The Australasian Journal of Regional Studies, 2018
The purpose of this study is to examine important dimensions related to regional trade cooperatio... more The purpose of this study is to examine important dimensions related to regional trade cooperation that range from facilitation measures to trade barriers and the implications of these in Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). In particular, the study explores some of the implications of RTAs on the business community in Fiji, with a special focus on exporters. This paper has adopted a triangulation method that incorporates the use of survey research, interviews and descriptive statistics. The findings of the research highlight that the vast majority of firms also do not utilise the free trade provisions laid out in RTAs and very few felt the relevance of these RTAs in terms their exports. The results reveal that the utilisation of RTAs depends on the support of state institutions related to exporting. Nevertheless, the firms have revealed that they have seen increased competition (post RTA) in the market place.
The study is basically aimed at examining the state of branding in Indian bottled water, focusing... more The study is basically aimed at examining the state of branding in Indian bottled water, focusing on the performance of major Indian enterprises in creating brands in this segment; sustaining them in the huge domestic market and expansion measure for taking them into global markets. The Indian Bottled brands do not compete globally; the present study is aimed at finding reasons for Indian Bottled Industry’s failure to stand by Global players and suggesting remedial measures to make effective strategy. Various facts revealed the lack of quality in the companies that are heading the industry in the danger control mode. Various suggestions are discussed to plug the loop holes to survive; the industry and in the industry.
This study seeks to understand variations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) risk perception a... more This study seeks to understand variations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) risk perception and sexual behaviour among male and female adults in Fiji. The Second-Generation Surveillance Report (2006) indicates the median age of first sex within the youth group as 16 years (range 10 – 23 years). Therefore, this study was purposively targeted at individuals of reproductive age, preferably 10 years and above. We utilized convenience sampling to collect 137 self-administered surveys from individuals working in both public and private sector organizations in two highly populated areas of Fiji. Independent samples t-test analyses revealed that men living in urban areas are more likely to experiment with multiple sexual partners, have a higher tendency of engaging in sexual practices, and are highly likely to have unsafe sex with multiple partners. Gender-sensitive interventions may help facilitate and achieve positive behaviour change among males and influence the sexual health of fem...
This paper reports the preliminary results of a study examining the contextual effects on female ... more This paper reports the preliminary results of a study examining the contextual effects on female leaders of Fijian social enterprises. Drawing on accounts of practice described by four female leaders, we find leadership in these social enterprises is oriented towards social inclusion, helping, complying and instruction. Female leadership in this context is influenced by Fijian societal norms and practices in a traditional patriarchal society that is undergoing institutional change in relation to gender development. To achieve specific goals, these four leaders combine different forms of leadership which correspond to Goleman’s (2000) democratic, affiliative, coercive and authoritative approaches. We propose this hybrid style of leadership represents acceptable ways of leading as it is consistent with Fijian societal norms, yet female leadership is likely to adjust as these norms change over time.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships and influences of change enable... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships and influences of change enablers for social enterprises in organizations undergoing cultural change. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a survey of social enterprises in two Pacific Island nations, and analyzed with Pearson and regression analyses. Findings The study finds that social enterprises are better equipped to implement cultural change when they exploit a robust entrepreneurial capability while optimizing strategic, financial and adaptive capabilities. These capabilities should be aligned with the enterprise’s culture and processes associated with transitioning the organizational culture to access resources and achieve its mission. Based on these results, a Cultural Change Enabling (CCE) Framework is proposed to help social enterprises leverage the dynamic interactions between the enterprise, its capabilities and environment, and organizational change processes. Practical implications Us...
International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2010
Abstract: This paper examines the process of internationalisation of Small and Medium Enterprises... more Abstract: This paper examines the process of internationalisation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Samoa. It uses structured questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 78 respondents from Samoa, which were empirically tested through SPSS. The findings stipulate that the ...
Empirical studies on e-governance are replete with evidences highlighting its potential for impro... more Empirical studies on e-governance are replete with evidences highlighting its potential for improving service delivery. This study was conducted in PNG and Fiji using structured questionnaires distributed to different groups of respondents. The results indicate that e-governance has the potential to improve Public Service Delivery. It is also confirmed through the findings in this research that the expectations of citizens
International Journal of Services and Standards, 2010
... In the study by Bagodi and Mahanty (2007) of 510 customers it was found that five factors, th... more ... In the study by Bagodi and Mahanty (2007) of 510 customers it was found that five factors, that is; reliability and responsiveness, assurance and empathy, convenience factor, and tangibles and financial factor were important in measuring quality with specific reference to the two ...
International Journal of Public Sector Management, 2010
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of corruption in India, Fiji and Ethiop... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of corruption in India, Fiji and Ethiopia and survey citizen perception of how e‐governance could fight corruption. The main objective is to investigate and explore the potential of e‐governance applications in three countries representing three different regions of Asia, Africa, and Oceania.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted over 918 citizens in India, Ethiopia and Fiji using convenience random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used. The main emphasis of the survey was on citizen perception about corruption and poor service. It further asked respondents on how e‐governance can cut corruption.FindingsBenefits of e‐governance in developing countries are the same as those in developed countries but there are many potential benefits that remain unreaped by developing countries as a consequence of their unlimited use of e‐governance. Based on these assertions, the researchers tried to evaluate and assess the...
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the issues, challenges, and impediments coming ... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the issues, challenges, and impediments coming in the way of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) internationalization in small developing nations of South Pacific like Fiji and Samoa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper encompasses both quantitative and qualitative data. Analyses of antecedents are descriptive in nature, while establishing the relationship between intervening variables and outcomes are quantitative. For quantitative data, structured questionnaires are used, while for the collection of qualitative data, archival and library research methods are employed. Structured questionnaire is used to collect data from 118 and 78 sampled respondents in Fiji and Samoa, respectively, and statistical analysis is performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences package.FindingsThese research findings pinpoint that the problem lies in evaluating the nature of issues affecting internationalization of SMEs. The results...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how leadership is shaped by a changing cultural c... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how leadership is shaped by a changing cultural context. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews with leaders of Fijian cooperatives. Findings The political and cultural environment in Fiji has changed over time, and these changing arrangements shape expectations of what is considered to be appropriate leadership in Fijian cooperatives. To be consistent with changing societal values, leaders of Fijian cooperatives employ a context-sensitive hybrid leadership style in which legitimacy is an important dimension. Research implications Researchers need to examine the cultural context as a dynamic influencing element of leadership. Practical implications Leaders of cooperatives and similar values-based organizations would benefit from applying a legitimate and context-sensitive hybrid leadership style. Originality/value This study contributes new understandings of the cultural influences ...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships and influences of change enable... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships and influences of change enablers for social enterprises in organizations undergoing cultural change. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a survey of social enterprises in two Pacific Island nations, and analyzed with Pearson and regression analyses. Findings The study finds that social enterprises are better equipped to implement cultural change when they exploit a robust entrepreneurial capability while optimizing strategic, financial and adaptive capabilities. These capabilities should be aligned with the enterprise’s culture and processes associated with transitioning the organizational culture to access resources and achieve its mission. Based on these results, a Cultural Change Enabling (CCE) Framework is proposed to help social enterprises leverage the dynamic interactions between the enterprise, its capabilities and environment, and organizational change processes. Practical implications Using the CCE Framework will benefit leaders of public benefit organizations, including social enterprises, to identify their capabilities, and develop an enabling culture to advance their trading activities and social mission so that social enterprises might operate sustainably. Originality/value As one of the first studies to examine the readiness for organizational change in social enterprises, this study provides new insights on the capabilities for organizational change, and the dynamics of organizations undergoing cultural transformation.
This paper discusses the impact of using social marketing principles to increase the use of condo... more This paper discusses the impact of using social marketing principles to increase the use of condoms amongst youths in Fiji so as to inhibit the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STIs. Program assessment shows that the CSM program was successful in increasing the acceptability, accessibility, and usage of TRY TiME condoms in Fiji. In spite of such results, responses received from a sample of sexually active people through a survey conducted in January−February 2009 showed that there might still be a need to raise mass awareness about quality/branded condoms, maintain adequate supply of condoms at distribution sites, and train sales-people at traditional and non-traditional distribution outlets. In line with the theme of this conference, this paper argues that social marketing can increase healthcare consumerism by using innovative techniques to promote consumption of goods and behavior that protect individuals from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
E-learning in the South pacific region appears to have received relatively little attention. This... more E-learning in the South pacific region appears to have received relatively little attention. This study was aimed at better understanding of e-learning and its relevance in terms of improving the quality of educational service delivery to students at the University of the South Pacific (USP). The literature shows that the developing countries are failing to identify potential areas of e-learning applications because of which they are lagging behind the developed countries, particularly, in terms of improved service delivery to their citizens. The results of this study indicate that e-learning at USP represents most of the characteristics of the primary, and document management stage of knowledge management. The on-line interactions between information provider and receiver are not intense, and it explains that the second level of knowledge management is not much developed.
The Australasian Journal of Regional Studies, 2018
The purpose of this study is to examine important dimensions related to regional trade cooperatio... more The purpose of this study is to examine important dimensions related to regional trade cooperation that range from facilitation measures to trade barriers and the implications of these in Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). In particular, the study explores some of the implications of RTAs on the business community in Fiji, with a special focus on exporters. This paper has adopted a triangulation method that incorporates the use of survey research, interviews and descriptive statistics. The findings of the research highlight that the vast majority of firms also do not utilise the free trade provisions laid out in RTAs and very few felt the relevance of these RTAs in terms their exports. The results reveal that the utilisation of RTAs depends on the support of state institutions related to exporting. Nevertheless, the firms have revealed that they have seen increased competition (post RTA) in the market place.
The study is basically aimed at examining the state of branding in Indian bottled water, focusing... more The study is basically aimed at examining the state of branding in Indian bottled water, focusing on the performance of major Indian enterprises in creating brands in this segment; sustaining them in the huge domestic market and expansion measure for taking them into global markets. The Indian Bottled brands do not compete globally; the present study is aimed at finding reasons for Indian Bottled Industry’s failure to stand by Global players and suggesting remedial measures to make effective strategy. Various facts revealed the lack of quality in the companies that are heading the industry in the danger control mode. Various suggestions are discussed to plug the loop holes to survive; the industry and in the industry.
This study seeks to understand variations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) risk perception a... more This study seeks to understand variations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) risk perception and sexual behaviour among male and female adults in Fiji. The Second-Generation Surveillance Report (2006) indicates the median age of first sex within the youth group as 16 years (range 10 – 23 years). Therefore, this study was purposively targeted at individuals of reproductive age, preferably 10 years and above. We utilized convenience sampling to collect 137 self-administered surveys from individuals working in both public and private sector organizations in two highly populated areas of Fiji. Independent samples t-test analyses revealed that men living in urban areas are more likely to experiment with multiple sexual partners, have a higher tendency of engaging in sexual practices, and are highly likely to have unsafe sex with multiple partners. Gender-sensitive interventions may help facilitate and achieve positive behaviour change among males and influence the sexual health of fem...
This paper reports the preliminary results of a study examining the contextual effects on female ... more This paper reports the preliminary results of a study examining the contextual effects on female leaders of Fijian social enterprises. Drawing on accounts of practice described by four female leaders, we find leadership in these social enterprises is oriented towards social inclusion, helping, complying and instruction. Female leadership in this context is influenced by Fijian societal norms and practices in a traditional patriarchal society that is undergoing institutional change in relation to gender development. To achieve specific goals, these four leaders combine different forms of leadership which correspond to Goleman’s (2000) democratic, affiliative, coercive and authoritative approaches. We propose this hybrid style of leadership represents acceptable ways of leading as it is consistent with Fijian societal norms, yet female leadership is likely to adjust as these norms change over time.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships and influences of change enable... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships and influences of change enablers for social enterprises in organizations undergoing cultural change. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a survey of social enterprises in two Pacific Island nations, and analyzed with Pearson and regression analyses. Findings The study finds that social enterprises are better equipped to implement cultural change when they exploit a robust entrepreneurial capability while optimizing strategic, financial and adaptive capabilities. These capabilities should be aligned with the enterprise’s culture and processes associated with transitioning the organizational culture to access resources and achieve its mission. Based on these results, a Cultural Change Enabling (CCE) Framework is proposed to help social enterprises leverage the dynamic interactions between the enterprise, its capabilities and environment, and organizational change processes. Practical implications Us...
International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2010
Abstract: This paper examines the process of internationalisation of Small and Medium Enterprises... more Abstract: This paper examines the process of internationalisation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Samoa. It uses structured questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 78 respondents from Samoa, which were empirically tested through SPSS. The findings stipulate that the ...
Empirical studies on e-governance are replete with evidences highlighting its potential for impro... more Empirical studies on e-governance are replete with evidences highlighting its potential for improving service delivery. This study was conducted in PNG and Fiji using structured questionnaires distributed to different groups of respondents. The results indicate that e-governance has the potential to improve Public Service Delivery. It is also confirmed through the findings in this research that the expectations of citizens
International Journal of Services and Standards, 2010
... In the study by Bagodi and Mahanty (2007) of 510 customers it was found that five factors, th... more ... In the study by Bagodi and Mahanty (2007) of 510 customers it was found that five factors, that is; reliability and responsiveness, assurance and empathy, convenience factor, and tangibles and financial factor were important in measuring quality with specific reference to the two ...
International Journal of Public Sector Management, 2010
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of corruption in India, Fiji and Ethiop... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of corruption in India, Fiji and Ethiopia and survey citizen perception of how e‐governance could fight corruption. The main objective is to investigate and explore the potential of e‐governance applications in three countries representing three different regions of Asia, Africa, and Oceania.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted over 918 citizens in India, Ethiopia and Fiji using convenience random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used. The main emphasis of the survey was on citizen perception about corruption and poor service. It further asked respondents on how e‐governance can cut corruption.FindingsBenefits of e‐governance in developing countries are the same as those in developed countries but there are many potential benefits that remain unreaped by developing countries as a consequence of their unlimited use of e‐governance. Based on these assertions, the researchers tried to evaluate and assess the...
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the issues, challenges, and impediments coming ... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the issues, challenges, and impediments coming in the way of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) internationalization in small developing nations of South Pacific like Fiji and Samoa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper encompasses both quantitative and qualitative data. Analyses of antecedents are descriptive in nature, while establishing the relationship between intervening variables and outcomes are quantitative. For quantitative data, structured questionnaires are used, while for the collection of qualitative data, archival and library research methods are employed. Structured questionnaire is used to collect data from 118 and 78 sampled respondents in Fiji and Samoa, respectively, and statistical analysis is performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences package.FindingsThese research findings pinpoint that the problem lies in evaluating the nature of issues affecting internationalization of SMEs. The results...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how leadership is shaped by a changing cultural c... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how leadership is shaped by a changing cultural context. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews with leaders of Fijian cooperatives. Findings The political and cultural environment in Fiji has changed over time, and these changing arrangements shape expectations of what is considered to be appropriate leadership in Fijian cooperatives. To be consistent with changing societal values, leaders of Fijian cooperatives employ a context-sensitive hybrid leadership style in which legitimacy is an important dimension. Research implications Researchers need to examine the cultural context as a dynamic influencing element of leadership. Practical implications Leaders of cooperatives and similar values-based organizations would benefit from applying a legitimate and context-sensitive hybrid leadership style. Originality/value This study contributes new understandings of the cultural influences ...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships and influences of change enable... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships and influences of change enablers for social enterprises in organizations undergoing cultural change. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a survey of social enterprises in two Pacific Island nations, and analyzed with Pearson and regression analyses. Findings The study finds that social enterprises are better equipped to implement cultural change when they exploit a robust entrepreneurial capability while optimizing strategic, financial and adaptive capabilities. These capabilities should be aligned with the enterprise’s culture and processes associated with transitioning the organizational culture to access resources and achieve its mission. Based on these results, a Cultural Change Enabling (CCE) Framework is proposed to help social enterprises leverage the dynamic interactions between the enterprise, its capabilities and environment, and organizational change processes. Practical implications Using the CCE Framework will benefit leaders of public benefit organizations, including social enterprises, to identify their capabilities, and develop an enabling culture to advance their trading activities and social mission so that social enterprises might operate sustainably. Originality/value As one of the first studies to examine the readiness for organizational change in social enterprises, this study provides new insights on the capabilities for organizational change, and the dynamics of organizations undergoing cultural transformation.
This paper discusses the impact of using social marketing principles to increase the use of condo... more This paper discusses the impact of using social marketing principles to increase the use of condoms amongst youths in Fiji so as to inhibit the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STIs. Program assessment shows that the CSM program was successful in increasing the acceptability, accessibility, and usage of TRY TiME condoms in Fiji. In spite of such results, responses received from a sample of sexually active people through a survey conducted in January−February 2009 showed that there might still be a need to raise mass awareness about quality/branded condoms, maintain adequate supply of condoms at distribution sites, and train sales-people at traditional and non-traditional distribution outlets. In line with the theme of this conference, this paper argues that social marketing can increase healthcare consumerism by using innovative techniques to promote consumption of goods and behavior that protect individuals from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
E-learning in the South pacific region appears to have received relatively little attention. This... more E-learning in the South pacific region appears to have received relatively little attention. This study was aimed at better understanding of e-learning and its relevance in terms of improving the quality of educational service delivery to students at the University of the South Pacific (USP). The literature shows that the developing countries are failing to identify potential areas of e-learning applications because of which they are lagging behind the developed countries, particularly, in terms of improved service delivery to their citizens. The results of this study indicate that e-learning at USP represents most of the characteristics of the primary, and document management stage of knowledge management. The on-line interactions between information provider and receiver are not intense, and it explains that the second level of knowledge management is not much developed.
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Papers by Gurmeet Singh