Global Journal of Business, Economics and Management: Current Issues

The impact of ESG risk disagreements on stock returns and volatility in Europe

2024-12-11T16:18:26+03:00

This study examines the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance risk disagreements on the annual average level and volatility of daily stock returns. By employing a proxy for rating disagreement based on ESG risk ratings from two leading providers, the analysis reveals that ESG disagreements significantly increase stock return volatility. This finding remains robust across different methods of measuring rating disagreement. Furthermore, industry-adjusted ESG rating disagreement is shown to exacerbate volatility. Addressing a gap in the literature regarding the effects of ESG risk disagreement on stock market behavior, this study enhances understanding of how inconsistencies among ESG rating agencies influence financial markets. The research utilizes a filtered sample of 1005 publicly listed firms with available ESG ratings, focusing on data from the most recent year. The methodology combines cross-sectional analysis and volatility modeling to ensure rigorous examination. The findings provide critical insights for investors, emphasizing the necessity of evaluating differences in ESG assessments when making investment decisions. These results also underscore the broader implications for asset pricing and risk management in financial markets.

Keywords: Asset pricing; ESG risk; rating disagreement; stock returns; volatility

Innovation, human capital, and economic growth in Ethiopia: A systematic review and empirical analysis

2025-03-01T13:45:19+03:00

National innovation systems are recognized as key drivers of economic growth, particularly in developing economies. Human capital and research and development are fundamental pillars supporting the effectiveness of these systems. This study evaluates the contribution of human capital and research and development to gross domestic product through a systematic review of prior research and empirical validation. The systematic review indicates that labor force participation and research expenditure positively influence gross domestic product, while educational investment exhibits a long-term impact. To provide a comprehensive understanding, the study employs a Cobb-Douglas production function model using World Bank data from 2000 to 2023. Empirical results reveal that both research and development and human capital have statistically insignificant effects on gross domestic product growth. These findings highlight the need for greater policy attention on strengthening human capital development and research capabilities by increasing research funding, fostering collaboration among innovation system actors, and implementing strategies to enhance the availability of skilled and educated personnel across sectors for sustainable economic growth.

Keywords: Economic growth, human capital; innovation system; research and development; systematic review.

Application of the SERVQUAL model in the tourism industry across hospitality, travel, and destination management sectors

2025-05-28T09:36:30+03:00

This study critically examines the application of the SERVQUAL model in evaluating service quality within the travel and tourism sector. While SERVQUAL is widely used in service industries, its relevance and adaptability in varying tourism contexts have not been sufficiently explored. This gap is particularly significant given the influence of cultural variability and evolving service environments. The objective of this study is to assess how the five dimensions of SERVQUAL, namely reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, and responsiveness, affect customer satisfaction and loyalty across different segments of tourism, including destination management, hospitality, travel agencies, and tour operations. A qualitative review method was employed to synthesize empirical findings from multiple studies. The results reveal that each tourism sector prioritizes different dimensions depending on the nature of the service environment. For example, adventure tourism emphasizes assurance and reliability, whereas empathy is more valued in resort and cultural tourism settings. The study also identifies emerging challenges such as technological changes and cultural diversity that influence interpersonal service interactions. These findings affirm the continued usefulness of SERVQUAL while highlighting the importance of contextual adaptation and integration with digital models in international tourism research and practice.

Keywords: Customer satisfaction; qualitative review; service quality; SERVQUAL; tourism management.

Factors affecting investment decisions of individual investors in the Dhaka Stock Exchange

2024-10-30T11:28:22+03:00

This study investigates the key factors that influence individual investors' decision-making in stock exchange environments. While extensive research exists on institutional investment behavior, limited attention has been paid to the behavioral drivers behind individual investor choices, creating a critical research gap. Addressing this gap, the objective of this study is to examine the determinants guiding investment decisions among individual investors. A quantitative approach was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire comprising 27 items administered to 300 individual investors. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis softwares, with the Friedman rank test employed to evaluate the research hypotheses. The findings reveal that investors prioritize expected dividends, historical stock performance, access to market information, portfolio diversification, recommendations from brokers and family, corporate reputation, and ethical conduct. These factors collectively shape the investment behaviors of individuals. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of investor psychology and offers actionable implications for financial institutions and corporations aiming to tailor strategies and communication efforts that align with investor priorities.

Keywords: Behavioral finance; decision-making; investment behavior; stock market; investor psychology.