https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/issue/feedJournal of Social and Organizational Matters2026-02-17T13:21:04+00:00Dr Allah Bux Lakhanallahbuxlakhan88@gmail.comOpen Journal Systems<p>Journal of Social & Organizational Matters (JSOM) is publishing Research Articles in the following domains.<br />Curriculum (Elementary, Secondary & Higher Education), Health & Physical Education, English Literature,, Mass Communication, Business & Economics, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Management & Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Psychology, International Relations, Sociology, Political Science</p>https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/372Financial Advice in Digital Age: The Role of Finfluencers on Financial Behavioral Intentions2026-01-07T15:27:39+00:00Maryam Mureedmaryammureed49@gmail.comMomnah Mazharmazharmomnah@gmail.comMoin Ahmad Moonmoin@aumc.edu.pkAmmar Shafiqammarshafiq914@gmail.com<p><em>This study investigates how well financial influencers can encourage positive financial behaviors. Under the guidance of the social cognitive theory, the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) and Parasocial Interaction Theory, it explores how people could be influenced by the traits of finfluencers and then take on their own monetary procedures. The Study emphasis on sustainability consumerism, and financial wellbeing. The data were gathered using the sample of 266 responses through an online questionnaire form via the Structural Equation Modelling (AMOS) analysis. The results indicate that source characteristics (trustworthiness and similarity) and argument quality of the finfluencer message (accuracy and value-adding information) are positively associated with the parasocial relationship between finfluencers and followers. Parasocial relationship is found to function as a mediating variable. The results only highlight the potential of finfluencer marketing as a strategic outlet for banks and financial marketers but do not provide a detailed into that how financial institutions can practically exploit finfluencers’ persuasive ability to encourage people to adopt financial practices.</em></p>2026-01-07T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Maryam Mureed, Momnah Mazhar, Moin Ahmad Moon, Ammar Shafiqhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/373Faculty Readiness and Pedagogical Transformation in AI-Enabled Personalized Learning: A Phenomenological Study2026-01-11T01:16:46+00:00Farooq Ahmadbandeshascholar@gmail.comUm -e-Farwaummefarwa@ue.edu.pkAsadullah .asadullahsial786@gmail.com<p style="text-align: justify; margin: 0cm -2.9pt 0cm 0cm;"><em><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the education sector has become widespread, and AI-facilitated individualized learning has become recognized in higher education, transforming instructional and pedagogical decision-making from an alternative perspective. Whereas literature provides potential insights into the role of AI in education, the lived experiences of readiness and pedagogical change by faculty members are yet to be investigated. The current study focuses on the experiences of faculty members of higher education regarding AI-enabled personalized learning in their professional teaching work. The qualitative phenomenological research design was used to conduct deep semi-structured interviews with ten participants selected through purposive sampling techniques from three public sector universities of Punjab, Pakistan. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The results indicate five interactive themes: Becoming Ready, Redefined Teaching, Ethical Negotiation, Hidden Workload, and Institutional Leverage. The faculty preparedness was developed because of the challenge of experience that was not only built through the training but also through the long, gradual experience. Participants described a redefinition of teaching along the lines of facilitation and mentoring and learning design, as well as increased ethical responsibility in the areas of academic integrity, data privacy, and algorithmic transparency. There was ongoing concern over increased cognitive demands and intensification of workload, especially in the early stages of adoption, and institutional support made the difference between facilitating and inhibiting pedagogical change. The study further explores the sense-making of the faculty and professional identity formation in AI-mediated pedagogy, as well as providing policy-relevant information in relation to how AI can be integrated ethically and sustainably in higher education.</span></em></p>2026-01-11T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Farooq Ahmad, Um -e-Farwa, Asadullah .https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/376Exploring the Influence of Teachers' Soft Skills on Students' Learning Outcomes at the University Level2026-01-14T10:39:13+00:00Zahid Alidrzarajput@gmail.comRizwan Azamprofessorrizwanazam@gmail.comSyed Gul Muhammad Shahsyedgul.shah77@gmail.com<p class="Default" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><em><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">This study explores the influence of university teachers' soft skills on students' learning outcomes in Karachi Pakistan’s public sector universities. The primary objective is to understand the perceptions of teachers regarding their use of soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence within the classroom. A qualitative phenomenological methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 08 university teachers from Karachi. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, and the data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that effective communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence significantly enhance student engagement, motivation, and academic success. However, challenges such as time constraints and varying student awareness of soft skills were identified. Despite these challenges, the study highlights opportunities for integrating soft skills training into university curricula, offering recommendations for teachers to incorporate collaborative activities and communication-focused tasks into their teaching strategies. The study emphasizes the growing importance of soft skills in preparing students for professional success and suggests further emphasis on these skills in teacher development programs.</span></em></p>2026-01-14T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Zahid Ali, Rizwan Azam, Syed Gul Muhammad Shahhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/377Impact of ICT Training Programs on Teacher's Digital Competence at Secondary Schools of District Shaheed Benazir Abad: Pre-Post Study2026-01-14T11:30:32+00:00Sohail Ahmed Dahrisohailahmeddahari2016@gmail.comSidra Jabeen Arainsidraarain441@gmail.comAbida Soomroanissoomro71@gmail.com<p><em>The rapid adoption of technology in the education system has indicated the need of teachers to develop effective digital skills. This is a pre- post study that seeks to determine the impact of an ICT training program on the digital competence of secondary-school teachers in District Shaheed Benazir Abad. One hundred and twenty teachers took part and the standardized Digital Competency Assessment Scale (DCAS) was used to evaluate their competencies before and after the training. Data were presented using descriptive statistics and paired samples t-tests in order to determine the significance of the observed improvements. The outcome indicated that there is a statistically significant improvement in general digital competence after training. Significant improvements were found in the areas of digital content production, online work teams and the use of instructional technology. These results make it possible to think that well-organized, practical ICT training programs showed the possibility to increase the digital competency of teachers and feel more confident and effective in integrating technology into the classroom. The research suggests life-long learning, mentoring after training, and increased access to online resources to maintain and further improve the digital skills of the teachers.</em></p>2026-01-14T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Sohail Ahmed Dahri, Sidra Jabeen Arain, Abida Soomrohttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/378Impact of Perceived Educational Value and Usability of AI Tools on Undergraduate Students’ Learning Autonomy2026-01-14T12:36:11+00:00Syeda Sapna Shahsapna.shah@sbbusba.edu.pkNoman Ali Samonomanalisamo4@gmail.com<p><em>The rapid adoption of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in the sphere of higher education promises to stimulate better learning progress, as well as promote the development of autonoetic learning. However, the extent of student perception towards AI tools impacting their self-directed learning trends is not researched to an adequate extent. To investigate these relationships, it is a quantitative research design that used a correlational approach. A total of 370 undergraduate students of a number of universities were used as a sample, and stratified random sampling was applied. The data collection was conducted on the basis of a modified questionnaire resolving the vision of AI tools regarding their educational and usability worth, and learning autonomy of students. The instrument was tested and showed a sufficient degree of reliability. Regression analyses also revealed that the perceived educational value and usability of the AI tools were positively related to the student learning autonomy and thus implied that the students perceiving AI tools as relevant and easy to use are more likely to engage in self-directed learning. Based on the results of the conducted research, it is suggested that teachers and curriculum developers should integrate AI technologies that are pedagogically applicable and easily available, and learning institutions should provide resources and information on how learners can use such technologies. The next study should study new variables such as AI literacy, subject-specific situations, and longitudinal implications in order to gain a better insight into the influence of AI in autonomous learning encouragement.</em></p>2026-01-14T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Syeda Sapna Shah, Noman Ali Samohttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/379China's Soft Power in South Asian Governance2026-01-15T05:03:13+00:00Iqra Kousariqrakousar7862004@gmail.comRao Zanjeel Tariqkhaliqalvi@gmail.comAbdur Rehmankhaliqalvi@gmail.comZosha Noorkhaliqalvi@gmail.com<p><em>The position of China in South Asia has changed into preferences molding rather than commanding. The nation is employing joint structures, development efforts, training of administrators and specific publicity to make it attractive to the regional governments. This is slowly transforming local bureaucratic practices, directions of policy, and leadership into a way that fits the Chinese way of developing. The region where such an approach has easily rooted is South Asia because the governments of this region have been facing institutional challenges, in addition to seeking external support in order to realize economic growth, political stability, and increased regional integration. In Pakistan, this trend is concentrated in the middle-point, and in this case, the CPEC structures, the existing security relationships, and the diplomatic consultations of the seniors placed a conducive platform of Chinese administrative power. This paper is a discussion of how these interactions can lead to common development priorities, administrative skills transfer, and changes in the manner in which regional diplomacies operate. The analysis is informed by qualitative approaches that are guided by the Soft Power Theory and the Governance Theory. The results point out that the three most crucial aspects are symmetric engagement, strong institutions, and steady strategic planning. Essentially, soft governance in China presents the South Asian states with an actual outlet through which they can consolidate their institutions, perfect administrative processes, and development work with more confidence and clarity.</em></p>2026-01-15T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Iqra Kousar, Rao Zanjeel Tariq, Abdur Rehman, Zosha Noorhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/380Pakistan's Economic Relations with the United States: Dependency, Challenges, and Policy Constraints2026-01-15T18:20:05+00:00 Ambreen Amanambreenaman092@gmail.comAbdul Qayoom Sohooaqayoom@hec.gov.pk<p><em>The economic connection between Pakistan and the United States is the focus of this research. It points out the reliance of Pakistan, main problems, and restrictions of policies. It also depicts how the economic consequences have been affected by aid conditionality, structural adjustment programs, and geopolitical factors such as Pakistan's proximity to China and strategic location. The research adopts a qualitative approach and is guided by the theories of dependency and political economy. The findings suggest that US aid has been a blessing in the growing economy but it has also been very unpredictable and linked to the US strategic interests thus limiting Pakistan's autonomy in policy making. The research has emphasized the need for economic diversification, strengthening of institutions, and strategic diplomacy as the ways to maximize US aid and investment, reduce dependency, and thus lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.</em></p>2026-01-15T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Ambreen Aman, Abdul Qayoom Sohoohttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/385Financial Development, Green Finance, And Carbon Emissions: Renewable Energy as a Mediating Mechanism In A Green Economy Framework2026-01-21T04:20:29+00:00Hira Khankhaliqalvi@gmail.comWasim Abbas Shaheenwasim@qau.edu.pkSyed Kashan Toqeerkhaliqalvi@gmail.comWaqas Ahmedkhaliqalvi@gmail.com<p><em>In the past five years, there has been an increasing interest in green financing as many companies, nations, and organizations view the green economy as essential to achieving the Paris Agreement objective of 1.5°C global warming and below 2°C. Today, however, the production of non-renewable energy is a CO<sub>2</sub> demanding process, contributing about 2% of world CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. We cannot advance toward a green economy by maintaining processes that produce greenhouse gases. Energy production must be done as cheaply and with the least amount of greenhouse gas emissions feasible, most likely necessitating the usage of renewable energy sources. The study about modeling aims to comprehend how renewable energy use mediates the effects of foreign direct investment, green finance, economic growth, natural resources rent, international trade, and urbanization on environmental degradation while examining the moderation of financial development by employing a two-stage moderated mediation model in the particular case of 79 nations</em><em>. </em><em>The selection of the sample period and countries is based on the availability of annual data covering the twenty-one years 1999-2019. We obtained the necessary data for our variables from reputable sources, namely the World Bank, (2022) and the OECD, (2022). With the insights gained from our study, government agencies, institutions, policymakers, and other organizations could implement more sensible, suitable, and effective measures to promote environmental safety. The findings of the study state that green financing have positive impact on reducing pollution. Hence, modernization increases CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, which cause a threat to environmental quality. The researchers suggest that there must be a standardized measure of production, distribution, and consumption. There is a need for green economy measures, and the government must initiate steps towards green-friendly products/ projects. Those are less harmful to the economy.</em></p>2026-01-22T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Hira Khan, Wasim Abbas Shaheen, Syed Kashan Toqeer, Waqas Ahmedhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/384The Impact of Organizational Commitment on Teachers’ Presenteeism in Punjab: Effect of Presenteeism on Employee Morale2026-01-22T09:31:00+00:00Remissa Musaddiqkhaliqalvi@gmail.comKafait Ullahkhaliqalvi@gmail.comHannan Afzalhannanafzal6@gmail.comSaiqa Anwaarkhaliqalvi@gmail.com<p><em>The research aims to investigate the effect organizational commitment has on the presenteeism exhibited by the school teachers in schools of Punjab. It further examines the effect presenteeism has on the morale of teachers. Presenteeism, which is a situation where employees come to the workforce either by their own will or of force, even when they are not well, is an emerging concern in the education industry as it has an effect on the productivity and the well-being of the employees. Data was collected from public and private schools of Punjab using questionnaires. PLS-SEM was used to conduct the analysis. It resulted that there exists a significant direct relationship between organizational commitment and presenteeism. High levels of commitment cause teachers to exhibit higher presenteeism and vice versa. The study also demonstrates that teacher morale is negatively affected by the increased presenteeism. This in turn, influences the motivation and job satisfaction negatively. The research also lays emphasis on inculcating organizational commitment, thus reducing presenteeism and enhancing their morale. This study is beneficial for policymakers, school leadership, and management. It is useful in devising policies to reduce the negative effects of presenteeism and enhance the morale of teachers. The study will be equally beneficial at the strategic level at both the provincial and national levels.</em></p>2026-01-22T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Remissa Musaddiq, Kafait Ullah, Hannan Afzal, Saiqa Anwaarhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/390Combatting Misinformation in Marginalized Communities: Insights from Interdisciplinary Experts Through In-depth Interviews2026-01-23T03:45:36+00:00Rana Umair Nadeemumair.prad.scs@pu.edu.pk<p><em>Misinformation is becoming a crucial problem in the digital areas and has been affecting digital media users' social and political behavior. The academics keenly focused on the various types of information in the US presidential elections in 2016 and the pandemic. It has become an important issue not only in developed countries but also in third-world countries. The marginalized communities have socioeconomic, religious, political, educational, and cultural factors, which may increase the exposure to misinformation among social media users. To find out the conceivable solutions to minimize misinformation in marginalized groups by focusing on the causes and impacts, this research aims to conduct in-depth interviews of (N = 15) experts across various fields such as communication, media, psychology, IT, and computer sciences. This comprehensive study will help to understand the psychological mechanisms behind the dissemination and exposure of misinformation, moreover, data experts will provide support in investigating the designs, trends, and the power of misinformation through the analysis. The ultimate goal of the study would be to provide effective approaches and solutions for marginalized communities to minimize the diffusion of misinformation. The insights collected from the interviews could provide support for the development of awareness programs, educational strategies, and training sessions.</em></p>2026-01-23T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Rana Umair Nadeemhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/387The Impact of Female leadership on Organizational Culture and Psychological Empowerment of Employees and Job Satisfaction in Organizations; Bibliometric Analysis2026-01-23T04:44:09+00:00Kynat RazaKynatraza@gmail.comFouzia Hadi Alifozia.hcc@pu.edu.pkSabra Munirsabra_munir@hotmail.com<p><em>To outline the knowledge structure and determine the necessary thematic clusters of the field of psychological empowerment, organizational behavior, gender equality, and women leadership, offering scholars a critical and detailed picture of its intellectual development and future perspectives. </em><em>A quantitative bibliometric methodology implemented using Scopus as the data repository and VOSviewer for high-level data visualization and clustering. The research employs co-occurrence analysis of keywords.</em><em>A total of 275 articles were analyzed. There is a steady and strong positive trend in publications, with an initial period of less than 18 publications followed by significant and then dramatic growth. India (195 documents), the United States (190 documents), and China (170 documents) are the most productive countries. The Bucharest University of Economic Studies and the Universidad da Beira Interior are important institutional contributors. The research offers scholars a critical and detailed picture of the intellectual development and future perspectives of this crucial field of organizational psychology, which can guide future research and understanding. (Implicitly, the identification of thematic clusters aids structured knowledge acquisition). The study implements a quantitative bibliometric methodology (in contrast to conventional systematic reviews) to handle a large volume of data and employs co-occurrence analysis of keywords to outline the knowledge structure and determine thematic clusters.</em></p>2026-01-22T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Kynat Raza, Fouzia Hadi Ali, Sabra Munirhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/388Digital-Era Leadership Readiness and Decision-Making in Pakistani Banks2026-01-23T22:51:15+00:00Asif Alikhaliqalvi@gmail.comInam Ullah Khanmalikinamullahkhan@gmail.com<p><em>Digital transformation is reshaping banking decision-making, yet the role of leadership readiness in enabling this shift remains under-examined in emerging economies. This study reframes leadership readiness for the digital age by examining its influence on decision-making practices in Pakistan’s banking sector. Drawing on Technology Readiness Theory and the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, leadership readiness is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct comprising behavioral openness, digital awareness, and technological capability. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from leaders and managerial-level employees across public and private banks in Pakistan. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings indicate that leadership readiness has a significant positive effect on the adoption of digital enablers, including AI-supported HR analytics and decision support systems. Digital enabler adoption, in turn, enhances organisational decision-making quality by promoting evidence-based and analytically grounded practices. Mediation analysis further reveals that digital enabler adoption partially mediates the relationship between leadership readiness and decision-making quality, underscoring the central role of technology assimilation in digital-era governance. This study contributes to the literature by positioning leadership readiness as a strategic antecedent of rational decision-making in banking and offers practical implications for leadership development and digital capability building in emerging market contexts.</em></p>2026-01-23T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Asif Ali, Inam Ullah Khanhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/386Environmental Tax, Energy Consumption, and Pollution Reduction: Evidence from Developing Economies2026-01-23T23:35:36+00:00Khawar AbbasKhawar.economist5@gmail.comMiraj- ul-Haqkhaliqalvi@gmail.com<p><em>The study examines the effect of environmental tax on environmental quality through the mediating role of energy consumption in developing countries from 2000 to 2020. Employing Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR), the effects of environmental taxes on energy consumption patterns and onward environmental upshots are empirically analyzed. The results show that imposition of environmental tax reduces energy consumption and resultantly improves environmental quality. The findings reveal that market-based policy tools strengthen sustainable energy demand and reduce environmental deterioration. The analysis provides insights to formulate effective policy measures to attain the sustainable environment goal.</em></p>2026-01-24T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Khawar Abbas, Miraj- ul-Haqhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/391Investor Overconfidence in the AI Era: Human vs. Algorithmic Decision-Making 2026-01-24T03:35:26+00:00Muhammad Asad Ullahm.asadullah@kiet.edu.pkNaeem Bhojaninaeem.bhojani@kiet.edu.pkNayab Jumaninayab.jumani@iobm.edu.pk<p><em>We investigate investor overconfidence in the age of artificially intelligent coincident with human–algorithmic and hybrid decision‐making models on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Leveraging behavioral finance literature and advances in AI-based investment tools, the paper explores whether algorithmic behaviors alleviate or change overconfidence when human judgments persist. Based on panel data for PSX investors, 2020:2025, overconfidence is proxied by turnover, holding bias and relative deviation from trading algorithms. The empirical evidence shows that human-only investors have a higher turnover, more portfolio concentration and earn less risk-adjusted returns than algorithm-based portfolios. AI-driven portfolios exhibit better diversification and lower downside risk compared to traditional portfolios, but hybrid investors tend to ignore machine suggestions after an initial period of profit, which is consistent with learning-based overconfidence and illusion of control. Regressions suggest that overconfidence undermines the efficiency gains of AI via discretionary intervention, resulting in higher volatilities and more pronounced draw-downs when under financial stress. In general, the results imply that AI doesn’t remove behavioral biases but rather re-sculpts their manifestation in hybrid decision worlds. Our paper extends overconfidence theory into AI-mediated markets and has significant implications for investors, financial institutions and regulators in emerging markets.</em></p>2026-01-24T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Asad Ullah, Naeem Bhojani, Nayab Jumanihttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/392The Reflection of Female Culture and Regional Culture in Joseph Conrad s Novels from the Perspective of Post-Colonialism2026-01-24T05:12:58+00:00Naveed Ali Shahabdannaveed@gmail.comMuhammad Taimur Khantaimur@bkuc.edu.pkShujaat Alialishujaat234@gmail.com<p><em>In this paper, the postcolonial female culture and regional culture in Conrad's works are analyzed from the perspective of postcolonialism, and Conrad's growth background and writing background are combined to understand. This study focuses on Conrad's depiction of women and regional culture in Lord Jim, A Stranger at Sea, and Heart of Darkness. It enables him to get rid of the traditional British writers' single narrative perspective, and depicts the cultural picture of the colonial expansion period from the cross-cultural perspective. The analysis of female culture and regional culture in his works will get unexpected results. This study is based on this perspective, through reading and consulting literature in-depth analysis, in order to be able to theoretically enrich the academic research on post-colonial literature, while promoting the relevant regional culture and the further development of female culture.</em></p>2026-01-24T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Naveed Ali Shah, Muhammad Taimur Khan, Shujaat Alihttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/393Analyzing the Effective Use of Online Selling Platforms and moderating role of Brand Trust in Online Marketing2026-01-27T08:14:17+00:00Muhammad Noman Riazmuhammad.phdmgt106@iiu.edu.pkImran Munawar Qureshikhaliqalvi@gmail.com<p><em>The objective of the authors is to study the behavioral theories based on the model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), to examine the adoption and usage of online apps for selling products and recommendations for online marketers in Pakistan. Authors proposed this model on the basis of UTAUT theory. Hypotheses are formulated to test the relationship and empirically validated through SPSS and AMOS. This study investigated the influence of digital interface design on consumer purchase motivation within online selling platforms (OSPs). The findings empirically demonstrated that a well-designed user interface (UI) can cultivate positive user attitudes and behavioral intentions, even when the product’s core service functionality is not yet fully experienced by the user. Researchers investigated the role of application design in purchase intention (PI), focusing on its two core components: enabling conditions and perceived enjoyment. Furthermore, it investigated the moderating effect of brand trust on the relationship between purchase intention and the final purchase decision (PD). The analysis further confirmed that PI fully mediates the relationship between the app design factors and PD. Additionally, Brand Trust (BT) was found to significantly moderate the association between PI and PD. The findings of this study luminous the Behavioral Intention BI of online apps users for marketing in Pakistan. These findings will help the IT developers and OSPs planning to invest in similar services. Additionally, this study will contribute to the brands' understanding of the importance of brand trust in online markets.</em></p> <p> </p>2026-02-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Noman Riaz, Imran Munawar Qureshihttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/397Inclusive STEAM Education for Sustainable Development: Bridging Equity Gaps through SDG-Aligned Pedagogies2026-02-05T10:25:08+00:00 Lubna Oadkhaliqalvi@gmail.comNeelofar Shaikhkhaliqalvi@gmail.comMuhammad ImranImran.g5830@gmail.com<p><em>The present study explains how inclusive STEAM education founded on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may help to reduce equity gaps and support sustainable learning. A qualitative research design was adopted through the adoption of an interpretive approach. The researchers employed the semi-structured interview of educators and school leaders who worked with the curriculum based on STEAM and implemented it in their schools. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis to establish important patterns within the context of inclusion, pedagogy, and sustainability. The results indicate that inclusive STEAM education improves equal participation and engagement of learners alongside relevance through collaboration, creativity, and solving real-life problems. The relevance to SDG-oriented themes enhanced sustainability awareness and skills in the learners. The barriers to successful implementation were noted to be the issues of limited resources and teacher preparation as well as the institutional backup support. Study fulfill the gap in the literature by incorporating inclusion, STEAM education, and the SDGs into a single pedagogical model to provide insights into the work of educators, policymakers, and organisations interested in promoting equitable and sustainable education.</em></p>2026-02-05T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Lubna Oad, Neelofar Shaikh, Muhammad Imranhttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/400Instructional Leadership and Teacher Effectiveness in Strengthening Students' Academic Resilience at Secondary Level2026-02-12T12:53:24+00:00Nazir Ahmadnazirahmed@fhes.fen.edu.pkAsad Abbas Rizvidrasad.rizvi@iiu.edu.pk<p><em>The purpose of the present study was to explore how instructional leadership can be used to improve the effectiveness of teachers and academic resilience of students especially how they are able to solve their academic problems and continue to forge ahead when facing challenges in their academic journey in the Pakistani public secondary schools of Karachi. School heads Instructional leadership practices includes practices related to school input, process, and outcomes in the school. A quantitative descriptive survey design was used in this study. The secondary school teachers in Karachi were the population of the study and a sample of 295 teachers was selected by using stratified random sampling technique. A structured survey questionnaire was used to collect data from the teachers. Data was collected by personally visiting the school and analysis was done through SMART-PLS and SPSS. </em><em>The findings of the study revealed that instructional leadership practices of school heads have a positive significant effect on teacher effectiveness and teacher effectiveness has also significant effect on students’ academic resilience. Findings of the study recommended that all school heads should adopt instructional leadership practices which improve performance of teachers in the school. Study also suggested that a motivated, professionally qualified teacher develop strong problem-solving skills and lifelong learning in students in the class.</em></p>2026-02-12T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Nazir Ahmad, Asad Abbas Rizvihttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/401Reintegration After Recurrent Flooding: Psychosocial Stress, Coping, and School-Level Barriers in Naseerabad’s Public Schools 2026-02-12T18:27:29+00:00Khadija KarimKhadijakarim17@yahoo.comFouzia Ajmal fouzia.ajmal@iiu.edu.pk<p><em>Recurrent flooding disrupts schooling in Pakistan through prolonged closures, displacement, and unstable school functioning. Beyond infrastructure damage, psychosocial functioning shapes reintegration because fear, disrupted sleep, and reduced attention affect attendance, participation, and the capacity of teachers to restore learning, consistent with Education in Emergencies protection and wellbeing expectations. This qualitative phenomenology study was conducted in flood-prone public schools in Naseerabad Division, Balochistan. Participants included students, teachers, and head teachers selected using purposive sampling and variation by role, gender, school level, location, exposure frequency, displacement, and whether schools were used as shelters. Semi-structured individual interviews explored psychosocial impacts, reintegration barriers, coping, and feasible school-level supports. Data were analyzed using pragmatic, policy-facing reflexive thematic analysis. A five-item reintegration check-in was used descriptively to contextualize interpretation. Fear and worry disrupted sleep, concentration, and motivation, weakening classroom engagement and triggering weather-cued avoidance. The climate of the schools not only influenced return trajectories but also played a buffering role with coach support and understanding routines decreasing distress and increased withdrawal with teasing, stigma and scarce teacher time resources. Participants offered viable suggestions within boundaries, focusing on people's support of routine restoration, shorter check-ins, time spent in safe spaces, anti-stigma norms, catch-up learning which protects dignity and more clear pathways for help, and support contact with families, teacher peer support.</em></p>2026-02-12T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Khadija Karim, Fouzia Ajmal https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/406Youth, AI, and Digital Literacy: Building Resilient Generations Against Climate Crises and Information Disorders2026-02-17T12:31:39+00:00Fahad Anisfahad.anis@ymail.com<p><em>As climatic disasters are increasing and fake news spread more and faster with the help of AI, the resilience of young individuals, in addition to access to information, is also based on their digital literacy. The article examines the connection between AI-specific digital literacy and the capacity of university students in Pakistan to counteract misinformation about climate change. The study quantitatively surveys 400 students in four provinces, in three dimensions, including functional, critical, and AI-awareness measures of digital literacy and analyzes their predictive value on the resilience to misinformation. Surprisingly, the results demonstrate that digital literacy and misinformation resilience have no statistically significant relationship with each other. Although the level of digital proficiency was moderate among students, the digital abilities failed to translate to strong ability to assess and dismiss climate misinformation. The findings indicate that resilience is not just determined by the technical know-how that it takes trust, context, motivation, and civic awareness. This paper presents the drawbacks of existing digital literacy models and proposes the incorporation of AI media literacy, participatory communication habits, and local fact-checking devices. The policymakers and educators should not only create digitally literate but also critically empowered youth who will be able to negotiate more complex information disorders and create a climate-literate society. With the growing climate changes and the growing wave of misinformation facilitated by AI, it is evident that the capacity of the young people to survive depends not only on their access to information, but also on their skill in navigating the Internet. This research investigates how AI and digital literacy affects university students in Pakistan and their ability to contend with climate misinformation. Four hundred students in four provinces participated in a quantitative survey which assessed digital literacy in three areas: functional skills, critical thinking and understanding of AI and its relation to their resistance to misinformation. To our surprise there was no relationship between any measure of digital literacy and resistance to climate misinformation. Students overall reported a modest level of digital skills, but their confidence did not match their ability to evaluate/discount climate misinformation. This indicates that resilience is beyond competence, and relies on trust, context, motivation, and civic engagement. This study demonstrates the gaps in current digital literacy purpose, highlights the need for AI media literacy, engaging communication strategies, and localized relevant fact-checking</em></p>2026-01-25T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Fahad Anishttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/404Expanding the Scope of Relationship Marketing: Examining the Role of Emotional Values and Personal Factors Variables in Enhancing Customer Retention2026-02-17T12:52:39+00:00Asiya Banobanoasiya607@gmail.com<p><em>The current research seeks to investigate the influence of relationship marketing on customer retention in the banking sector with the mediating role of both customer satisfaction and brand identification, as well as considering two more factors (emotional value and personal factor) as moderating effects. Quantitative research design was followed , utilizing survey data from banking users in Karachi, Pakistan. Valid responses were considered, for a total of data that were analyzed through PLS-SEM. Measurement and structural models were estimated to test direct, mediated, or moderated relationships. The findings reflect the insignificant direct impact of relationship marketing on customer retention. Nevertheless, customer satisfaction partially mediates the impact of relationship marketing on customer retention, and brand identification has a partial role in mediating that above-mentioned effect. Customer satisfaction also demonstrates a strong direct influence on customer retention. In addition, emotional value is a strong moderator of the impact of brand identification on customer retention, and personal factor does not moderate satisfaction retention. The analysis is restricted to the bank industry and to a specific geographic location, which may limit generalization. Further studies could examine the applicability of the model to other service sectors and adopt a longitudinal design. The results indicate that, to improve customer retention rate, banks should pursue customer satisfaction levels and emotional connections rather than relationship marketing campaigns. The study adds to relationship marketing literature by establishing the paramount role of indirect and emotional mechanisms leading towards customer retention from an emerging economy perspective.</em></p>2026-02-17T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Asiya Banohttps://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/405Effect of Islamic Integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Negative Automatic Thoughts in Young Adult Females2026-02-17T13:21:04+00:00Dania Mufasirdania.mufasir@gmail.comErum Kausarerumkausar.ipp@bahria.edu.pkSaad Ahmedsaadahmedlodhi98@yahoo.com<p><em>The aim of research was to assess the effectiveness of Islamic Integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (IICBT) to reduce negative automatic thoughts of young adult females. This therapy can help Muslim patients in addressing their negative and distorted thinking patterns (Salami & Khan, 2019). It was hypothesized that there will be a significant decrease in negative automatic thoughts before and after the treatment of (IICBT) in experimental group. Pre-post quantitative research design employing convenient purposive sampling was used. Including young adult females (18-25 years), enrolled total 20 participants (experimental group = 10, wait list control group = 10). The current research shows the significance at (p <0.05) which provides clear indications that the NATs of participants enrolled in experimental group significantly reduces in post-test. Further, Male individuals can also be added in future researches to provide generalize results of the given treatment. </em></p>2026-02-18T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Dania Mufasir, Erum Kausar, Saad Ahmed