Sustainability: A Multi-Perspective Approach

Chapter 1

Innovative Approaches for Environmental Sustainability: Empowering Pakistan’s Banking Sector

By Sajawal Aslam [0009-0004-6456-753X], Nasreen Khan [0000-0002-8000-2000] and Tan Booi Chen [0000-0001-8453-1885]

Abstract – The research delves into banks’ significant influence on the climate. It underscores the need to understand how to improve environmental performance, as many sustainable practices are yet to be fully implemented. It evaluates the impact of green practices within banks on the environment, focusing on micro-level factors such as operations, investments, and policymaking. It stresses the importance of banks adopting sustainable initiatives urgently to mitigate their environmental footprint effectively, which mitigates their environmental footprint. Additionally, the study suggests avenues for future research to explore how different green banking strategies can synergize and collectively contribute to environmental sustainability. This holistic approach could guide the development of comprehensive green banking policies and practices aligned with broader environmental objectives. Ultimately, the study adds valuable insights to the discourse on sustainable banking practices, offering guidance for academia and industry in promoting environmentally responsible banking operations.

Cite this chapter as:

Aslam, S., Khan, N., & Tan, B.C (2024). Innovative approaches for environmental sustainability: Empowering Pakistan’s banking sector. In C. W. Chong & B. C. Tan (Eds.), Sustainability: A Multi-Perspective Approach (pp. 5-40). MMU Press.

Chapter 2

Impact of Technological and Non-Technological Factors for Organizational Sustainability: Perspective of Private Sectors

By Anusuyah Subbarao, Ganeswaran Balakrishnan and Muhammad Afif Fathullah

Abstract– In the dynamic landscape of the private sector, understanding the intricate interplay between technological and non-technological factors is pivotal for unravelling the complexities that influence organizational sustainability. In Malaysia, less research is conducted in identifying the confluence of technological and nontechnological factors that affect organizational performance (OP). This research aims to investigate the technological and non-technological factors that affect the organizational sustainability of the private sector. The coexistence of technological factors such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Big Data Analytics (BDA) and non-technological factors such as Strategic Leadership (SL), Analytical Skills (AS), and Knowledge Management Process (KMP) are examined. This is a quantitative research study with purposive sampling with 172 respondents from Klang Valley. The results indicate that the implementation of ERP, BDA, effective SL, strong AS, and effective KMP have a positive impact on OP. The findings of this research will contribute to the understanding of the important factors affecting organizational performance from the perspective of the private sector. The study’s findings add to the body of knowledge on the impact of technology and non-technological elements on organizational performance. The findings of this study will be useful to private sector organizations, policymakers, and scholars interested in learning about the elements that determine organizational performance.

Cite this chapter as:

Subbarao, A., Balakrishnan, G., & Fathullah, M. A. (2024). Impact of technological and non-technological factors for organizational sustainability: Perspective of private sectors. In C. W. Chong & B. C. Tan (Eds.), Sustainability: A Multi-Perspective Approach (pp. 41-66). MMU Press.

Chapter 3

Addressing Inequalities: Insights into Gender Disparities in E-Grocery Adoption for Socially Inclusive Senior Engagement

By Yee-Yann Yap, Siow-Hooi Tan and Sow-Yee Pook

Abstract – In the era of sustainable development initiatives addressing global social disparities, the use of information technologies, particularly Internet-enabled technologies, plays a crucial role in business transformation and growth. The purpose of this study is to examine gender-based disparities among Malaysian seniors in their intention to use e-grocery services, with a particular focus on their perceptions of trust and associated risks. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire. Analysing 280 valid responses, it reveals significant gender-based differences in e-grocery use. Female seniors show a higher intention to use e-grocery services compared to males. Interestingly, trust and risks (performance, financial, and time) have a stronger impact on e-grocery service intention for males than females. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring digital services to diverse demographic needs, promoting social inclusivity and equality.

Cite this chapter as:

Yap, Y. Y., Tan, S. H., & Pook, S. Y. (2024). Addressing inequalities: Insights into gender disparities in e-grocery adoption for socially inclusive senior engagement. In C. W. Chong & B. C. Tan (Eds.), Sustainability: A Multi Perspectives Approach (pp. 67-100). MMU Press.

Chapter 4

Determinants of Public’s Intention to Use Online Personal Loans

By Wong Jee Kit, Abdullah Sarwar and Shaikh Fazlur Rahman

Abstract – The expeditious advancement of technology and the widespread use of the internet have greatly enhanced the convenience of people’s daily lives. With online banking services’ availability, businesses and individuals can easily access online personal loans that offer flexibility in terms of purpose, minimal documentation requirements, and the avoidance of physical submissions. Despite the increasing number of internet users in Malaysia, a significant portion of the population remains unaware of the existence and benefits of online personal loans. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the factors influencing the public’s intention to use online personal loans in Malaysia. Employing a quantitative method, the research utilizes an online Google Form questionnaire to gather primary data from 250 respondents aged between 18 and 60. The results indicate a significant relationship between security concerns and perceived usefulness with the public’s intention to use online personal loans, particularly concerning the online interest rate. In conclusion, the study recommends that future research endeavours consider expanding the sample size using specific calculators. This approach would enhance the consistency and accuracy of research results. Financial institutions and policymakers can increase public awareness and adoption of these convenient financial services in Malaysia by addressing security concerns and emphasizing the perceived usefulness of online personal loans.

Cite this chapter as:

Jee Kit, Sarwar, Rahman, 2024). Determinants of public’s intention to use online personal loans. In C. W. Chong & B. C. Tan (Eds.), Sustainability: A Multi Perspectives Approach (pp. 101-138). MMU Press

Chapter 5

Conceptualizing Workplace Incivility within a Sustainability Framework: A Focus on Malaysian Government Agencies

By Mazni Alias, Nor Emmizah Zakaria, Adedapo Oluwaseyi Ojo and Nur Farhana Lyana Ameruddin

Abstract – Research on workplace incivility, while extensive in the US and Europe, is lacking in Asia, notably in Malaysia. This study addresses the gap by examining instigating factors like workaholism, work stress, job insecurity, and abusive supervision among Malaysian government employees. Data from 390 officers were analysed, revealing a significant positive correlation between abusive supervision and workplace incivility, with abusive supervision emerging as the primary predictor. Surprisingly, workaholism, work stress, and job insecurity showed no significant relationship with workplace incivility. These findings contribute to understanding workplace dynamics in non-Western contexts and are crucial for improving organisational climates, particularly within Malaysian enforcement agencies.

Cite this chapter as:

Alias, M., Zakaria, N.E., Ojo, A.O., Ameruddin, N.F.L. (2024). Conceptualizing Workplace Incivility within a Sustainability Framework: A Focus on Malaysian Government Agencies. In C. W. Chong & B. C. Tan (Eds.), Sustainability: A Multi-Perspective Approach (pp. 139-171). MMU Press.

Chapter 6

Sustainable Development of Ancient Village of Guilin – a Case Study of Xingping Village

By Ling (Jolin) Xiong and Siow-Kian Tan

Abstract – Ancient villages are the historical relics of farming life inherited from the process of human civilization in China. More than a hundred ancient villages in Guilin have distinctive characteristics and an intense cultural atmosphere. These ancient villages are located among Guilin’s green mountains and green waters. They are small, exquisite, and unpretentious; and have profound cultural heritage and ethnic customs. These ancient villages contain rich tourism resources and have great conservation value. However, the development of tourism for economic benefits leads to many problems, especially the unsustainability of ancient villages and their tangible as well as intangible cultural heritage. Nevertheless, there is a lack of in-depth understanding of these problems. Field investigation, in-depth interviews and observations were conducted at Xingping village to understand the problems faced and how to protect the cultural heritage of the ancient village from different stakeholders’ perspectives.

Cite this chapter as:

Xiong, L., Tan, S, K. (2024). Sustainable development of ancient village of Guilin – a case study of Xingping Village. (2024). In C. W. Chong & B. C. Tan (Eds.), Sustainability: A Multi-Perspective Approach (pp. 173-220). MMU Press.

Chapter 7

Navigating Sustainability: Mosque Cooperative Board Essential Competencies for Performance

By Abdullah Sallehhuddin Abdullah Salim [0000 0002 1961 7890], Norzarina Md Yatim [0000 0002 0810 706X], Al Mansor Abu Said [0000-0001-9902-7980] and Muhammad Aiman Asyraf Hanafi [0009 0006 3138 2656]

Abstract – In various sectors, effective organizational performance is a vital concern, extending to mosque cooperatives. The enduring success of these cooperatives hinges on robust financial and non-financial performance, ensuring sustained socioeconomic benefits for members and communities. This study delves into the fundamental question of essential competencies necessary for mosque cooperative board members to optimize sustainable performance. Drawing from a survey with 41 responses, the research identifies key competencies crucial for sustainable financial performance. The analysis highlights leadership, financial management, administrative, accounting management, and religious and shariah skills as the top three critical competencies, while human resources management skill is identified as the least required. Valuable insights gleaned from this research provide a foundation for regulators, policymakers, and mosque co-operators to craft targeted upskilling and competency enhancement initiatives. By doing so, these stakeholders can empower mosque cooperative board members to foster impactful sustainable performance, ensuring the continued success and contribution of these cooperatives to their communities.

Cite this chapter as:

Abdullah Sallehhuddin, A. S., Md Yatim, N., Abu Said, A., and Hanafi, M. A. A. (2024). Navigating Sustainability: Mosque Cooperative Board Essential Competencies for Performance. In C. W. Chong & B. C. Tan (Eds.), Sustainability: A Multi-Perspective Approach (pp. 221-242). MMU Press.

Environmental Taxes and Sustainability

By Sellywati Mohd Faizal and Yen Yen Yip

Abstract – There is a growing understanding across the world of environmental sustainability to reduce emissions, climate change, and carbon impact. Stakeholders are interested in knowing how government and businesses address the issue. Environmental taxes are required to deal with environmental, social, and economic challenges. Environmental taxes are a key tool to promote a decarbonized economy that is in line with sustainable development. The principle of environmental taxes is a tax on harmful activities to the environment. Thus, environmental taxes are to make polluters responsible by paying prices for their activities that affect environmental health. As such, this study aims to understand environmental taxes and sustainability, and how they relate to each other. This study reviews and addresses the environmental tax practice and its impact on sustainability across the world.

Cite this chapter as:

Faizal, S. M., & Yip, Y. Y. (2024). Environmental Taxes and Sustainability. In C. W. Chong & B. C. Tan (Eds.), Sustainability: A Multi-Perspective Approach (pp. 243-276). MMU Press.