https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/issue/feed Journal of Social & Organizational Matters 2025-04-24T00:03:11+00:00 Dr Allah Bux Lakhan allahbuxlakhan88@gmail.com Open Journal Systems <p>Journal of Social &amp; Organizational Matters (JSOM) is publishing Research Articles in the following domains.<br />Curriculum (Elementary, Secondary &amp; Higher Education), Health &amp; Physical Education, English Literature,, Mass Communication, Business &amp; Economics, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Management &amp; Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Psychology, International Relations, Sociology, Political Science</p> https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/200 Impact Of Food Inflation 2024 On Food Consumption Pattern of Women of Reproductive Age (15-49yrs) In Rawalpindi / Islamabad 2025-04-08T02:12:31+00:00 Khush Bakhat Tufail cha32402@gmail.com Eesha Nusrat khaliqalvi@gmail.com Ayesha Wahid khaliqalvi@gmail.com <p><em>Inflation, a global issue, not only impacts the economy of a country but also influences the food consumption patterns of its people, particularly women. The continuously rising prices of food commodities compel the public to prioritize savings over consumption, which subsequently affects food intake, leading to decreased consumption among individuals. Pakistan, being a developing country, is undoubtedly experiencing the highest-ever price increases, adversely affecting the purchasing power of its consumers. To date, most research has not thoroughly explored the impact of food inflation on food consumption, especially among women. The main aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between food price inflation and its impact on the food consumption patterns of women, particularly in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of 106 participants completed an online questionnaire. Analysis of the results using SPSS revealed a mean age of 25.8 years (SD = 9.39). The study found that 48.1% reduced fruit intake, 45% reduced dairy intake, and 42% reduced meat consumption due to inflation. There was no significant association between employment status and consumption patterns (p = 0.274, 95% CI). The data suggest that inflation affects consumption patterns, with half of the population reducing their intake of fruits, meat, and milk due to rising prices. Further investigations should aim to establish a more comprehensive understanding of these relationships.</em></p> 2025-04-08T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Khush Bakhat Tufail, Eesha Nusrat, Ayesha Wahid https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/201 Climate Wellness: Understanding the Impact on Human Health 2025-04-08T02:19:06+00:00 Ayesha Liaqat ayeshaliaqatz953@gmail.com <p><em>Climate change is a critical global health challenge, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and exacerbating health disparities. With international initiatives </em><em>aiming to cap the rise in global temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius.</em><em>the urgency for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies is paramount. Despite these efforts, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have surged by 50% since 1990, intensifying the direct impact of climate change, especially in rural and underserved communities.&nbsp; Objectives were to identify the health effects of climate change, assess the vulnerability of specific populations, and propose community -driven interventions to mitigate these effects. Methods involved collecting qualitative data on greenhouse gas emissions, severe weather conditions , and the prevalence of climate-related illnesses. The study also investigated the mental health impacts of climate-induced stress and trauma, </em><em>Especially affecting high-risk groups like young children, senior citizens,</em><em>, and postpartum women. Findings indicate a notable rise in the prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and heat-related illnesses within these communities, highlighting the multifaceted health risks linked &nbsp;with climate change. Higher global&nbsp; temperatures and severe weather conditions &nbsp;are linked to higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, while the mental health burden is reflected in increased cases of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Among postpartum women, exposure to climate -induced trauma elevates the risk of postpartum depression (15%), postpartum anxiety (20%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (40%). The study concludes that addressing climate-driven health issues requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating public health strategies with climate resilience measures. community-driven initiatives, such as climate –smart health education, sustainable resource management, and early warning systems, are essential to enhance adaptive capacity and promote sustainable development in line with sustainable development goal (SDG) 13.</em></p> 2025-04-08T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Ayesha Liaqat https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/204 Contextual Learning as a Catalyst For Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation In Secondary School Students 2025-04-08T16:19:10+00:00 Nadia Ali nadia_barat786@yahoo.com Sumera Kulsoom khaliqalvi@gmail.com Zubair Younas aeozubairyounas@gmail.com <p><em>This qualitative study investigates the influence of contextual learning on secondary school students' intrinsic motivation to learn. It is grounded in the interpretivist paradigm and uses a phenomenological research design. The aim was to understand how collaborative learning, self-reflection, and engagement with real-world scenarios impact students' internal desire to learn. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with secondary school students of Baluchistan, province of Pakistan. Data were analyzed thematically. The findings suggest that contextual learning is a powerful motivator. It fosters a sense of competence, personal satisfaction, and curiosity, which are the key drivers of intrinsic motivation. &nbsp;The study concludes that the more relevant the educational content is to students' lives and the more active participation they have in the learning experience, the more engaged and motivated they will be. A model of contextual learning that significantly enhances authentic motivation in adolescents is described.</em></p> 2025-04-08T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Nadia Ali, Sumera Kulsoom, Zubair Younas https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/203 Exploring The Impact of Mindfulness on Employee Work Engagement: The Mediating Role of The Emotional Strength and The Moderating Role of Work –Life Balance 2025-04-10T01:38:04+00:00 Sitara Mir mahkhyal2013@gmail.com Muhammad Qaiser Shafi khaliqalvi@gmail.com <p><em>The present research intends to investigate the impact of mindfulness on the work engagement of healthcare professionals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan, as the healthcare sector is an integrated part of the economy and responsible for public service. In the high stress setting of Pakistan’s healthcare sector, employee work engagement is critical for quality patient care, yet it remains a major challenge. This research paper explores the impact of mindfulness on work engagement among healthcare professionals, with a focus on the mediating role of emotional strength and the moderating influence of work-life balance Thus, the present study examines how workplace mindfulness influences emotional strength and employee engagement and inspects whether emotional stability mediates the relationship between mindfulness and work engagement. Moreover, the researcher also looks into the moderating effects of work-life balance on the relationship between emotional strength and work engagement. A causal study was conducted to accomplish the research goals. A structured questionnaire collected the primary data from 207 healthcare professionals. SPSS and SmartPLS software were used to conduct descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing. The findings showed that mindfulness positively influences workers’ emotional strength. Additionally, high levels of emotional strength positively influence employee engagement. The findings also confirmed the mediating effect of emotional stability on the relationship between mindfulness and employee engagement. Finally, the study found an insignificant moderating impact of work-life balance on the relationship between emotional strength and employee engagement. The research support SDG3 and SDG8 of UN`s&nbsp; sustainability goals.</em></p> 2025-04-10T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Sitara Mir, Muhammad Qaiser Shafi https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/205 Teachers’ Perceptions on Sufi Practices-A Study of the University of Sufism and Modern Sciences Bhitshah, Sindh, Pakistan 2025-04-12T04:26:32+00:00 Arshad Saleem arshadsaleem1968@gmail.com Muhammad Munir Kayani drmm_kayani@iiu.edu.pk <p><em>In this study, the views of the teaching faculty at the University of Sufism &amp; Modern Sciences, Bhitshah, about the practices of Sufism have been investigated thoroughly. This study aims to unravel the pedagogical, philosophical, and spiritual paradigms of Sufi practices for developing a friendly, competitive, and progressive learning environment. It was a quantitative study. Thirty-three faculty members selected through the purposive sampling technique participated in the study</em><em>. </em><em>These were involved in lengthy, validated questions to provide insight into Sufi practices and their incorporation into teaching. Selection was based on age, experience, gender, and designation. </em><em>There were four key variables: </em><em>Sufi Practices (SP), Teaching Perception (TP), Integration (IN), and Social Impact (SI). Data was analyzed through SPSS 22 with descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed a positive, strong correlation among SP, TP, and IN, describing those Sufi practices engagement significantly enhanced teaching satisfaction with a sense of academic integration. On the other hand, the social impact had a moderate correlation with other variables. </em><em>A remedy is suggested towards introducing these practices as part of the academic learning framework. The study reveals that the teachers widely comprehend Sufi philosophy and keep it in mind for spiritual development, emotional intelligence, and an open learning environment. However, most of the faculty members struggle to put these practices into daily teaching due to a lack of adequate training, facilities, and institutional backing for curriculum incorporation. The implications of this study are vast and have possibilities for broad utilization in teacher preparation, policy formation, and curriculum construction. Since the pre-primary level, the integration of Sufi values in education might empower the establishment of a more ethical, spiritually balanced, and morally balanced learning community.</em></p> 2025-04-12T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Arshad Saleem, Muhammad Munir Kayani https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/202 External Debt and Economic Growth: Implications for Sustainable Development in Pakistan 2025-04-12T05:21:53+00:00 Mubasher Ali mubasher.ali@econ.uol.edu.pk Mariam Zahid mariam.zahid@econ.uol.edu.pk Maria Idrees maria.idrees@econ.uol.edu.pk <p><em>External debt role in Pakistan economic growth has been analyzed in this paper. Over the years Pakistan has been relying on external debt financing and the purpose of this study was to investigate if external debt has positively contributed in the economic growth or has been a hurdle in the economic growth.&nbsp; The time period of data used in this research study was of 44 years (1977-2021). The data for the research study was extracted for multiple Pakistan Economic Surveys, World Bank Data Bank, International Monetary Funds. ARDL model was utilized in this study to explore the short run and long run relationship. Other variables that were incorporated to this study were Exports, Imports, Inflation and External Debt Servicing. External debt has a positive and contributing relation with Economic growth in Pakistan’s economy in&nbsp; both short run&nbsp; and long run whereas Exports also has a positive contribution towards Economic growth both in short run as well as long run.</em></p> 2025-04-12T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Mubasher Ali, Mariam Zahid, Maria Idrees https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/207 Artificial Intelligence & Its Influence: Decoding The Consumer Mindset 2025-04-14T09:37:45+00:00 Umm-e-Aimen Rauf ummeaimenr@gmail.com Maham Noor mahamnur_960@yahoo.com Momina Asim mominaasim261@gmail.com Arsalan Ahmed arsalan.ahmed@hamdard.edu.pk Tehreem Shafi khaliqalvi@gmail.com <p><em>This study evaluates AI product purchasing decisions influenced by social media influencers through practical testing of ELM and the Source Credibility Model. The research evaluates customer product purchase choices concerning the four credibility elements alongside entertainment value informational value and influencer attractiveness. The structured conceptual model shows how credibility with entertainment components leads to central and peripheral processing whereas both informational value and attractiveness directly influence customer choices. The research shows that credibility features with entertainment value directly impact consumer purchasing behavior because they use the dual-path mechanism of the ELM. нада І Technology tools maintain existing features since customers rely on trust elements and emotional engagement factors when making decisions. The Source Credibility Model receives validation since experts with proven trustworthiness enable customers to adopt positive attitudes toward AI products. Emerging market tech firms together with marketers can utilize this study to determine successful strategies for AI marketing through credible influencers. Consumer acceptance increases from trustworthy emotional relationships more than from instrumental information combined with visual aesthetics. Future research should examine how AI marketing influences consumer behavior alongside changes in influencer disclosure transparency across various cultural contexts.</em></p> 2025-04-14T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Umm-e-Aimen Rauf, Maham Noor, Momina Asim, Arsalan Ahmed, Tehreem Shafi https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/193 Impact of Job Satisfaction on Job Performance at different Career Positions: A Case Study of University Teachers in Skardu, Pakistan 2025-04-14T07:24:50+00:00 . Sajida sajidakumaily222@gmail.com Afshan Iram afshan.zafar@akhuwat.edu.pk Maria Mazhar maria.mazhar@akhuwat.edu.pk Wajeeha Sajjad wajeeha.sajjad@akhuwat.edu.pk <p><em>Job satisfaction is a paramount in any organization, influencing employees’ morale, efficiency, and productivity. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of job satisfaction on job performance among different career positions. The study was conducted involving 100 faculty members belonging to different departments and working at different positions at the University of Baltistan, Skardu Gilgit Baltistan. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS and STATA. The logistic regression is used to check the impact of job satisfaction and job performance. The results of logistic regression showed a positive and significant relationship between job satisfaction and its various dimensions with job performance at different career positions. This means that job satisfaction through gratification in terms of job responsibility and tasks, pay, promotion/fringe benefits, work environment, supervision, co-workers, and technology has the ability to increase teacher’s performance irrespective of their career position at the university. Because, when they feel fulfilled and appreciated in their roles, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. The study findings suggest that the respective institute should focus on improving these dimensions of job satisfaction. Further research is recommended to investigate the long-term impact of job satisfaction on job performance and the productivity of an organization.</em></p> 2025-04-14T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Sajida ., Afshan Iram, Maria Mazhar, Wajeeha Sajjad https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/208 Impact of Financial Factors on Digital Economy: Assessing The Role of Government Intervention and Literacy Rate 2025-04-19T00:23:48+00:00 Muhammad Muzammil Mateen muzammilmateen.qau@gmail.com Wasim Abbas Shaheen wasim@qau.edu.pk Noman Shafi nomanshafi@qau.edu.pk Waqas . waqas@qasms.qau.edu.pk <p><em>This study explores the interplay between financial development, technological innovation, financial inclusion, financial globalization, government intervention, and literacy levels, and their collective impact on the digital economy in 44 Asian countries from 2003 to 2020. The findings reveal that financial development significantly enhances the digital economy by providing necessary infrastructure, increasing access to capital for tech firms, and fostering consumer confidence. Technological innovation is identified as a primary driver, with substantial investments in R&amp;D and support for tech startups leading to robust digital economic growth. Financial inclusion profoundly impacts the digital economy by broadening access to financial services for underserved populations, thus enabling greater participation through digital banking and mobile money services. Financial globalization also positively affects the digital economy by integrating financial markets and facilitating cross-border transactions, enabling the transfer of capital, technology, and best practices. Government intervention serves as a critical mediator, with effective regulatory frameworks, supportive policies, and investments in digital infrastructure significantly enhancing the digital economy. However, excessive intervention may stifle innovation, emphasizing the need for balanced government involvement. Literacy levels moderate these impacts, with higher literacy rates enhancing individuals' capacity to utilize digital technologies effectively. Policy recommendations include strengthening financial systems, promoting technological R&amp;D, enhancing financial inclusion, facilitating financial globalization, and achieving balanced government intervention. These strategies are crucial for fostering a conducive environment for digital economic growth and maximizing the benefits of financial development, technological innovation, financial inclusion, and globalization in the Asian region.</em></p> 2025-04-18T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Muzammil Mateen, Wasim Abbas Shaheen, Noman Shafi, Waqas . https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/210 Evaluating the Integration of Critical Thinking Skills in Biology Instruction: A Qualitative Content Analysis of the Grade IX Pakistani Textbook 2025-04-19T02:00:52+00:00 Muhammad Jamil m.jamil@gcwus.edu.pk Afifa Marium afifamariumrwp@gmail.com Farooq Ahmad bandeshascholar@gmail.com <p class="Abstract" style="margin-top: 0cm;"><em><span lang="EN-GB">This study aimed to evaluate critical thinking in the Grade IX biology textbook. Qualitative content analysis was employed to explore the elements fostering critical thinking skills development in the textbook. Textbooks were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Qualitative content analysis was used for the textbook analysis with the facilitation of NVivo 15. The different strengths include the organization of learning objectives, visual presentation, and contextual application of biological concepts. Moreover, significant limitations were found, including lower-order skills assessment questions, linear scientific methodology, prescriptive real-world application, content-privileged memorization, and minimal epistemological discussion of competing scientific perspectives. This suggests that, as the textbook provides foundational knowledge for biology, there is insufficient scaffolding for critical thinking skills development through evidence-based evaluation, scientific argumentation, and independent enquiry. These findings contribute to curriculum development by highlighting the need for biology educational material to balance content acquisition with authentic opportunities for critical thinking skills development through higher cognitive engagement and enquiry-based learning methods.</span></em></p> 2025-04-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Jamil, Afifa Marium, Farooq Ahmad https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/209 Revisiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve: A Panel-Econometric Exploration of Green Innovation’s Mediating Role in the Nexus of Fintech, Green Finance, and Energy Transition (2000–2022) 2025-04-19T08:36:04+00:00 Sher Khan sherkhanofficial07@gmail.com Wasim Abbas Shaheen wasim@qau.edu.pk Usman Ullah usmanullahdirv@gmail.com Waqas . waqas@qasms.qau.edu.pk <p>This study conducts an in-depth investigation into the environmental factors driving degradation and the role of innovations in fostering sustainable development, employing the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Using panel data from 60 countries over 22 years (2000–2022), the research applies advanced econometric techniques, including Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Granger causality tests, to address endogeneity, heteroscedasticity, and serial correlation. The findings reveal that green finance, energy transition, and financial technology (fintech) significantly reduce environmental degradation, whereas inadequate waste management exacerbates it. Additionally, green innovation emerges as a critical mediator, enhancing the effectiveness of these factors in mitigating environmental harm. The study bridges key knowledge gaps, offering policymakers actionable insights into leveraging green finance, renewable energy, and fintech for sustainable development while underscoring the need for improved waste management strategies.</p> 2025-04-19T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Sher Khan, Wasim Abbas Shaheen, Usman Ullah, Waqas . https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/214 Judicial Activism and its Political Impacts: A Comparatively Analysis Pakistan and USA 2025-04-23T23:21:21+00:00 Ammara T. Cheema ammara.tariq@gcwus.edu.pk Ibtasam Zafar Butt ibtasamzafarbutt913@gmail.com Iqra Latif khaliqalvi@gmail.com <p><em>This study examines the ways in which judicial activism influences public policy, upholds democratic norms, and addresses social and political issues in Pakistan and the US. Judicial activism, or the judiciary's proactive approach, has produced significant reforms in both countries. In the United States, landmark decisions such as Roev. Wade and Brown v. Board of Education have influenced social policy and civil rights. Following the attorneys' movement, judicial activism gained popularity in Pakistan, leading to the restoration of the judiciary and a renewed focus on the importance of the constitution. However, problems like judicial overreach, governmental interference, and political instability make the judiciary's job in Pakistan more difficult.</em> <em>The paper emphasizes that Pakistan's judiciary functions in a more unstable political environment, necessitating a careful balance between restraint and proactive action, whereas the US court has primarily shaped judicial activism through adherence to precedent and judicial independence.</em></p> 2025-04-17T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Ammara T. Cheema, Ibtasam Zafar Butt, Iqra Latif https://jsom.org.pk/index.php/Research/article/view/215 The Effect of Career Development, Work Motivation, and Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance 2025-04-24T00:03:11+00:00 Shakeel Ahmed Junejo shakeeljunejo85@gmail.com Ayaz Ali Jiskani jiskani.ayazali@gmail.com Sabtain Ali Lashari sabtaina498@gmail.com <p><em>Employee performance is pivotal to the overall success and sustainability of an organization. As the dynamics of modern workplaces evolve, so too does the need to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing employee behavior and productivity. This research investigates the collective and individual impact of three significant workplace variables—career development, work motivation, and job satisfaction—on employee performance. Career development opportunities ensure growth potential, which contributes to employees' long-term engagement. Work motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is essential for maintaining consistent performance levels. Simultaneously, job satisfaction reflects the extent to which employees' expectations align with organizational reality, significantly influencing retention and performance. This study utilizes a mixed-method approach incorporating both qualitative insights and quantitative data, collected through structured surveys across a cross-section of industries. Statistical techniques such as regression analysis and factor analysis are used to estimate relationships between variables. The findings demonstrate a strong positive correlation between these three factors and employee performance, with job satisfaction mediating the relationship between career development and motivation. The results underscore the importance of an integrated human resource strategy that fosters career growth, enhances motivation, and improves job satisfaction. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at organizational leaders and HR professionals to enhance workforce productivity sustainably.</em></p> 2025-04-23T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Shakeel Ahmed Junejo, Ayaz Ali Jiskani, Sabtain Ali Lashari