Abdullah M. Al Ansi

This paper aims to explore how women from working class with typical local career background and privileged-defined women directors from western influenced backgrounds in combination may lead to distinct or common pathways towards women directorship experiences and trajectories. A qualitative study was undertaken of a mixed Middle Eastern sample of women directors from Egypt, Morocco, Dubai, Oman and Saudi Arabia from varied economic sectors were interviewed. Two rounds of interviews were conducted with 6-month time duration in between. Women directors from bourgeoisie social class and multi-cultural exposure in the West reflected contemporary directorship models stressing the importance of tribe's power, nepotism calculations, ease of networking, less negative feelings, and less faced obstacles, yet a smaller number of board directorships. In contrast, women directors from working class background emphasized the importance of merit and hard work, labor market reputation, and importance of work mentor in defining effective women directorship models

The Sultanate of Oman is home to thousands of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), all of which share a common trait: the integration of technology into their management practices. A significant number of these SMEs operate as digital businesses. Moreover, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various industrial sectors is driving the transformation of businesses toward an Industry 5.0 paradigm. This research aims to test AI acceptance in management practices through performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence as predicators of attitude and facilitating condition as a moderator. To test the model, we collected data from Omani SMEs by sending online and printed surveys. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) on data from 288 SMEs in the first quarter of 2024 (3 months). PLS-SEM was employed to determine the interrelated dependence of relationships among variables. After testing the model, the results reveal that positive and significant impact of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, attitude and facilitating conditions on management practices. The results also reveal that facilitating conditions and suitable conditions of Omani entrepreneurs’ attitudes increase their willingness to adopt more AI in their managerial practices. The research highlights the multifaceted impacts of AI acceptance in management practices. By understanding these implications — practical, theoretical and social — organisations can better navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies. Embracing this change will not only enhance operational efficiency but also position organisations for future success in an increasingly digital landscape.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between narcissistic leadership and unethical pro-organizational behaviour among academicians working in Libyan higher education, analysing the mediating role of the dispositional fear of retaliation in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 212 academic staff members from private universities in Libya participated in the study by assessing their heads of department's narcissistic leadership and self-reporting their own dispositional fear of retaliation and unethical pro-organizational behaviour. Covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) was employed in a two-step approach to analyse the proposed model, with appropriate procedures implemented to address potential common method bias. Findings: The study revealed that narcissistic leadership positively influences unethical pro-organizational behaviour by heightening academicians' dispositional fear of retaliation. Practical implications: Universities need to monitor the prevalence of narcissistic leadership among their academic leaders because of its negative impact on the ethics and integrity of academic staff. It is crucial to acknowledge that this leadership style can induce fear among academics, leading them to engage in unethical, pro-organizational conduct. Originality/value: This study makes a unique contribution to the literature on dark leadership by examining narcissistic leadership as an antecedent of unethical pro-organizational behaviour (UPB) and highlighting the mediating role of dispositional fear of retaliation. To the best of our knowledge, this mediator has not previously been considered in explaining how narcissistic leadership fosters UPB, thereby offering a novel perspective on the existing body of research.

Purpose: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making significant inroads in higher education (HE) institutions, revolutionizing how students learn and instructors teach. With the ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly, AI can personalize learning experiences for students based on their individual needs and learning styles. The review aims to synthesize the literature regarding opportunities, challenges and current trends of AI in HE. Design/methodology/approach: The fragmented body of knowledge in AI and its adoption in HE was aggregated by conducting this PRISMA 2020 review during 2014–2024, using the Scopus database as a source for literature. Findings: The research findings of 33 primary reviews relevant to the research of AI in HE mapped the main opportunities, challenges and recent trends of AI in HE during this period. Personalized learning, automated feedback and grading, enhanced accessibility and better resource allocation are features of AI opportunities, while infrastructure and internet access, HR skills and ethical concerns about data privacy and security and integrity were the most challenges of AI in HE. Results indicate the exponential increase during the last four years in AI research that reflects the huge changes and development in all aspects of education. Research limitations/implications: This review has some limitations regarding the data selection and analysis. Although PRISMA 2020 guidelines were applied, inclusion and exclusion criteria included many prior kinds of research that were not in HE. Social implications: The implications for higher education functions are to advocate for AI responsibility that addresses social and ethical concerns that have the potential to undermine the effective integration of AI and its opportunities and challenges. Future research should conduct empirical studies on AI and HE and its assessment and evaluation in this context. Originality/value: The review advances the literature by providing the current state of AI in HE, its applications and trends, opportunities and challenges and a research agenda for future works.

Research on employee performance in Oman has primarily addressed economic growth and Vision 2040, but the intersection with organizational memory and knowledge withholding is underexplored. This study aims to identify the mediating role of knowledge withholding behaviors on the impact of organizational memory facets (managerial, technical, and cultural) on employees’ high performance in the telecommunications sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The population of the study consists of employees of the telecommunications sector in the Sultanate of Oman (Oman Telecommunications Company Oman-Tel, Omani Qatar Telecom Company Ooredoo). A random sampling technique was used where 250 responses were collected for this study. A descriptive and analytical approach was adopted including multiple regression analysis and structural modeling via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) which was applied to test the hypotheses. The findings illustrate that organizational memory exerts a constructive influence and causal connections on high performance in the telecommunication sector of Oman. This can be elucidated by the notion that organizational memory enables organizations to provide insights from both their successes and failures. The analysis of the study guide and support strategic decisions and prevent repetition of mistakes, ultimately leading to improved performance. The results enhance and consolidate the concept of organizational memory and effective participation among the members of the telecommunications sector in the Sultanate of Oman by raising the awareness and providing sufficient recommendation. Applying established concepts (organizational memory, knowledge withholding) to a specific sector and region is considered as potential originality of this study.

This comprehensive review explores the transformative impact of digital technologies on sustainability and quality control across diverse industries. The study aims to elucidate how technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, data analytics, and digital twins are leveraged to optimize processes and enhance operational efficiencies while ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards. Methodology: A systematic analysis of current literature and empirical studies was conducted to synthesize key findings and insights. The review covers a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, energy, retail, finance, agriculture, construction, education, and telecommunications, Results: The review reveals that digital technologies play a pivotal role in revolutionizing industry practices by improving supply chain transparency, optimizing logistics, enhancing patient care, enabling smart energy management, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Digital innovations in medical tourism have significantly transformed the industry, offering patients unprecedented access to global healthcare services. These digital technologies not only streamline processes but also improve patient outcomes and overall satisfaction in the increasingly competitive landscape of medical tourism. This review aims to investigate the digital innovations in medical care tourism especially in Arab region. A PRISMA method is used to select the appropriate literature and provides evidence regarding latest opportunities, challenges and market drivers related to innovation in medical tourism especially in Arab region. Results of review indicate that integration of telemedicine and virtual consultations, patients are easy to connect with healthcare providers from around the world, allowing for quicker diagnosis and treatment planning without physically being present. Online platforms provide comprehensive information on medical facilities, treatments, costs, and patient reviews, enabling individuals to make informed decisions for their medical needs.