnover intention of doctors using 33 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in public hospitals. Findings This study found that Nigeria’s managerialist employment relations trigger the employee turnover intention of medical doctors. Additionally, it was found that although managerialist employment relations lead to turnover intention, Nigeria’s unique, non-participatory and authoritarian employment rela...
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of work-life-balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian female medical doctors. This study focusses on Nigeria, which its peculiar socio-cultural, institutional and professional... more
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of work-life-balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian female medical doctors. This study focusses on Nigeria, which its peculiar socio-cultural, institutional and professional realities constitute WLB as well as social sustainability (SS) challenge for female medical doctors. Design/methodology/approach Relying on qualitative, interpretivist approach and informed by institutional theory, this study explores how Nigeria’s institutional environment and workplace realities engender WLB challenges, which consequently impact SS for female doctors. In total, 43 semi-structured interviews and focus group session involving eight participants were utilised for empirical analysis. Findings The study reveals that factors such as work pressure, cultural expectations, unsupportive relationships, challenging work environment, gender role challenges, lack of voice/participation, and high stress level moderate the ability of female medic...
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This seminar was presented at London School of Commerce (LSC) in March 2015. The focus of the paper is rethinking traditional or mainstream data collection strategies informed by sourcing secondary data as alternative to politicised,... more
This seminar was presented at London School of Commerce (LSC) in March 2015. The focus of the paper is rethinking traditional or mainstream data collection strategies informed by sourcing secondary data as alternative to politicised, doctored primary data, which limits knowledge extension on business research.
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Abstract The coalescence of effective media and the public sphere is a synergy that brings about democracy, sustainable development and good governance. Irrespective of its shortcomings, the Nigerian media has been described as a bastion... more
Abstract The coalescence of effective media and the public sphere is a synergy that brings about democracy, sustainable development and good governance. Irrespective of its shortcomings, the Nigerian media has been described as a bastion of people's agitation, which impacts on the public sphere, a realm where private individuals meet to address societal questions with the state. This is the case with the Nigerian press, whose duties and ideals have been called to action in the wake of the amnesty deal in the Niger delta. In ...
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Abstract This investigation borders on a critical evaluation of the leadership style of Ryanair in the age of expensive air travel. Another thrust of the paper is a critical look at the organizational model in place at Ryanair which has... more
Abstract This investigation borders on a critical evaluation of the leadership style of Ryanair in the age of expensive air travel. Another thrust of the paper is a critical look at the organizational model in place at Ryanair which has made it one of the world's most successful airlines. In doing this we shall be exploring the leadership model and paradigms as well as leadership style that Michael O'Leary, the CEO of this airline has brought to bear in the organization, which have made it an airline of choice in Europe. Also, the study will ...
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Uzoechi Nwagbara is a freelance journalist, writer, poet and academic. He has published articles in various international journals. His book publication includes Polluted Landscape (2002) and Ambivalent Voyage (forthcoming). He is... more
Uzoechi Nwagbara is a freelance journalist, writer, poet and academic. He has published articles in various international journals. His book publication includes Polluted Landscape (2002) and Ambivalent Voyage (forthcoming). He is completing his doctoral research in Limkokwing University, London; a member of Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment (ASLE) and the European Association for the Study of
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This study borders on motivating female employees in Nigerian organisations in order to widen possibilities for business growth, high performance and organisational commitment. It is also about the impacts of work-life balance (WLB) on... more
This study borders on motivating female employees in Nigerian organisations in order to widen possibilities for business growth, high performance and organisational commitment. It is also about the impacts of work-life balance (WLB) on the commitment and motivation of women employees in Nigeria. Thus, the main thrust of this paper is to articulate how WLB affects these variables: women’s commitment
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Business Angel as a Missionary: Reflections of an Economic Activist is an appendage to the debate on business finance strategies, entrepreneurial risk-taking approaches, and venture development pathways first brokered by the Norwegian... more
Business Angel as a Missionary: Reflections of an Economic Activist is an appendage to the debate on business finance strategies, entrepreneurial risk-taking approaches, and venture development pathways first brokered by the Norwegian business scholar Roger Sorheim in his 2005 2. Sorhein, R.(2005). Business angels as facilitators for further finance: An exploratory study. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 12 (2), 178–191.
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This paper is focused on Tanure Ojaide's poetry as ecocritical art for negating ecological imperialism, which he envisions is one of the major causes of political impasse, ecological malaise and socio-economic dissonance in the... more
This paper is focused on Tanure Ojaide's poetry as ecocritical art for negating ecological imperialism, which he envisions is one of the major causes of political impasse, ecological malaise and socio-economic dissonance in the Niger delta of Nigeria as well as a fundamental obstacle to its remaking. In order to remake this region for environmental and developmental sustainability, Ojaide's poetics advances the possibility of this through art of resistance, a kind of dissidence poetry couched in ecocriticism that negates ecological ...
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This paper is focused on Tanure Ojaide's poetry as ecocritical art for negating ecological imperialism, which he envisions is one of the major causes of political impasse, ecological malaise and socio-economic dissonance in the... more
This paper is focused on Tanure Ojaide's poetry as ecocritical art for negating ecological imperialism, which he envisions is one of the major causes of political impasse, ecological malaise and socio-economic dissonance in the Niger delta of Nigeria as well as a fundamental obstacle to its remaking. In order to remake this region for environmental and developmental sustainability, Ojaide's poetics advances the possibility of this through art of resistance, a kind of dissidence poetry couched in ecocriticism that negates ecological ...
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America's Challenges for the 21 st Century is its attention to the demand of sociolinguistics, which is amply demonstrated in the book to be an effective method of achieving political and ideological ends as well as reaching out to the... more
America's Challenges for the 21 st Century is its attention to the demand of sociolinguistics, which is amply demonstrated in the book to be an effective method of achieving political and ideological ends as well as reaching out to the electorate.
Abstract Fareed Zakaria's insightful and fascinating book, The Post-American World (2008) deals with the gradual demise of America's power and global dominance and the consequent rise of marginal or regional powers, which include Africa.
The Frozen Democracy: Godfatherism and Elite Corruption in Nigeria follows in the footsteps of contemporary political science as well as leadership books on Nigeria's postcolonial condition. It is a book of seven chapters; it also has an... more
The Frozen Democracy: Godfatherism and Elite Corruption in Nigeria follows in the footsteps of contemporary political science as well as leadership books on Nigeria's postcolonial condition. It is a book of seven chapters; it also has an epilogue that catalogues the incidence of brazen client-patron culture in Nigerian politics and its ancillary woes that reverberate with disempowerment of people, who ought to constitute the epicentre of politics as well as the reason for politicking:
This seminar was presented at London School of Commerce (LSC) in March 2015. The focus of the paper is rethinking traditional or mainstream data collection strategies informed by sourcing secondary data as alternative to politicised,... more
This seminar was presented at London School of Commerce (LSC) in March 2015. The focus of the paper is rethinking traditional or mainstream data collection strategies informed by sourcing secondary data as alternative to politicised, doctored primary data, which limits knowledge extension on business research.