NJMSR Super Final Draft
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NJMSR
Nepalese Journal of Management Science and Research
(NEPJOL INDEXED)
Published by
Concerning consumer knowledge and awareness about the commodities that fall in the cosmetic
categories, Seeprata Parajuli , Bhawana Thapa , Niranjan Devkota , Udaya Raj Paudel, and Saraswati
Gautam in their paper titled; Female Consumers Awareness Level on Purchasing Online Beauty Products
in Kathmandu Valley, highlight some new insights. The study reveals that mostly females are aware Fintech, Regtech and Suptech: Three Dimensional Approaches to Digital Finance
about the online purchase of cosmetic products. Likewise, both literate and illiterate women use online G.V.Satya Sekhar 1
platforms to buy cosmetic products, though the ratio of literate women is higher. Also, the trend to buy
cosmetics product is higher in unmarried compared to married females. Thus, the study concludes that An Assessment of Personality-Type of Managers in Nepalese Hotel Industries
effectiveness of online beauty products can be enhanced if the online sites focus on delivering quality Kapil Khanal 15
products in reliable price to customers.
COVID-19 The Global Pandemic: Learning & Take Out for National Pension
Finally focusing on the IT role in our developmental endeavors such as education, in his review based
System (NPS)
study titled; A Systematic Review on Blockchain in Education: Opportunities and Challenges, Navin
Duwadi discusse Bloackchain as an emerging technology regarding its use to restructure the systems and
Haladhara Sahu, Ritu Sapra 30
advance education upon quality outcomes. The study introduces some intriguing questions that need to
be answered on the research level. This is the most highlighted question e.g.; What are the benefits of
The Impact of Capital and Deposit on Financial Performance of Commercial
integrating blockchain in education concerning system reformation and advancement in developing better Banks in Nepal
educational process for all encompassing learning outcomes? Dhundi Raj Bhattarai, Ph. D. 51
To conclude, with the incorporation of empirical and secondary sources of literature and data based Impact of Firm Specific Factors on the Profitability and Stock Price of Nepalese
research papers, it has come out that this 4th Volume of NJMSR claims its scientific status also validated
Commercial Banks
with peer reviews of each submission selected and included in this issue. As such, this very academic
Manoj Kumar Bhatta 66
manuscript is expected to make an intellectual contribution with the strength of research knowledge
disseminated in conveyance of a number of areas and issues that are of major concern for management
Impact of Porter’s Generic Strategy on Firm Performance with reference to
science that seeks to reinforce real management and leadership practices with the lenses of research based
discourses. As this scientific publication wouldn’t have come into the form as here without substantial Nepalese Retail Banking Sector
support and contribution of researchers, peer reviewers and scientific and academic writing experts, we Makshindra Thapa 80
would like to express our sincere acknowledgement to each and all whose papers are included in this
volume. We would like to express our special thanks to the advisory members of scientific committee Impact of Right Share Issue on Share Price of Commercial Banks in Nepal
including international advisors, committee members, managing editor, publishing team, designers and Joginder Goet 96
all who shall be beneficiaries of this 4th volume of NJMSR. Constructive feedback, comments and
corrections are welcome from the readers. Conceptualizing Intersectionality between Work-family Conflict and Career
Progress of Married Women Employed in Nepalese Financial Sector
With sincere acknowledgement to all for your intellectual contribution,
Gaurav Ojha 108
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also provides a description of the possible strategies that innovators, incumbents, and the 3. Methodology
currently dominant Internet players can pursue.”
This review paper is addressed various issues like: i) organized literature, ii) evaluate relevant
Arner et al., (2015) examined the evolution of Fintech using a broad definition of the term literature, iii) identified patterns and trends in the literature, iv) synthesized literature and v)
that proposed that all incumbent and new financial companies and industry participants finally research gaps and recommend new research areas.
could be regarded as Fintech, regardless of their size, business model or product portfolio.
The studies reveal that the smartcards are slowly replaced by mobile wallets even though
Legislators are currently struggling to fit Fintech into existing legal frameworks, as there are hackers and fraudulent call centre operators are cheating people. At the same time,
these were designed for a different environment consisting of large, traditional financial crowd funding is becoming popular tool for venture finance.
institutions. Too much regulation can burden innovation efforts, while under-regulation can
This paper made focus of literature on genesis of financial innovation, digital currency,
impose an unfair advantage on new entrants due to their lower legal costs and overheads,
fintech, regtech and suptech. The following insights are found:
and create higher social costs due to fraudulent activity and non-existent customer protection
(Douglas, 2016). i. There is a dire need for financial innovation and secured financial products for
implementation of digital finance in corporate sector (Finnerty, 2002).
The 2008 global financial crisis represented a pivotal moment that separated prior phases of
ii. There are many doubts about legal sanctity for Bitcoins for business operation in India
the development of financial Technology (Fintech) and regulatory Technology (Regtech) from
( Kurup, 2017).
the current paradigm (Douglas et al., 2017). In addition to this, the recent pandemic situation
iii. The lapses in implementation of fintech, Regtech and Suptech lead to huge amount of
and phase-wise lockdown during 2020-2021, also necessitated the Regtech mechanism to
loss to corporate entities (Vasanth, & Stein 2017).
monitor Fintech and Suptech systems. The following diagram shows interrelation between
these stages. iv. Financial innovators tend to gain by first mover advantages and re compensated well
for their efforts (Frame et al., 2004).
RegTech to date has focused on the digitization of manual reporting and compliance
v. Too much regulation can burden innovation efforts, while under-regulation can impose
processes, for example in the context of know-your-customer requirements. This offers
an unfair advantage on new entrants due to their lower legal costs and overheads,
tremendous cost savings to the financial services industry and regulators. However, the
and create higher social costs due to fraudulent activity and non-existent customer
potential of RegTech is far greater – it could enable a close to real-time and proportionate
protection (Douglas, 2016).
regulatory regime that identifies and addresses risk while also facilitating more efficient
vi. RegTech solutions can be designed to paint a 360-degree view of compliance and risk in
regulatory compliance (Arner et al., 2016).
real-time, while single-rule solutions are aimed at one specific area.2
REG TECH
FINTECH
2 https://www.ncontracts.com/nsight-blog/what-you-need-to-know-regtech-vs-suptech
4.2 The framework of fintech: Figure 2 depicts the framework of or 'currency' that can be transferred between parties; and (ii) the way in which value is
Fintech transferred from a payer to a payee. Bitcoin is a popular example of Digital Currency. It helps
to facilitate peer-to-peer exchange at low transactional costs and faster transaction time. D.C.
4.2.1 Smart Cards schemes are also known as 'crypto currencies' as it uses cryptographic techniques. Crypto
The recent developments in software applications viz., UPI, Paytm, Phone-pe etc., offers currencies derive their value from the expectation that others will be willing to exchange it
the greatest scope for competition with the traditional sector, as these tech companies can for sovereign currency or goods and services. The inferences of D.C.s for financial firms,
leverage off their pre-existing large customer bases to roll out new financial products and markets and system will depend on the extent of its acceptability among users.
services. These mobile apps are reducing demand for SMART cards.
4.4 Crowd funding
4.2.2 Mobile Wallets Crowd funding is a way of raising debt and equity with a collective effort of multiple
A mobile wallet application like GooglePay, AndroidPay, ApplePay, Alipay, PayPal are used investors through an internet based platform. A small amount of money is pooled from
for electronic payments. One has to download the particular mobile wallet app on their numerous investors to invest in a new venture. It is a platform that matches borrowers or
phone and add information of their debit/credit card details which will be stored securely. issuers with savers or investors. This Platform providers offer a range of information about
However, hacking through fraudulent calls are obstacles to this type of payment. the potential borrowers/issuers, ranging from credit ratings to business model to verification
of information. Crowd funding is also known as Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2P), wherein money
4.2.4 ONLINE/Net banking is lent to individuals or businesses through online services.
Electronic Clearing System (ECS): ECS is an electronics mode of payment/receipt for
transactions that are repetitive and periodic in nature. ECS is used by institutions for making 4.5 An overview of regtech
bulk payment or bulk collection of amounts. Essentially, ECS facilitates bulk transfer of Figure 3 is given to make aware of the structure of Regtech.
monies from one bank account to many bank accounts or vice versa.
Regtech is used to regulate and monitor transactions relating to digital finance. Banking and
• Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS): This enables money to move from one bank to
financial institutions today have a lot to gain from Regtech. Keeping in mind the growing list
another on a real time and gross basis. ‘Real time’ means the beneficiary bank receives
of regulatory obligations financial organizations have to comply with, and the consequences
the instructions for fund transfer immediately and gross means that it is not bunched
of noncompliance and the large fines associated with this.
with any other transaction and funds transfer instructions happen individually. RTGS
is the fastest mode of fund transfer, which is secure and irrevocable. This adds to the RegTech's ability to deliver tools to reach compliance more quickly, and at a lower cost,
present fund transfer channels available to the customers. is a huge benefit for organizations and will give early adopters a competitive advantage.
• National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT): This is a nation-wide payment system Early adopters and organizations who implement Regtech into their governance, risk and
facilitating one-to-one funds transfer. Under this Scheme, account holders can compliance strategies will be the beneficiaries. For many processes, especially those that
electronically transfer funds from any bank branch to any individual, firm or corporate heavily involve client data like Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, the end customer
having an account with any other bank branch across globe. Like RTGS, NEFT also also receives an enhanced experience by having a more streamlined process in place.
transfers funds from one bank, but unlike RTGS the settlement takes place in batches. Organizations that use Technology to safeguard against breaches and protect client data will
• Cheque Truncation System (CTS): The process of sending the cheque in electronic also benefit the client. The following are various applications used in Regtech.
image form by the collecting bank to the paying bank, transmitted to the drawee branch
for payment through the clearing house is called CTS. This system eliminates the 4.5.1 Smart contracts
cumbersome physical presentation of the cheque to the paying bank. A smart contract is a computer protocol that can self-execute, self-enforce, self-verify,
and self-constrain the performance of a contract. It allows the performance of credible
4.3 Digital currencies (D.C.s) transactions without third parties. The widespread adoption of smart contracts in financial
services could be facilitated by the establishment of distributed ledger technology. Smart
Digital currencies (D.C.s) are issued by private developers and denominated in their own
contracts allow to perform credible transactions without third parties. These transactions are
unit of account. They are obtained, stored, accessed, and transacted electronically and
trackable and irreversible.
neither denominated in any sovereign currency nor issued or backed by any government or
central bank. D.C. schemes comprise two key elements: (i) digital representation of value
4.5.12 Internet of things (IoT) data into meaningful pictures or graphics which could help the banks to easily track
It is a concept of connecting devices that are embedded with some sort of electronics to troublesome digital footprints.
communicate with other devices as well as exchange data. It helps in extending the internet • Behavioral Analytics: This is helping the banks identify fraudsters disguised as
services from standard devices such as computer, laptops and smart phones to everyday customers. The data analytics implemented by the banks to understand customer
objects like home appliances or vehicles. One can monitor or even control the devices behavior, preferences, etc are also helping in the detection of fraudulent activity either
remotely using internet. IoT provides the basis for smart home solutions of automated in real-time.
devices with no or less human intervention. • Deep Learning: Internet payment companies providing alternatives to traditional money
transfer methods are using deep machine learning, a new approach to machine learning
4.5.13 Big data tools and artificial intelligence that is great at identifying complex patterns and characteristics
of cybercrime and online fraud.
Enormous amounts of data are generated at every moment from different sources. It could
be structured, semi structured and unstructured. Social media has given rise to lots of data
that carries perceptions and useful insights that can be used by an organization for gaining 4.7 Summary
competitive edge. Technologies like NoSQL databases and the MapReduce model are This paper deals with three dimensional approaches viz., Fintech, Regtech and Suptech.
widely used in big data that helps in working with large amount of data. Big companies use Everyone needs to understand technological concepts and tools involved in digital financial
this Technology to store and analyze huge data and use it for precise user targeting, machine world. As Fintech helps corporate entities to connect with customers via Technology,
learning, optical recognition and more. Regtech helps them meet regulatory requirements via Technology. Regtech utilizes various
technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to establish enterprise-
4.5.14 Blockchain wide data governance and reporting. These new technologies replace the current manual
Blockchain is a list of records called as blocks which are linked with cryptography. It is used processes for modeling and reporting. With the ever-changing regulatory landscape, Regtech
by crypto currencies. Blockchain provides a network that enables various stakeholders to enhances the ability for institutions to remain compliant with critical regulations such as
transact with trust, security and anonymity. Blockchain is essentially a distributed database the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), including know-your-customer (KYC) and suspicious activity
that contains a chronological order of all transactions or digital events that happened among reporting. Regtech also simplifies the data-reporting requirements under a number of
the participatory parties. All transactions in the network are represented in terms of block regulations including such as Basel-3, CCAR, and MIFID II to name a few. Hence, it can be
and broadcasted to participants in the network, verified, time stamped and linked with the concluded that ‘Fintech’. ‘Regtech’ and ‘Suptech’ should go hand-in-hand.
prior blocks in the network to form a sequence of blocks known as Blockchain.
4.8 Discussion and conclusion
4.6 Forensic tols-A success factor for suptech 1. This paper finds that there is interdependency of three dimensions of digital finance
viz., Fntech, Regtech and Suptech.
Forensic tools could also be used to navigate information systems for evidence of malfeasance
such as information deletion, violations in policies and unauthorized access. These tools can 2. There is a dire need to examine various characteristics like integrity, honesty and loyalty of
help the company legal counsels to prepare for a lawsuit to be filed against the fraudster. employees along with technological implementation in corporate entity.
Apart from the internal controls, banks need to also educate the customers. Since the 3. Now-a-days we believe in machine (computer and software) rather than man to
methods used by cyber-criminals to target the sensitive financial data are sophisticated and supervise. If there are lapses in ‘Suptech’ then the other two aspects viz., Regtech and
constantly changing, banks must look at existing security controls with a new approach and Fintech will definitely fail.
risk appetite. Figure 4 depicts the framework of Suptech. 4. Too much dependence on ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is also dangerous. The Bank of
England’s former chief economist, Andy Haldane makes comparison of human and
• Automated Analysis Tools: Today, the industry is increasingly aware of the need for
artificial intelligence decision-making capabilities.3
automated analysis tools that could easily identify and report fraud attempts in a timely
5. Researchers should think better ways to control frauds, hackers and manipulators to
manner. Solution providers are now providing real-time transaction screening, third-
prevent loss to corporate entities.
party screening as well as consent solutions.
6. Corporate entities should make a suitable plan of action and design alternative to
• Data Visualization Tools: These are being used to provide a visual representation
detect frauds.
of complex data and transaction patterns and outliers to translate multidimensional
3. https://www.centralbanking.com/fintech/regtech-suptech/7869496/haldane-warns-against-blind-trust-in-ais
Abstract
Suptech
-Supervisory technology 5. Cognitive analysis Hospitality industry is one of the most profitable industries with a high potential for increase,
thus being a hospitality manager is one of the most trendy and prestigious jobs of today.
6. Augmented Reality
It is also a challenging job since, being an effective one is quite complex due to recorded
7. Internet of Things industrial higher heart burn effects, rapid industrial changes in demand, constant trends
and severe industrial competition. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the performance
3. Chat boats 8. Big Data Tools variance of the top managers of the five-star hotels of Nepal in respect with their gender.
9. Block Chain The primary data were received from employees on different level, line-managers of five-
star hotels. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were used. Composite means and
Source: Diagram prepared by author. correlation coefficients models were used to analyze and interpret the data.
Analysis showed that the female managers generally tend to adopt democratic or participative
style while governing people, whereas, male managers induce an autocratic or directive
style in their daily performance. Based on the regression analysis, it was determined that
the extraversion dimension had a more significant effect than the openness dimension. The
extraversion dimension had a negative effect on extrinsic job satisfaction, while the openness
dimension had a positive effect. The extraversion and openness dimensions had a weak but
statistically significant effect on general job satisfaction. The extraversion dimension had
a negative effect on general job satisfaction, while the openness dimension had a positive
effect.
1. Introduction
Personality has been perceived differently by different scholars. The term personality is
derived from the Latin word persona meaning a mask. Personality is a patterned body of
habits, traits, attitudes and ideas of an individual as these are organized externally into roles
and statuses and as they relate internally to motivation, goals and various aspects of selfhood.
For example, Robbins and Judge (2005) have stated that personality refers to the sum total
of ways in which an individual reacts and interacts with others. Similarly, Luthans (2011)
has claimed personality as a means how a person affects others and how he understands and
views himself as well as the pattern of inner and outer measurable traits and person-situation
interaction. According to Robert and Burgess, personality is the sum and organization of practices. Thus, the present researcher was quite concerned to know if the gender of respective
those traits which determine the role of an individual in group/s. manager was really important while raising the professionals in responsible positions in
the hospitality industry. As a result, the present researcher devised a single statement of
The present researcher observed from the works of different scholars in this respect so
problem that reads as – Can the personality type of the key people leading five-star hotels be
as to confirm the relevance of taking up an idea whether considering varying leadership
measured in respect with their gender?
styles across the different managers working in the field of hospitality in the present
Nepalese context. In this discourse, the present researcher could not be confirmed if there In other words, the present study was concerned with examining the roles of female
was significant difference of the styles opted by the different managers as the past studies managers on the lead as compared to that of male managers. Similarly, this study aimed to
provided with mixed findings in this respect. For example, Keer, Bogaert and Trbovic (2009) assess the gender-wise display of managerial personality traits and compare them with the
have concluded that there exists a very narrow difference of the personality traits opted vested personality type indicators. On the other hand, the study was focused on the trend of
by the male and female executives whereby the female managers were found to be more placement and status of female managers working in the five-star hotels.
conscious on people related matters.
In contrary, Kadyrkulova (2008) has identified that the gender of the respective managers 1.3. Objective of the study
was not a strong determinant of their managerial approaches and the male and female lead- The main objective of this research was to evaluate the performance variance of the top
managers were differently superior in different aspects of their leadership traits. managers of the five-star hotels of Nepal in respect with their gender. More specifically, this
study further aimed-
The relationships of the Big Five personality traits to turnover intention are another area of
research interest; studies on the topic however have focused on one or two traits, and their • To compare the personality traits of top level male and female managers working in the
results have been incongruous (Timmerman, 2006; Zimmerman, 2008). Whereas positive five-star hotels of Nepal,
traits such as extraversion and openness to experience were related to turnover among call • To identify the perceived dominant personality traits across the genders of the managers
center employees (Timmerman, 2006), other positive traits such as emotional stability best taken into reference of study
predicted negatively employees’ intentions to quit, and conscientiousness and agreeableness • To establish relationship among various personality traits.
best predicted negatively actual turnover decisions (Zimmerman, 2008). There seems to be
a need for a research to clarify the role of the Big Five personality traits as a set to predict 2. Review of Literature
turnover intention.
The main aim of performing review of literature was to get acquainted with the concept of
The above discussions are enough to come to a conclusion that there is still a big room to personality and specifically personality traits of the managers serving in the leading 5-star
explore whether the gender of the lead-managers is an instrumental element to determine the hotels of Nepal. This chapter has been guided by the purpose of getting depth knowledge of
personality type indicators of their managerial approaches and also it is equally undecided personality type indicators in lead-managers of the hotels.
whether the personality type of these managers is dependent on their gender. In this respect,
the present researcher decided to conduct a systematic observation to confirm the role of All individuals who have a bachelor degree may guess the first lecture's topic. If the lecture is
gender difference in the process of determining leadership styles possessed by the lead- on philosophy, the first question would be "what is philosophy?" In other words, psychology
managers serving in the fore-front of the hospitality institutions in Nepal, specifically professors traditionally start their lectures with the following question: What is personality?
in the five-star hotels located in the Kathmandu Valley. As a result, a study entitled " (Burger, 2006, p.22). Personality may be defined as emotional, interpersonal, experiential and
An Assessment of Personality-Type of Managers in Nepalese Hotel Industries" was motivational forms that explain behaviors in different situations. It points to psychological traits
visualized to address the concern. which are constant in time and which provides reasons for the behaviors of the individual, and
these traits constitute a unified combination that shows who the person is while determining
his/her emotional, behavioral and cognitive forms (Mount et al., 2005, p. 447).
1.2. Statement of the problem
“Personality” comes from the Latin term “persona.” In antique Greece and Rome, actors
The preliminary exploration during the stage of problem formulation for this research
had masks called “persona” which emphasized the traits they represent on the stage. Later,
revealed that most of the five-star hotels in Kathmandu were employing male candidates as
this term has been used to mean both the person and his/her role in society (Luthans, 1992,
mid-level and top-level managers. Similarly, the ongoing practice of equality and unbiased
p. 85). In many cases, five orthogonal characteristics result from measurement of many
gender culture in the hotel industry was found to be lacking in contrary to evolving global
people’s personality traits and factor analysis as a covariance structure and these are named
as extroversion, adaptability, self-control, neuroticism and openness towards experience. they understand. In fact, there is probably no domain within any field of knowledge in which
Based on the studies which support the robustness and versatility of five-factor model, more people think they have achieved some expertise. Simply put, most people believe they
categorization of five-factor model creates a pre organizational structure for important can know or understand other people. We all try to predict behavior, interpret conversations,
personality traits, if not for all (Cook, 2005, p. 2). and make inferences about others’ actions. If someone offends us, acts strangely, or seems
excessively kind, we will quickly try to understand their motives. In addition, we often
If we are to conclude from these definitions related to personality, it comes out as a unique
draw inferences about what kind of people they are; that is, what personality traits they may
image of the factors affecting a person’s perception, thinking and behaving modes. Being
possess. Most of us regard ourselves as competent judges of personality. We make use of our
under the constant impact of stimulants coming from inside and outside, personality includes
skills in personality assessment on a daily basis; however, most of us would have a difficult
all biological, psychological, hereditary and acquired abilities, motives, feelings, wants,
time explaining exactly how we draw our conclusions about others.
habits and all other behaviors of the individual. In sum, it is possible to see hereditary traits
and environmental impacts in the constitution of personality. One may conclude from this The Big Five personality traits (Goldberg, 1992; John & Srivastava, 1999), or the Five-Factor
that if environment's impact is taken into account, personality reflects to some extent traits personality traits (McCrae & Costa, 1987) is a widely researched model of personality that
common to the community, and to some extent traits common in all humans, and not only consists of five dimensions: neuroticism (or conversely emotional stability), extraversion,
traits unique to individual (Yelboga, 2006, p. 198). openness to experience, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. Emotional stability
refers to the capability of an individual to respond well to stress; extraversion represents
As is shown by personality researchers, one of the definitions of personality traits is five-
outgoingness and sociability; openness to experience is the degree to which one is open-
factor model (McCrae and John, 1990, p. 176). Five-factor model in the explanation of
minded; consciousness represents the extent to which one performs tasks accurately and
personality was first used in 1960s and gained speed later in 1980s and 1990s. By the late
thoroughly; and agreeableness refers to one’s cooperativeness and consideration (Kyllonen,
1980s, personality scientists came to a common agreement on five strong factors of "Five-
Walters, & Kaufman, 2005).
Factor Model" which provided a meaningful and useful categorization for the organization
of complex findings in personality literature (Taggar et al., 1999, p. 901). Due to the frequent Researchers have attempted to establish the validity of the Big Five personality traits in
emergence of five-factor model of personality in studies conducted according to various predicting employee behaviors. Thus, agreeableness predicted hotel employees’ job burnout
methods, these factors are called as “Big Five” in the literature (Burger, 2006, p. 251). In (Kim, Shin, & Umbreit, 2007), and extroversion was negatively associated, and neuroticism
general, “five-factor model” is used as a common term (Carver and Scheier, 2004, p. 66). was positively associated with emotional exhaustion among hotel managers (O'Neill & Xiao,
Many scholars have laid emphasis on numerous components which are considered as the 2010). Studies of the relationships of the Big Five personality traits to employees’ turnover
determinant to examine the personality traits. For example, Myers-Briggs (Digman, 1990, intention have produced incongruous results; whereas positive traits such as extraversion
as cited in Luthans, 2011) termed four dimensions as the basis of personality traits which and openness to experience were related to turnover intention (Timmerman, 2006), positive
include – 1. Social interaction: extrovert or introvert (E or I), 2. Preference for gathering traits such as emotional stability, conscientiousness and agreeableness were negatively
data: sensing or intuitive (S or N), 3. Preference for decision making: feeling or thinking (F predictive of turnover intention, and actual turnover (Zimmerman, 2008). We therefore seek
or T), and 4. Style of making decisions: perceptive or judgmental (P or J). to clarify the relationships of the Big Five personality traits as a set to turnover intention.
Again, Costa and McCrae (1992, as cited in Robbins, & Judge, 2014) have emphasized on five We believe that studying the Big Five personality traits as a set would enhance its validity
factor model to assess the personality traits of an individual in any setting. These factors include in predicting turnover intention. The Big Five personality traits as a set had a multiple
extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience. correlation of .41 with job satisfaction (Judge, Heller, & Mount, 2002), and .49 with the
motivational criteria (Judge & Ilies, 2002). The effect sizes of the full set of Big Five
The concept and definition of any management term is quiet vague. Meaning, an exact and
personality traits was multiple R = .36 on entrepreneurial intentions, and multiple R = .31 on
universally accepted definition of discipline like personality is a challenging task. Moreover,
entrepreneurial performance (H. Zhao, Seibert, & Lumpkin, 2010). Also, a test among hotel
different scholars opt it in their own way and perspectives. For example, Mikulincer and
employees would support the utility of the Big Five personality traits as a set in hospitality
Shaver (2015) stated that ‘personality refers to individual differences in characteristic
work and suggest their use in the selection of hotel employees. Results of our study would
patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.’ Similarly, “Personality” derived from the Latin
support the Big Five theory hypothesis of the effects of personality traits on self-concept
term “Persona” which means (1) a mask worn by theater actors to represent their role and
(hospitality competency) and characteristics adaptations (turnover intention). As the Big
personality in the play; (2) the authentic self, which includes one’s intrinsic motivations,
Five personality traits are related to positive work behavior, we expect them to negatively
emotions, habits, and ideas (Chan, 1996).
relate to negative behavior such as turnover intention, and hypothesized that:
Ellis (2008) stated that, personality falls under the heading of things that most people believe
Hypothesis 1: Thai hotel staff’s Big Five personality traits as a set would negatively predict There are amply variables which are used to describe personality. Many of these words
their turnover intention. have rather similar meanings: precise, careful, meticulous and painstaking would all seem to
relate to some common quality of conscientiousness. Such overlapping traits can be grouped
Job satisfaction also mediates to reduce negative job behaviors such as counterproductive
together as a broad aspect or dimension of personality. The present research in basic is
work behavior and turnover intention. Thus, job satisfaction partially mediated the relationship
concerned to a question as: what is the number of such broad dimensions that are needed to
of agreeableness to organizational and interpersonal counterproductive work behaviors
describe the main elements of any individual personality. Numerous research efforts have
(Mount, Ilies, & Johnson, 2006). Job satisfaction mediated the relationship of organizational
been devoted to drawing up classificatory schemes of fundamental personality dimensions:
identification to turnover intention (Van Dick et al., 2004), of leader-member exchange to
estimates of the number required range from three to thirty and so on.
turnover intention (Han & Jekel, 2011), and of polychronicity to turnover intention (Jang &
George, 2012). There is strong evidence that job satisfaction is dispositionally based (Judge
& Larsen, 2001), and the Big Five personality traits as a set have a multiple correlation of .41 2.1. Conceptual framework
with job satisfaction (Judge et al., 2002). There has yet to be a study on the mediating effect By pursuing the above theoretical framework, the present researcher has developed an
of job satisfaction on the relationship of Big Five personality traits to turnover intention, and explicit conceptual framework to conduct the study. This conceptual framework is the basis
support for the role of job satisfaction in this relationship would point to its importance in on which the study is constructed:
reducing turnover and organizational costs. We believe that job satisfaction would mediate
to reduce turnover intention, and therefore hypothesized that: Figure 1: Conceptual framework for the study
Hypothesis 3: Job satisfaction would mediate the relationship of the Big Five personality Professionalism
traits to turnover intention. Emotional stability
Personality
Intention to leave an organization is a topic of interest to practitioners and researchers Extraversion
(Babakus, Yavas, & Karatepe, 2008; Hemdi & Nasurdin, 2006, 2008; Lv, Xu, & Ji, 2012). Male Female
Openness
Emotional exhaustion was related to turnover intention among hotel employees in Turkey
(Babakus et al., 2008) and China (Lv et al., 2012). Perceptions of distributive justice were Altruism
significantly related to turnover intention (Hemdi & Nasurdin, 2008), whereas trust in Conscientiousness
the organization tended to reduce turnover intention (Hemdi & Nasurdin, 2006). A meta-
analysis involving 155 studies found that turnover intention mediated nearly all relationships
of attitudes to turnover (Tett & Meyer, 1993). As intention to leave an organization is more As presented in above figure, the research work holds an assumption that the comparison
predictive of employee turnover than overall job satisfaction or organizational commitment between the personality traits of male and female managers of 5 star hotels of Nepal is based
(Steel & Ovalle, 1984), we used turnover intention in our study as a predictor of actual on independent variables like: Professionalism, Emotional stability, Extraversion, Openness,
turnover. Altruism, and Conscientiousness. This means, the personality traits of either male or female
is differentiated with reference to these mentioned variables. Furthermore, the variation in
Further, this scholar has claimed that, everyday conceptions of personality traits make
these variables is the main source to observe and measure the differences in the personality
two key assumptions. First, traits are stable over time. Most people would accept that an
attributes and managerial competencies of genders.
individual’s behavior naturally varies somewhat from occasion to occasion, but would
maintain also that there is a core of consistency which defines the individual’s ‘true nature’:
unchangeable spots of the leopard. In other words, there are differences between individuals 3. Methodology Used
that are apparent across a variety of situations. We might expect several different contexts
such as examinations, social occasions and group discussions. Stability distinguishes traits
3.1. Research design
from more transient properties of the person, such as temporary mood states. Second, it is Descriptive and explanatory research designs were applied to meet the objectives of the
generally believed that traits directly influence behavior. If a person spontaneously breaks present research through both quantitative and qualitative methodology as there are limited
into cheerful song, we might ‘explain’ the behavior by saying that he or she has a happy numbers of 5-star category hotels to be observed and also that simple survey approach will
disposition. Such lay explanations are, of course, on shaky ground because of the circularity. not be sufficient to meet the objective of the study.
3.2. Nature and source of data The present research comprises of 320 total respondents taken from four 5-star hotels
In this study primary data were used. The data that were received from employees on located in the Kathmandu Valley. Among total respondents, 158 are male and 162 are female
different level, line-managers and the information collected from internet, magazines, whereby, in the 20 to 30 year’s age group, 98 are male and 102 are female. 60 male and
booklets, journals, newspapers and publications were considered as primary data. 60 female are interviewed of age group above 30 years. This fact reveals that the female
between 20 to 30 years of age are extensively employed in 5-star hotels of Nepal.
3.3. Population and sampling technique Work experience is also examined in course of conducting this research. Among which, 118
The population of this study comprises the 5-star hotels of Nepal. There are twelve 5-star respondents had their work experience of up-to 5 years, including 60 i.e. 50.8% male and
hotels operating in Nepal at the end of July, 2020. As a sample, 80 of each mid-level staffs 58 i.e. 48.2% female. Likewise, among 202 respondents having work experience above 5
(including possible & equal participation of both the genders) from four 5-star hotels were years, 98 i.e. 48.5% were male and 104 i.e. 51.5% were female. Similarly, the above figure
selected on random sampling technique which will represent all the whole work-force of the concludes that female with work experience above 5 years are dominant in the compared to
5-star hotels of Nepal. In total, 320 employees from four 5-star hotels were taken to conduct male employees.
the study.
3.6.2. Perception analysis of respondents
3.4. Data collection techniques This section is basically based on the facts and figures computed to analyze the personality
Survey visit was conducted to four 5-star hotels in Kathmandu. A formal interview was traits and its type-indicator. Therefore, responses from the respective respondents are
conducted with the respondents and information was collected through questionnaires. For presented in best possible methodology. Each major parameter for the personality type
the reference different magazines, newspapers and internet sources was considered. indicators have been descriptively presented in this section.
3.5. Data processing and analysis Table 2: Composite Mean Scores of Personality Variables
After collecting all level of information they were processed in a systematic manner in Variables Male Female
accordance with the objective of study. SPSS software is used for the collected data analysis Professionalism 4.31 4.24
and interpretation.
Emotional stability 4.18 4.13
respondents.
Hence, the table 2 draws a conclusion that male managers are professional compared to
the female managers. Comparatively, male lead-managers seems to be competent than the
Table 1: Demographic profiles of the respondents
female lead-manages in terms of emotional stability. Similarly, female managers are seen
Age Male Female Total more ahead than male when it’s a concern of extraversion. In terms of openness also, female
20 to 30 years 98 102 200 seems to be dominant than male lead-mangers. The above total figure reveals that male
managers are a little more proficient than female lead- mangers while considering their
Above 30 years 60 60 120
altruism character. While considering the conscientiousness among the male and female
Work experience managers, male are seen more conscientious compared to female.
Up-to 5 years 60 (50.8%) 58 (48.2%) 118 (100%)
Above 5 years 98 (48.5%) 104 (51.5%) 202 (100%) 3.6.3. Measurement of correlation among carious personality traits
For the purpose of identifying the relationship among various personality traits of the lead-
managers, the present researcher has explored the linkage of those traits. In such, the significant
interrelationship among personality traits of the lead-manager is interpreted below:
Table 3: Measurement of correlation among various personality traits traits were also competent in their hospitality tasks. The Big Five personality traits and
hospitality competency scales we developed may be used in tandem to select hospitality
Emotional Stability
employees.
Conscientiousness
Personality Traits
Professionalism
Although hospitality competency was related to turnover intention it failed to predict
Extraversion
Openness
turnover intention when age, income, and education were entered as control variables. It
Altruism
seems that turnover intention is also influenced by demographic factors, such that young,
highly paid, and well educated hotel employees are likely to have turnover intention. It is
Professionalism 1 0.296** 0.197* 0.385** 0.290** 0.140 also possible that hospitality competency belongs to the domain of job performance and a
study on the relationship of hospitality competency to job performance may yield a positive
Emotional Stability 1 0.297** 0.312** 0.217** 0.186*
result. More research is needed to establish the relationship of hospitality competency to job
performance.
Extraversion 1 0.266** 0.438** 0.177*
Openness 1 0.351** 0.223** Results of our study add to the literature on the role of job satisfaction as a mediator, and
increase our understanding of hotel employees’ turnover intention. Job satisfaction mediates
Altruism 1 0.387**
the relationship of the Big Five personality traits to turnover intention; the Big Five
Conscientiousness 1 personality traits as a set seem to increase the level of job satisfaction to negatively predict
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed) turnover intention. The relationship of the Big Five personality traits to job satisfaction
*. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed) relationship found in our study seems to support the suggestion that job satisfaction might be
dispositionally based (Judge & Larsen, 2001). The mediation effect of job satisfaction on the
In table 3, the relationships among the variables are analyzed as: Professionalism is
relationship of the Big Five personality traits to turnover intention has important implication
significantly related with emotional stability, openness and altruism under 1% level of
for hotels; it may be beneficial for hotels to recruit employees who are high in the Big Five
significance. Similarly, the relation between professionalism and extraversion is significant
personality traits as they tend to be satisfied with their jobs and are unlikely to quit.
under 5% level of significance. There is no significant relationship between professionalism
and conscientiousness.
5. Conclusions
Likewise, emotional stability is significantly related with extraversion, openness and
altruism under 1% level of significance, and relation that with conscientiousness is under There exists some differences in the personality traits of male and female lead-managers, but
5% level of significance. In such, extraversion is related significantly with openness and they are small. Female employees between age-group 20 to 30 and having work experience
altruism under 1% level of significance whereas; extraversion is significantly related with above 5 years are extensively employed in 5-star hotels of Nepal. Relation among various
conscientiousness at 5% level of significance. Openness has significant relationship with personality traits is experienced significant under respective level of significance, except
both altruism and conscientiousness under 1% level of significance. Lastly, altruism and relationship between professionalism and conscientiousness, which is observed to be
conscientiousness are observed to be significantly related under 1% level of significance. significantly different. Female generally tend to adopt democratic or participative style
while governing people, whereas, male induce an autocratic or directive style in their daily
4. Discussion performance. Female managers are more concerned towards people-related issues and
quality performance; while male managers seem to attach more importance to an effective
The concept of hospitality competency includes skills, abilities, and attitudes that enable performance, control of emotions, concern towards others welfare and specific and careful
hospitality workers to successfully discharge their duties (Tesone & Ricci, 2005, 2006). at works. Female lead-managers basically confront a double bind situation: If they act like
We operationally defined hospitality competency to include attitude, communication skills, a leader, using typically male characteristics, they are perceived as being hard, because they
human relation skills, self-discipline and hospitality technical skills (Zopiatis, 2007), act against the typical female personality profile. If they act like a female, they are perceived
and developed a scale to assess its mediating effect on the Big Five personality traits and as being inefficient, since typically male personality traits are perceived as more effective
turnover intention relationship. Factor analysis of the hospitality competency data revealed a in terms of performance. Male managers seem to be competent in characteristics like:
five-factor structure corresponding to the hypothesized dimensions; the scale also exhibited concerned, careful, helpful, socially confident, organized and meticulous. Contrarily, female
satisfactory reliability. Our results showed that the Big Five personality traits predicted are more proficient when it comes to teamwork, communicative and methodological works.
hospitality competency, indicating that hotel employees who scored high in the Big Five
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COVID-19 The Global Pandemic: Learning & and equity related financial instruments. Investments in equity carry higher component risk
that is the downward deviation from the expectation which could reduce the benefit to the
Take Out for National Pension System (NPS) subscriber substantially.
Haladhara Sahu1
haladharasahudse@gmail.com The prime objective of retirement saving is to ensure income security at old age when all
other sources of income stop. Putting such huge corpus under equity ambit seems like putting
Ritu Sapra2
the very notion of retirement security at risk. We have somehow established the notion that
in the long run equity investment is going to provide higher positive returns compared to
other investment avenues. However, the recent experience in stock market particularly after
Abstract
the spread of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) (SARS-CoV-2: Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus 2), equity markets in India witnessed an unprecedented fall, it dips
The SARS Cov-2 (Covid 19) pandemic has shaken the whole world; it has brought the
around 40% in a month. The nationwide lockdown put all the business houses, factories,
business, education, industry, transport, communications, travel, hospitality almost all
industries, transport and communication to a standstill. The COVID-19 is one instance
the economic activities to a standstill. Accordingly, it has adversely affected the financial
of such incidence, there could be many more unforeseen future possibilities of war, bio-
markets and stock exchanges across the globe. The stock exchanges, may it be New York
Stock Exchange, Dow Jones, London Stock Exchange, Nikkei, Bombay Stock Exchange chemical attack, external aggression, economic crisis or any other unforeseen event which
or National Stock Exchange experienced an unprecedented plunge of 40 to 50% in a period could bring surprising turn of event in a security market. As a consequence, the return
few weeks. This new dynamic of volatility possesses serious questions about the market may dip down well below the contribution. What will happen to the retirement saving of
driven National Pension System (NPS) which endeavor to ensure smooth retirement life for people who are approaching retirement during such dive without any contribution protection
Indian elderly. The volatility in security market will significantly impact the fund managers’ insurance? Contribution made under NPS is public retirement saving entrusted with the hope
performance and accordingly the retirement benefit of the subscriber. This article has of decent retirement life in future and the decent retirement life of elderly is conditional upon
investigated the impacts of pandemic on fund manager’s risk returns profile. We have used the performance of NPS’s fund managers. Are we ready to put our retirement saving to such
three industry standard risk-adjusted returns parameters such as Sharpe ratio, Treynor Ratio high volatility without any protection mechanism?
and Jensen’s alpha to evaluate the performance of NPS pension fund managers selected under
study. The study has also explored the learning from such unexpected crisis for the policy In this article we have tried to study the impacts of such volatility on retirement savings. We
makers for future preparedness. On the basis of finding, it has suggested some measures for have also tried to explore the protection, options and flexibility to be incorporated in NPS to
long run sustainability of schemes under NPS. tackle such volatility and make it sustainable in the long-run.
Keywords : NPS, PFRDA, Defined benefit, Defined contribution, Pension fund managers, 1.2 Introducing the national pension system (NPS)
Risk adjusted returns, COVID-19.
Pressure from academic community and international reforms evidenced in pension sector in
number of countries started to strengthen the argument for instituting an alternative pension
1. Introduction system in India. In 1998 Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, set up an inter-
ministerial expert committee, termed as the Project OASIS (Old Age Social and Income
1.1 Background Security) to devise a pension system for the country.
Investment guidelines of PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority of
India) permit the fund managers of National Pension System (NPS) to invest in different The Project OASIS Expert Committee submitted its report to the Ministry in January 2000,
categories of financial instruments like government bonds, corporate debts, money market the committee recommended, defined contributory pension, where the individual will open
instruments, assets backed securities, equity and derivatives of companies listed in NSE an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) at early working stages of life and make some
and/or BSE to ensure better market-based returns to the subscribers of NPS. Since 2016, periodical monetary contribution to IRA. The contributed sum in the IRA would be managed
PFRDA’s investment approach has been shifting towards equity from government securities by professional pension fund managers through investment in the security market. Pension
and corporate debts. The new investment norms permit up to 75% investment in equity benefit under the scheme would depend upon the accumulated balance in the account of
subscribers at the time of retirement. Better the investment return and performance of fund
managers better would be the retirement benefit and vice versa. Retirement benefit would be
1 Doctoral Fellow at Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics. University of Delhi. Assistant
provided in form annuities by annuity service provider companies.
Professor (HoD), Department of Commerce. Kalahandi University, Bhawanipatna.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics. University of Delhi.
The committee recommended the defined contribution is the only option for pension retirement income security to the elderly or otherwise.
assurance, given the financial health of the economy it is not possible to continue the exiting
In this article we have tried to assess intent and reality. The intent of PFRDA is to ensure a
defined benefit pension scheme. It also recommended for a strong independent pension
smooth retirement life through market-based returns to the subscribers. Does the intent and
sector regulator to control and regulate the industry and intermediaries. OASIS committee’s
reality in the same direction? Are the NPS fund managers generating market-based return
main focus was to include the excluded unorganized sector workers in the new pension
for subscriber of NPS without putting retirement saving at substantial risk? Or is it a case of
system; even if their saving is modest but the long-term saving could give a decent retirement
otherwise?
security, if the saving being properly managed. (OASIS Committee Report, 1999)
CG Scheme and SG Scheme: CG scheme is for Central Government employees and SG
OASIS recommendation also suggested a contribution protection insurance, when the final
scheme for State Government Employees, who have joined the service after 1ST January
value at retirement falls short to the subscriber accumulated contribution made in the past,
2004. In both CG and SG scheme the employer and employee contribute 10% of employee’s
the government will ensure the difference between the contribution and final value by
salary. The amount so contributed is invested by the fund managers selected by the regulator
purchasing insurance from insurance companies. Now it has been more than one and half
(PFRDA). Presently there are three fund managers namely 1. SBI Pension Fund Private
decade since the reforms of pension sector there is no mention of contribution protection
Limited, 2. UTI Retirement Solution Limited, and 3. LIC Pension Fund limited to manage
insurance in any of the pension scheme.
the contribution of government sector employees. In CG&SG Scheme employee neither
Pressure on the fiscal front, increasing pension pay-outs obligated the government to change have the choice of fund manager nor have the option of assets allocation.
the pension system for government employees from defined benefit to a defined contribution
Benefit under the CG&SG scheme depends upon the investment returns of the fund
system. In the year 2003, Government of India established Pension Fund Regulatory and
managers over the years. The employee would get the benefit at the time of retirement in
Development Authority (PFRDA) as an interim regulator and assigned the duty of reforms,
form of lumpsum withdrawal of 60% accumulated corpus in the retirement account and the
promotion, regulation and development of pension architecture of the country. In 2004,
subscriber has to purchase an annuity worth minimum of 40% of corpus, from the insurance
PFRDA introduced New Pension Scheme (NPS), which replaced the existing defined
companies registered under the PFRDA. The annuity service provider would give monthly
benefit pension model with the defined contribution pension model for government sector
pension to the retiree according to the purchase price and terms of annuity chosen.
employee. Later in 2009, NPS was extended to private sector all citizen and renamed as
National Pension System. Private Sector (All Citizen): All Citizen is a defined contribution, covers all the subscribers
enrolled under NPS through their corporate employer, individual registration or professional
Under the defined benefit pension scheme employee is entitled to a fixed sum of pension
subscribers from unorganized sector. All citizen subscribers have both the option to choose
benefit after retirement(Normally 50% of last drawn salary indexed to DA). On the other
the fund managers of their own and also have the option to choose the class of securities and
hand, under the new defined contribution scheme, the subscriber has to contribute a specific
portion of contribution to be invested in those securities from the three classes of securities
sum of money from monthly salary or income for future income security. The periodical
such as Government Securities, Corporate debts and equity. Investment exposure is capped at
specific sum of money so contributed would be managed by the professional Fund Managers
100% for government securities, 100% for corporate debts and 75% for equity of companies.
appointed by the PFRDA and the retirement benefit of the subscriber would depend upon the
returns generated by the fund managers through investment in security markets. There are two investment options in the all-citizen scheme first one is Active Choice second
one is Auto Choice Life cycle funds. In active choice the subscriber would decide what
Investment norms of NPS permit the fund managers (registered with PFRDA) to invest in
would be the percentage investment in three different classes of securities such as G-Sec,
different class of financial assets like government bonds, corporate debts, money market
Corporate Debts and Equity, subject to maximum ceiling of investment of 75% in equity. If
instruments, assets backed securities, equity of companies and derivatives of companies
a subscriber does not make active choice, then his contribution would be invested according
registered under NSE (National Stock Exchange) or/and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) to
to the life cycle fund (auto choice). Under life cycle fund the subscriber investment and
ensure better market returns to the subscriber registered under NPS.
risk exposure would be decided on the basis of his age, in the early stage of working more
Contribution in the hand fund managers is public retirement saving entrusted with the hope money would be in invested in Equity and Corporate debts and less would be invested in
of decent retirement life in future. It is essential to note that, decent retirement life of elderly government securities and as the subscriber grow older, investment exposure to equity and
is conditional upon the performance of NPS fund managers. And performance of fund corporate debt would be gradually reduced by fund managers.
manager is subject to market returns. Therefore, it is also essential to evaluate the portfolio
In All Citizen Scheme, there might be co-contribution from employer otherwise sole
risk-returns, investment norms, investment practices, performance and regulation of pension
contribution from the employee or subscriber who is self-employed. This is also a defined
fund managers, to check whether the national pension system is in right direction to deliver
contribution scheme; the contribution amount is managed by both public and private sector Increasing the ceiling of Equity investment of government sector employees from 15% to
fund managers. At present there are 7 pension fund managers operating under NPS All 50%. Gradually improving the ceiling to 75%. Allowing the life cycle funds equity cap up
Citizen Scheme to manage the contribution. Following are the seven Pension Fund managers to 75%. The Committee also proposed active fund management strategy instead of passive
fund management strategy. Allowing for participation of pension fund managers in both
1. SBI Pension Funds Pvt. Ltd., 2.UTI Retirement Solutions Ltd., 3. LIC Pension Fund
primary and secondary market equity investment. In addition, recommendations were made
Ltd., 4. Kotak Mahindra Pension Fund Ltd., 5. Birla Sunlife Pension Management
to remove the investment limits in government securities. There should not be ceiling on
Ltd., 6. ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Co. Ltd. and 7. HDFC Pension
investment on any assets class and there may be a negative list of assets on the basis of past
Management Co. Ltd.
experience. (G.N.Bajpai Committee Report, 2015)
Benefit to the subscriber would be the accumulated money in PRAN (Permanent Retirement Accordingly in 2015-16 PFRDA has allowed following exposure, in active choice for
Account Number) through investment returns generated by the fund managers. The corporate sector employees/subscribers. Exposure in Equity Assets Class (E) is raised up
subscriber could withdraw maximum of 60% of accumulated corpus in the retirement to 75%, Corporate Bonds Asset Class (C) is up to 100%,Government Securities Asset Class
account, remaining 40% would be utilized to buy annuity from the insurance company who (G) is up to 100% and Alternate Asset Class (A) is up to 5% respectively.
would provide the monthly pension to the retiree.
For Government sector employee presently the exposure in Government Securities is up to
There are two types of account namely Tier-1 and Tier-2 for both the government and private 50%, exposure in Corporate Debt securities is up to 45%, exposure in Equity and Equity
sector employees. Tier-1 account which a compulsory retirement account and no withdrawal related investment is up to 15%, exposure in Short Term Debt securities is up to 5%, and
could be made from this account before retirement (except limited 3 premature withdrawal exposure in Assets Backed, Trust Structured and Miscellaneous investment is up to 5%.
permitted with a gap of 5 years for each subsequent withdrawal for specified purpose). Tier-
2 account is optional, just like a saving account where deposit and withdrawal could be made There is also talk of harmonization of investment pattern of corporate sector employees and
anytime. The benefit of tier-2 account is that contribution in this account is managed by NPS government sector employees and accordingly increasing the ceiling of equity exposure
fund managers at lower fund management fees. of government sector employees from 15% to 50%. Gradually equity ceiling would be
increased to 75% in active choice.
Recently some of the committee appointed by the PFRDA are advocating for more active
equity leaning strategy for pension fund managers. In this article we have selected total of 4 fund managers, managing contributions of
government sector employees and private sector employees, professionals and self-
In 2014, PFRDA set up an expert committee under the chairmanship of former SEBI and employed. We have analyzed their performance from different scheme of NPS by using
LIC chief G N Bajpai to review the investment norms for NPS schemes in the private sector. numbers of performance evaluation techniques.
The committee recommended additional scope and freedom for pension fund managers in
diversifying investment portfolio under NPS scheme.
2. Research Methodology
Introduction of new assets classes like Covered notes, Commercial papers, Certificate of
Deposits, Repo, Reverse Repo, Collateralised Borrowing and Lending Obligations (CBLO), 2.1 Descriptive statistics
derivatives for the purpose of hedging etc. The Committee also advocated for assets backed Descriptive statistics quantitatively summarize the patterns and general trends of a data set
securities, private equity and Venture capital funds. The committee expressed concern about in a single representative value. It enables a reader to quickly understand and interpret vast
low risk -low return government sector assets class by NPS funds managers and suggested set of data by describing its main features. Following are some of the descriptive statistics
reforms will orient fund managers towards equity and other non-government securities. which have been used in study.
The committee proposed following guidelines for future course of action. Mean return (annual average return): has been used to calculate average return of pension
fund managers.
Providing scope for private sector pension funds to manage the funds of the government
sector employees. Equating the investment guidelines of the government and private sector Holding period return could be calculated by considering one day, week, month, quarter or
employees. Shifting the orientation of pension fund manager’s investment practice from year as one period. For example, NAV per unit on 1/4/2008 is 10 rupees of SBI PF Managers
fixed low return government securities to high risk-high return equity investment. invested in Corporate Debt Tier-1 scheme, suppose the NAV per unit has grown to 11.23 on
31/3/2009 after one year then periodic return would be as follows
Geometric mean (GM): is used to calculate the (CAGR) Compound Annual Growth Rate or
Treynor measure
Compound Annual returns of fund managers.
The present-day portfolio evaluation technique could be traced back to the Jack L. Treynor,
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is the mean annual growth rate of an investment who introduced Reward to Volatility Ratio as performance measures for any fund managers’
over a specified period of time longer than one year. It is essentially a notional rate of returns performance ranking. Excess returns of the portfolio over the risk-free return is expressed in
that describes the rate at which an investment would have grown if it had grown at a steady relation to portfolio’s systematic risk is the Treynor ratio (TR). Higher the TR higher is the
rate, which virtually never happens in reality. We use CAGR as a way to smooth out an relative performance of fund manager. (Treynor, 1965).
investment’s returns so that they may be more easily understood.
Treynor suggested, there were two components of risk: the risk produced by fluctuations
For example, in the initial starting year, on 1/4/2008 TIER-1 Equity NAV of UTI retirement in the market and the risk arising from the volatility of individual securities. He advocates
solutions Pension Fund Managers was 10 rupee per unit, let suppose it has grown to 20 rupee the unsystematic risk that is the fluctuation arising out of volatility of individual security in
per unit as on 31/3/2015 then the CAGR would be as follows the portfolio could be minimized to nothing with proper diversification. While the Treynor
(1/n) Measures only consider the systematic risk β as the risk measures which capture market risk
Terminal NAV Valu) arising out of relative volatility between the portfolio and the market.
CAGR/GM= -1 *100
Intial NAV Valu) The Treynor measure, also known as the reward to volatility ratio, defined as:
In this equation the ‘n’ is number of periods; in our example 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2015 is 7 TR= (Portfolio Return - Risk Free Rate)/ Beta
periods considering the compounding happens annually.
The numerator identifies the excess returns or risk premium and the denominator with
(1/7 the risk of the portfolio. The resulting value represents the portfolio's return per unit risk.
20
CAGR/GM= -1 *100 =10.40 % The TR (Treynor Ratio) is a relative measure. Therefore, Treynor Ratio is used to evaluate
10 comparative performance of fund manager or with index benchmark performance, greater
the Treynor ratio higher the efficiency of fund manager.
or Growth rate would be 1.104
To better understand how this works, suppose that the 10-year average annual return for the
It means that the investment has grown at 10.4% annually had it been a single rate.
S&P BSE 100 (market portfolio) is 10%, while the average annual return on Government of
India 364 days Treasury bills (a good proxy for the risk-free rate) let say 5%. Then assume
Measures of risk adjusted returns:
we are evaluating three distinct pension funds port-folio managers, with the following 10-
In order to evaluate the comparative performance of NPS fund managers, following year results:
performance measures have been used in the study.
Managers Average Annual Return Beta (β) TR
In some of the earlier research works of performance evaluation it was found that sometime PENSION FUND A 9% 0.90 (9-5)/0.90 = 4.44
investors misguidedly assume that, the success of their portfolio depends on the returns PENSION FUND B 15% 1.02 (15-5)/1.02 = 9.80
alone but very few consider that the risk they undertook to achieve those returns. In the
PENSION FUND C 16% 1.25 (16-5)/1.25 = 8.80
present day, we have three sets of popular performance measurement tools to assist the fund
managers and individual investors in the evaluation of portfolio. The Treynor, Sharpe and TR for (market) = (10-5)/1 = 5
Jensen ratios which combine risk and return performance into a single value, but they are The higher the Treynor measure, the better the portfolio. If you had been evaluating the
different from each other in some aspects. All these measures derive their basic principle portfolio manager (or port-folio) on returns alone, you may have inadvertently identified
from the Capital Assets Pricing Model (CAPM). These measures are industry standard since pension fund manager C as having yielded the highest results. However, when considering
the risks that each manager took to attain their respective returns, pension fund manager B The Sharpe ratio is similar to the Treynor measure, but there is a difference in the denominator
demonstrated the better outcome. In this example, pension fund managers B and C have of the Sharpe ratio which consider portfolio standard deviation as measures of risk which
outperformed the market index with the higher Treynor value, pension fund managers A is combine both systematic risk and unsystematic risk whereas Treynor measures only consider
the underperformer among three with lowest Treynor ratio/value. systematic or market risk β.
CovJ,m covariance of portfolio returns and market returns Sharpe Ratio= (Portfolio Return – Risk Free Rate)/ Standard Deviation
Calculation of Beta, β = =
Varm market variance
Assuming that the S&P BSE 100 had an average return of 10% and standard deviation of 15%
In our study for the purpose of calculation Beta, (β), by observing the assets allocation and over a 10-year period, let's determine the Sharpe ratios for the following portfolio managers:
portfolio disclosure of pension fund managers following market indices have been selected
Average Annual Portfolio Standard
for Beta, (β) calculation. Manager Sharpe Ratio (SR)
Return Deviation (σ)
SCHEMES ASSETS CLASS INDICES PENSION FUND X 13% 12% (13-5)/12 = .66
EQUITY TIER-1 EQUITY S&P BSE 100 PENSION FUND Y 18% 19% (18-5)/19 = .68
CORPORATE DEBT TIER-1 CORPORATE DEBT S&P BSE India Corporate PENSION FUND Z 20% 34% (20-5)/34 = .44
Bond Index
Sharpe ratio for (market) = (10-5)/15 =.33
GOVT. SECURITIES TIER-1 GOVERNMENT S&P BSE India Government
SECURITIES Bond Index Once again, we find that the best portfolio is not necessarily the one with the highest return.
Instead, it's the one with the most superior risk-adjusted return, or in this case the fund
For Risk free Rate we have considered 364 days RBI T-bills rate in 2019-20 that is 5.16%. managed by pension fund manager Y had been efficient in the 10-year period. In the above
example of Sharpe ratio of all the pension fund managers have outperformed the benchmark
Treynor measure considers the systematic risk only, it assumes that the fund managers have S&P BSE 100 index.
already has adequately diversified the portfolio and, therefore, unsystematic risk is not
considered. As a result, this performance measure should only be used by investors who Likewise, Treynor ratio the Sharpe ratio is also a relative measure hence a single Sharpe
hold diversified portfolios. (Treynor, 1965) value has no interpretation.
Unlike the Treynor measure, the Sharpe ratio evaluates the portfolio manager on the basis
Sharpe ratio of both rate of return and diversification (as it considers total portfolio risk as measured by
Later in (Sharpe, 1966) came up with little variation to the Treynor majors. In order to avoid standard deviation in its denominator). Therefore, the Sharpe ratio is more appropriate for
the problem of risk calculation under Treynor measures, the Sharpe measures considered well diversified portfolios, because it more accurately considers the risks of the portfolio.
both systematic and unsystematic risk in calculating risk. The Sharpe ratio just like Treynor (Sharpe, 1966)
ratio the only difference was the denominator in the equation, Treynor has used portfolio
beta (βp) as risk of portfolio whereas Sharpe has used Portfolio standard (σp) deviation Jensen alpha
(which includes both systematic and unsystematic risk) as a risk measure. Like the previous performance measures discussed, the Jensen measure is also based on
In his study Willium Sharpe attempted to predict future performance of fund managers by CAPM. The Jensen measures calculates the excess return that a portfolio generates over
applying this Sharpe ratio. He collected the data of actual returns and calculated standard its expected return, it may give positive or negative value called Alpha. If the Alpha is
deviation of 34 fund managers for last 20 years and divided the period into 10 years each. positive and higher than other, it indicates that the fund a manager has performed better and
Thereafter he calculated Sharpe ratio differently for each 10-years period for all those fund a negative Alpha indicate bad performance. Unlike the Treynor Measure and Sharpe ratio,
managers. In the study he found that, the fund managers whose Sharpe ratio was higher in Jensen Alpha is an absolute measure of performance.
the first 10 years, it was also high in the last 10 years period for most of the fund managers. The Jensen ratio measures how much of the portfolio's rate of return is attributable to the
To check the validity of his finding, he also used Treynor ratio and found the same result. manager's ability to deliver above-average returns, adjusted for market risk. The higher the
Sharpe conclusion was fund managers performed better in the past would more likely to alpha, the better the risk-adjusted returns. A portfolio with a consistently positive excess
perform better in future. Sharpe himself believes that no methods and model could predict return will have a positive alpha, while a portfolio with a consistently negative excess return
the future performance perfectly. will have a negative alpha. (Jensen, 1968)
Jensen’s Alpha= (Actual Portfolio Return – Expected Portfolio Return with given Beta) Two (PFs) for government sectors employees. (Government Sector Pension Fund Managers)
E(r)= Risk Free Rate + Beta (Return of Market – Risk Free Rate of Return) 1. SBI Pension Funds Pvt. Ltd.
2. UTI Retirement Solutions Ltd.
α =- Rp-Rf + βp (Rm - Rf)
Four (PFs) for private sectors employees and self-employed. (Private Sector Pension Fund
Rp = Return of Portfolio, Rf = Beta of Portfolio, βp = Risk-free Rate, and Rm = Market Return Managers)
So, if we once again assume a risk-free rate of T-bills 5% and a market return of 10%, 1. SBI Pension Funds Pvt. Ltd.
calculating Alpha in the following table 2. UTI Retirement Solutions Ltd.
3. ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Co. Ltd.
Average
Manager Annual Beta(β) ER of PF Alpha 4. Kotak Mahindra Pension Funds Ltd.
Return
Risk, returns & performance Of fund managers
PENSION FUND D 11% 0.90 5 + 0.90 (10-5) = 9.5% 11%- 9.5% = 1.5%
PENSION FUND E 16% 1.14 5 + 1.14 (10-5) = 10.7% 16%- 10.7% = 5.3% The following tables & diagrams are self-compilation and calculation of author from the
PENSION FUND F 18% 1.26 5 + 1.26 (10-5) = 11.3% 18%- 11.3% = 6.7% historical NAV data of fund managers and historical indices value.
First, we calculate the portfolio's expected return then we calculate the portfolio's alpha by 1. SBI Pension Funds Pvt. Ltd.
subtracting the expected return of the portfolio from the actual return.
SBI FUND MANAGERS RETURNS UNDER DIFFERENT SCHEME OF NPS
Pension Fund managers F did better instead of high beta, because it has provided better CORP.DEBT- GOV.SEC
SCHEMES CG SCHEME SG SCHEME EQUITY TIER-1
return given the higher market risk of portfolio. TIER-1 TIER-1
Portfolio performance measures should be a key aspect of the investment decision process.
CAGR (%)
CAGR (%)
CAGR(%)
CAGR(%)
CAGR(%)
ANNUAL
AR(%)
AR(%)
AR(%)
AR(%)
AR(%)
These tools provide the necessary information for investors to assess how effectively their
RETURN
money has been invested (or may be invested). Remember, portfolio returns are only part of
the story, without evaluating risk-adjusted returns, an investor cannot possibly see the whole
2008-09 9.5 9.5
investment picture, which may inadvertently lead to clouded investment decisions.
2009-10 13.04 16.7 6.33 6.33 7.95 7.95 9.94 9.94 10.02 10.02
2.2 Sources of data 2010-11 11.35 8.12 8.09 9.92 8 8.1 11.29 12.7 11.13 12.27
For the purpose of study, we have collected secondary data from following sources: 2011-12 9.94 5.89 7.67 6.86 2.73 -7.01 11.22 11.14 9.22 5.49
2012-13 10.5 12.76 8.98 13.03 4.08 8.27 11.97 14.27 10.27 13.54
Historical NAV data and Port-folio information have been collected from respective pension
fund manager’s website. 2013-14 9.37 3.92 7.92 3.85 7.23 20.88 10.58 5.18 8.18 0.26
2014-15 10.74 19.38 9.81 19.79 10.48 28.33 11.41 15.74 10.17 20.74
Indices Value and Historical figures were collected from BSE and NSE websites.
2015-16 10.19 6.5 9.35 6.66 7.77 -7.14 11.03 8.73 9.74 7.17
Scheme and investment norms, fund managers information have been collected from
2016-17 10.52 13.17 9.83 13.29 9.43 21.84 11.14 11.96 10.07 12.46
PFRDA Website, Annual Reports, Master circular and Monthly bulletin of PFRDA.
2017-18 10.06 6.1 9.39 5.96 9.53 10.36 10.6 6.4 9.52 5.22
Period of study is from 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2020 (twelve years). Though NPS was
2018-19 9.96 8.98 9.33 8.84 9.88 13.1 10.34 8.06 9.47 9.04
roll out in 2004 actual investment started taking place since 2008.
2019-20 9.82 8.33 9.27 8.63 6.13 -25.01 10.42 11.19 9.94 14.86
For the purpose of this study the following four fund managers have been selected on the
basis of their long periods of operation as pension fund managers under NPS architecture.
The following four fund managers have been managing NPS corpus since the inception of
investment.
NJMSR Volume IV Issue I NJMSR Volume IV Issue I
40 41
ISSN (Print) : 2467-9356, ISSN (Electronic) : 2795-1545 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53056/njmsr-2016001 https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/njmsr/index ISSN (Print) : 2467-9356, ISSN (Electronic) : 2795-1545
COVID-19 The Global Pandemic: Learning & Take Out for National Pension System (NPS) COVID-19 The Global Pandemic: Learning & Take Out for National Pension System (NPS)
All the schemes seem to have stable Annual Returns except Equity Scheme, volatility in Similar observation could be made for the returns of UTI retirement solutions. In the
equity return could be visualized in the diagram. One striking observation in the table as financial year 2019-2020 all the fund managers have provided negative returns in equity
well as in the diagram, that CAGR of Equity Tier -1 as on 31st March 2020 is 6.13%. scheme in the range of 25 to 30%. Equity CAGR is in the similar range of 6 to 7% ,lagging
CAGR SBI PF has Come down to 6.13% because of negative 25.1% returns in financial behind current wholesale price index.
year 2019-20. This reduced CAGR indicate substantial variation in pension benefit between
Equity, Corporate debt and G-Sec scheme have similar CAGR in previous years, however
two subscribers provided significant portion is invested in equity. One who is retiring during
the volatility in equity returns is considerably high.
March 2020 will get much less benefit compare to one who is retiring during March 2019.
The fall in CAGR in March 2020 in Equity Scheme was because of nationwide lockdown to Performance of the private fund managers, ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management
curb the spread of Covid-19. In the past one-decade equity scheme has generated negative Co. Ltd. and Kotak Mahindra Pension Funds Ltd is also similar to the public sector fund
returns across the fund managers for three financial years (2011-12,2015-16, and 2019-20). managers that could be witnessed from similar diagrams depicting all the schemes. Returns
of Corporate Debt and G-Sec schemes are subject to interest rate and credit default risk.
2. UTI Retirement Solutions Ltd. Returns from the Corporate Debt and G-Sec schemes are inversely related to market interest
UTI RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS RETURNS UNDER DIFFERENT SCHEME OF NPS rate. Rise in interest rate could reduce the value of such debt securities and vice versa. In
CORP.DEBT- GOV.SEC 2013-14 RBI raised repo rates to 8 percentage points, accordingly market interest rates were
CG SCHEME SG SCHEME EQUITY TIER-1
SCHEMES TIER-1 TIER-1 high, as a consequence all the fund managers have reported returns less than 2% in G-Sec
scheme, G-Sec returns of SBI was as low as 0.26% in 2013-14. Accordingly in 2020 RBI
CAGR (%)
CAGR (%)
CAGR(%)
CAGR(%)
CAGR(%)
reduced policy repo rate to 4% to ease businesses, which resulted in lower interest rate in the
AR(%)
AR(%)
AR(%)
AR(%)
AR(%)
ANNUAL
RETURN market as a result all the fund managers have reported around 15% return in G-sec Schemes.
2008-09 11.53 11.53 Corporate debt seems to have relatively lesser impact of interest rate change compare to
2009-10 11.06 10.63 5.93 5.93 25.93 25.93 4.01 4.01 1.97 1.97 G-sec. Corporate debt has provided relatively stable returns in comparison to other schemes
2010-11 10.14 8.38 8.51 11.19 16.29 7.42 6.56 9.18 7.04 12.45 in past 12 years with less volatility.
2011-12 9.02 5.75 7.76 6.34 7.46 -8.19 7.77 10.3 5.93 3.84
2012-13 9.65 12.3 9.1 13.25 7.45 7.43 9.15 13.46 7.79 13.64
2013-14 8.87 5.06 8.2 4.73 9.97 20.66 8.53 6.15 6.38 0.93
2014-15 10.2 18.57 9.89 18.79 13.04 29.76 9.59 15.07 8.56 20.21
2015-16 9.7 6.25 9.37 6.34 9.98 -6.68 9.48 8.83 8.36 7.17
2016-17 10.13 13.65 9.89 13.59 11.15 22.95 9.8 12.04 8.76 11.68
2017-18 9.73 6.26 9.45 6.07 11.48 11.12 9.36 5.95 8.25 4.26
2018-19 9.63 8.61 9.36 8.59 11.57 12.37 9.12 6.99 8.28 8.6
2019-20 9.43 7.24 9.18 7.37 7.29 -27.44 9.28 10.87 8.82 14.42
3. ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Co. Ltd. 4. Kotak Mahindra Pension Funds Ltd.
RETURNS OF ICICI PRUDENTIAL PENSION FUND RETURNS OF KOTAK MAHINDRA PENSION FUND
SCHEMES EQUITY TIER-1 CORP.DEBT-TIER-1 GOV.SEC TIER-1
SCHEMES EQUITY TIER-1 CORP.DEBT-TIER-1 GOV.SEC TIER-1
CAGR(%)
CAGR(%)
CAGR(%)
ANNUAL
AR(%)
AR(%)
AR(%)
CAGR(%)
CAGR(%)
CAGR(%)
RETURN ANNUAL RETURN
AR(%)
AR(%)
AR(%)
2009-10 22.49 22.49 10.03 10.03 4.5 4.5
2009-10 14.20 14.20 10.00 10.00 3.50 3.50
2010-11 17.04 11.91 9.72 9.44 6.09 7.71
2011-12 8.11 -7.68 10.29 11.52 6.08 6.12 2010-11 13.05 11.91 10.41 10.82 6.25 9.08
2012-13 8.34 9.11 11.25 14.26 7.97 13.92 2011-12 4.68 -10.25 10.36 10.25 6.24 6.20
2013-14 10.8 21.19 10.23 6.24 6.64 1.52 2012-13 6.35 11.51 11.49 14.96 8.03 13.59
2014-15 13.59 28.65 11.12 15.76 8.88 20.82
2013-14 8.88 19.62 10.33 5.83 6.54 0.80
2015-16 10.33 -7.34 10.93 9.8 8.6 6.97
2014-15 11.90 28.30 11.11 15.11 8.62 19.60
2016-17 11.66 21.43 11.12 12.51 9.04 12.18
2017-18 11.46 9.97 10.59 6.42 8.59 5.11 2015-16 9.00 -6.88 10.88 9.46 8.46 7.55
2018-19 11.58 12.59 10.35 8.28 8.61 8.8 2016-17 10.57 22.21 11.06 12.38 8.98 12.63
2019-20 7.44 -26.3 10.31 9.91 9.18 15.05
2017-18 10.64 11.19 10.54 6.48 8.50 4.73
All the schemes operating under NPS across fund managers have delivered a CAGR of 9 to
11% in the past 12 years of operations. All the fund managers seem to have similar range of
Annual returns and CAGR across the schemes. Close inspection reveals that, fund managers
are investing in almost similar portfolio with minor variation. Moreover, they have same
Like all other pension fund managers, we could observe volatility in equity schemes and
investment guidelines from the pension fund regulator (PFRDA).
stable returns for Corporate debt scheme in the Kotak Mahindra PF. It is also visible in the
diagram that G sec scheme returns are relatively more volatile compare to corporate debts
and relatively less volatile compare to equity scheme across fund managers.
The following tables contains the CAGR, average returns, standard deviation, coefficient of
variation, Sharpe Ratio (S.R), Treynor Ratio (T.R) and Jensen’s Alpha (J.A) of four pension
fund managers for different schemes under NPS.
The following tables are author’s self-calculation and compilation, from the NAV data of Given above calculations and analysis we came to the following finding and implications
fund managers and Indexes. The following tables are based on data up to 31 March 2020. that, in the past 12 years CAGR returns from Equity Scheme were 6.13% for SBI Pension
Funds, 7.2% for UTI Retirement Solutions,7.44 % for ICICI Prudential Pension Funds and
SBI PENSION FUND PVT LIMITED
6.76% for Kotak Mahindra Pension Funds respectively, which are just above the RBI’s
CG SG EQUITY CORP.DEBT- GOV.SEC
SCHEME inflation targeting upper range of 6%. And the average annual periodic returns of these four
SCHEME SCHEME TIER-1 TIER-1 TIER-1
fund managers for Equity scheme were 7.24%, 8.67%, 8. 73 %, 7.91% along with coefficient
CAGR 9.82 9.27 6.13 10.42 9.94
of variation of 201.39%, 188.55%, 178.95% ,198.96 % respectively. These coefficients of
AM 9.95 9.38 7.24 10.48 10.10
variation indicate a very high degree of volatility for the given level of returns generated
SD 4.47 4.30 14.59 3.08 5.31
under equity scheme, across the fund managers. All the risk adjusted measures also indicate
C.V 44.91 45.86 201.39 29.34 52.54
the underperformance of equity scheme. Sharpe Ratio for the Equity Scheme is the lowest
S.R 1.07 0.98 0.14 1.73 0.93
in comparison to all other scheme of NPS across all fund managers selected for the study,
T.R 2.16 4.21 3.17
which implicates equity portfolio are not generating the justified desired return for the given
J.A -6.02 -0.02 -1.39
amount risk undertaken.
ICICI PRUDENTIAL PF LTD
Here someone may argue that, it is quite immature to generalize the underperformance of
SCHEMES EQUITY TIER-1 CORP.DEBT-TIER-1 GOV.SEC TIER-1
equity scheme because of an unprecedented dip in the stock market in a given year. An event
CAGR 7.44 10.31 9.18
like COVID-19, nationwide lockdown, ban on export import which brings business to a
AM 8.73 10.38 9.34
standstill could very well bring the stock market to a sudden plunge. However, one counter
SD 15.62 2.84 5.35
argument to this could be, the return under equity scheme before the Covid-19, was not so
C.V 178.95 27.35 57.30
impressive given the risk undertaken under equity scheme. Both the Corporate Debt and
S.R 0.23 1.84 0.78
G-Sec schemes were generating similar range of 9% to 11% CAGR and Average Annual
TR 3.60 4.62 2.77
Returns with considerably less volatility. In the past one decade of experience in equity
JA -4.75 0.45 -1.94
investment, we have seen in three different years, equity investment has generated negative
returns. In spite of better positive return in many years average returns is not so high for
UTI RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS
equity because of the negative returns in some years are dragging the average down.
CG SG EQUITY CORP.DEBT- GOV.SEC
SCHEME SCHEME SCHEME TIER-1 TIER-1 TIER-1 One may further argue that, are we protected from such kind risk in future? There may be
CAGR 9.43 9.18 7.29 9.28 8.82 many unforeseen events in future which may bring surprising turns of events and dive in
AM 9.52 9.29 8.67 9.35 9.02 the stock market, accordingly in the equity scheme. Event like Covid-19 lays foundation
SD 3.82 4.18 16.34 3.25 5.74 for another layer of protection of old age income security like contribution insurance. If
C.V 40.08 44.98 188.55 34.77 63.70 the invested money falls short to the contribution, then what is the sense of investment
S.R 1.14 0.99 0.21 1.29 0.67 for retirement protection. The COVID-19 crisis revealed one more thing that, the equity
T.R 3.45 3.52 2.48 investment could plunge up to 25% to 40% in a span 10 to 15 days. From the above diagram
J.A -5.04 -0.85 -2.46 it is visible that, from April 2019 to March 2020 the Equity scheme has generated a negative
KOTAK MAHINDRA PENSION FUND return of 25% to 28% with sufficient diversification by fund managers. All the major indices
SCHEMES EQUIRTY TIER-1 CORP. DEBT TIER-1 GOV SEC. TIER-1 like NSE Nifty 50, S&P BSE SENSEX, NSE Nifty 100, S&P BSE 100 took a dive of almost
CAGR 6.76 10.15 9.14 40% in March 2020. Alternatively, it means someone’s retirement saving could very well
AM 7.91 10.19 9.27
reduce by 25 % to 40% in a given month. If I put it in a more simplified terms, someone’s
SD 15.74 3.12 5.57
retirement account had a 2 crore rupees balance in equity segment two week ago which has
become 1.2 crore two weeks after and he/ she could do nothing about it. Over reliance on
C.V 198.96 30.64 60.06
equity could reduce the retirement benefit significantly.
S.R 0.17 1.61 0.74
TR 2.81 3.99 2.78 Almost all the risk adjusted measures are indicating the performance of Corporate Debt is
JA -5.48 -0.30 -1.89 better than Government Securities and Equity Scheme.
One who is a firm believers of Equity investment will argue that, short term volatility is a the same month and making the withdrawal in the same period, his/her benefit would be very
persistent features of equity investment, equity investment gives better returns in the long low. If this flexibility of exit window be there, he/she may postpone or prepone his exit from
run. Hence, one should not be worried about short term volatility. Then, my argument would NPS considering the optimum benefit for self. Subscriber will choose a time period when the
be, what if someone is retiring in the month March of 2020 and he is an active choice investor benefits and corpus seem to be favorable, and accordingly apply for exit from NPS.
with 75% allocation in Equity scheme. His retirement saving will reduce remarkably. And
Third option could be protection through insurance purchase, but it will be expensive. In
we do not decide our retirement date.
period of crisis or pandemic honoring insurance contract is also quite questionable and
The CG & SG schemes applicable for government employees have also delivered relatively contingent.
better return in comparison to exclusive investment in equity for the same fund managers
All the schemes have generated CAGR in the range of 9 to 11%, why to put much emphasis
with less volatility. The CG& SG schemes have less than 15% fund allocation to equity
on equity by inviting additional risk component. Thirteen year of experience in equity scheme
instruments.
under NPS architecture has indicated one thing, for similar range of returns the Corporate
We also know corporate debts and G-sec are not the safest investment they are also subject Debts and Government Securities have undertaken relatively lesser risk. Even average
to credit and interest rate risk. However, in the past these securities seem to have generated returns and CAGR of Corporate Debts and G-Sec are stable and higher in some years. In
moderate returns with less volatility. our study we have seen that, the equity scheme is not generating substantially higher returns
for the substantially higher risk undertaken. Inviting additional risk to generate lower or
3. Concluding Remarks similar range of average returns or CAGR does not brings lot of financial sense. Excessive
The fall of CAGR in March 2020 in Equity Scheme was because of nationwide lockdown dependence on equity has the potential to reduce the benefits to the subscriber substantially
to curb the spread of Covid-19. There could be many more surprising turns of event may too. Are we ready to put our retirement saving to such risk or shall we settle for moderate
it be war, bio chemical attack, banking crisis, financial crisis, financial scams or any other returns? The policy makers need to reconsider the intention of aggressive expansion in the
unprecedented adverse event which could bring very high volatility in the short run. Which ceiling of equity investment, when there is no layer of protection for downward deviation
could reduce the benefit to the subscriber retiring in the same period of crisis. Could we under NPS architecture. Moreover, short term crisis or volatility are persistent to Equity
avoid such kind of plunge in security market altogether? The answer is, no? What could be Market which seems to have lots of impact on equity scheme.
possible solution?
Limitations: Study could include a greater number of fund managers. Study could be
Firstly, excessive reliance on equity investment and generous equity investment guidelines undertaken for tier-2 schemes of NPS.
needs to be reconsidered. Equity has the potential to reduce the benefit of the subscriber
significantly as witnessed in March 2020. The CAGR of equity was around 6 to 7% in
12 years which is similar to the inflation rate in the economy. From the above analysis
we have observed that equity is generating the CAGR in the similar range like corporate
debts, in some cases less than CAGR of Corporate debt scheme. However, volatility is quite
higher for the equity scheme as depicted by coefficient of variations for the given levels of
returns generated. Equity investment ceiling needs to be brought down to around 30 to 35%,
otherwise the concept of retirement security would be at risk. This 30 to 35% is a substantial
allocation in one assets class, this portion of investment could give a desired push to the
returns of subscriber. The return may not be significantly high but it will secure the purpose
retirement security.
Another solution, the policy maker could make the exit window flexible. The subscribers
shall have the flexibility of 10 years of exit window from NPS system, i.e., from 55 to 65
years. So that impact of short-term volatility could be minimized. The subscriber will exercise
his exit option when the retirement corpus and market returns suit him. For example, on 31
March 2020, equity scheme has negative 30% annual returns, if the subscriber is retiring in
European Banks with higher deposits and loans ratio tend to be more profitable but the
effects on profitability are statistically insignificant in some cases (Menicucci & Paolucci,
2016). Deposits and borrowings (including debts securities issued) are initially measured
at fair value minus incremental direct transaction cost and subsequently measured at their
amortized cost using the effective interest method, except where the Bank designates effort to enhance the reporting quality if a full, fair-value application is still the eventual
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. a significant and negative correlation between goal for the near future (Liao, 2013).
the liquidity creation and performance of Islamic banks, using return on average equity
Capital regulation is an effective tool in enhancing the stability and the profitability of the
measure (Sahyouni & Wang, 2019). Need for improving capital adequacy and reducing the
financial services sector. In addition, the paper finds a positive relationship between regulatory
ratio of non-interest assets as a way to improve profitability (Husain & Abdullah, 2008).
pressure in terms of restrictions on deposits and non-bank financial institutions profitability
Tier-1 Capital has a negative effect to profitability in Indonesian Commercial Banks (Sari, (Ofoeda, Gariba, & Amoah, 2016). Risk management is crucial to the banking industry.
Suhadak, Rahayu, & Solimun). The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is a measurement of a Since the Basel Accord was introduced, the minimum CAR requirement has become a major
bank's available capital expressed as a percentage of a bank's risk-weighted credit exposures. regulatory tool in various jurisdictions. By definition, a CAR is the ratio of a bank’s total
The capital adequacy ratio, also known as capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR), regulatory capital divided by the total amount of RWAs. Regulatory capital consists of three
is used to protect depositors and promote the stability and efficiency of financial systems types of capital – Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 – while RWAs refer to a bank’s assets weighted
around the world. Two types of capital are measured: tier-1 capital, which can absorb losses according to credit, interest, and operational risk. Previous studies on CARs mainly center
without a bank being required to cease trading, and tier-2 capital, which can absorb losses on the influence of the capital requirement on the riskiness of banks. For instance, Shrieves
in the event of a winding-up and so provides a lesser degree of protection to depositors. The and Dahl (1992) shows that, for banks that were undercapitalized according to regulatory
study also revealed that GDP per capita, market capitalization and banks size have no impact standards, the minimum capital regulation was at least partially effective in forcing banks to
on profitability (Ahamad, 2019). perhaps increase their capital or to decrease risks. Profitability is positively affected by banks’ cost-
effectiveness, asset quality and level of capitalization in Islamic bank (Zarrouk, Jedidia, &
For two decades, the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) requirement has been one of the primary
Moualhi, 2016).
regulatory mechanisms used to monitor banks. Presently, most regulators around the world
follow the Basel Accord, under which CARs are calculated by dividing a firm’s regulatory Konishi and Yasudab (2004) finds that implementing the capital adequacy requirement reduced
capital (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3) by the firm’s risk-weighted assets (RWAs). However, risk taking in Japanese commercial banks; the authors also found that a bank’s capital was
many banking practitioners and researchers have argued that CARs now have less relevance negatively related to risk taking. Recently, in 2009 in the aftermath of the financial crisis, the
due to the change from the historical-cost-based accounting regime to the fair-value-based Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) proposed major revisions and additions
system (Anagnostopoulos and Buckland, 2005). Credit deposit ratio (CRDR) reduced the to the existing Basel II capital adequacy regime. The resultant proposed framework is termed
profitability of private banks and public banks in India (Bansal, Singh, Kumar, & Gupta, “Basel III,” and the G20 endorsed the new Basel III capital and liquidity requirements at the
2018). Specifically, under the former system, balance sheet items were based on the book November 2010 Summit in Seoul. In detail, several important amendments were endorsed.
values of assets and liabilities, while under the latter regime a great portion of financial assets First, banks are required to hold 4.5 percent of common equity (up from 2 percent in Basel
and liabilities (and hence, the regulatory capital) are determined on a marked-to-market II) and 6 percent of Tier 1 capital (up from 4 percent in Basel II) as RWAs, while Tier 3
basis. As a result, the introduction of fair-value reporting may cause increased “unnecessary” capital will be phased out completely. Second, Basel III introduces additional capital buffers:
volatility of earnings and thus lead to the decreased relevance of CARs (Chisnall, 2000; a mandatory capital conservation buffer of 2.5 percent; and a discretionary counter cyclical
Allen and Carletti, 2008; Heaton et al., 2010). buffer, which allows national regulators to require up to another 2.5 percent of capital during
periods of high credit growth.
Return on assets, the loans to deposit ratio, the logarithm of personnel, and the logarithm
of income of per capita, all have a positive and statistically significant impact on overall The liquidity coverage ratio requires a bank to hold sufficient high-quality liquid assets
efficiency change (Gaganis, Liadaki, Doumpos & Zopounidis (2009). Application of fair- to cover its total net cash outflows over 30 days; the net stable funding ratio requires the
value accounting in the Taiwan banking industry is fairly similar to that of international or available amount of stable funding to exceed the required amount of stable funding over
US GAAP, and using Taiwan data also offers empirical advantages (as mentioned in the a one-year period of extended stress. Overall, the new requirements under Basel III seek
previous paragraph), these results also yield insights into other standard-setters (Liao, 2013). to improve the quality of the capital, increase risk weightings for derivatives and repos,
Second, a clear policy implication is related to the urgent need to seek feasible measures introduce a leverage ratio, and address pro-cyclicality. Therefore, Basel III is expected to
for mitigating possible negative effects (Liao, 2013). More specifically, since as-if cost- have a major impact on the financial institutions, such as: weaker banks being crowded out;
based CARs convey superior information at least under some circumstances, requiring significant pressure on banks’ profitability; changes in demand from short-term to long-term
the explicit disclosure of cost-based CARs may aid users in assessing banks’ insolvency funding; reduced risk of a systematic banking crisis; and a decrease in lending capacity
risks. Additionally, users should evaluate banks’ disclosure quality before basing economic (Shearman and Sterling, 2011; KPMG, 2012). Capital regulations are complementary and
decisions on fair-value-based CARs. Regulators and standard-setters should make more significantly impact on European bank performance (Ayadi, Ayadi, & Trabelsi, 2019).
Financial performance of commercial banks is strongly affected by capital adequacy ratio, 2.1 Conceptual framework
management efficiency, gross domestic product, liquidity management and assets quality Based on above study gap, following conceptual frame work has been developed.
(Gautam, 2018).
EPS Bank Capital
Based on above international studies comparative study of impact of core capital, bank
capital, and deposit on financial performance is still remaining. So, this is the research gap
CR
of the study.
Based on this research gap, following research question has been developed. NPAT Deposit
1. What is the average value and disperse value of different study variables: like net
profit after tax, earning per share, core capital ratio i.e. Common Equity (Tier 1 to Risk
Dependent Independent
Weighted Exposure Ratio), bank capital, and deposit as well as their relationship?
Varibales Varibales
2. What is the impact of core capital ratio, bank capital, and deposit on financial
performance?
3. Methodology
This study provides contributions in two ways. First one is impact of core capital, bank
capital, and deposit on financial performance and second one is which highly effect on Financial performance was measured through net profit after tax (NFAT) and earning per
financial performance. share (EPS). Secondary sources of data were used in this study. This study occupied twenty-
six commercial banks out of twenty-seven. Rastriya Banijya Bank was excluded in this
study due to lack of annual audit report. Data were collected through annual audit report
2. Review of Literature of respective bank from fiscal year 2012/13 to 2018/19. So, total number of observations
Recent theory on capital structure is based on the Modigliani and Miller’s (1958) influential were 182. Data were collected from annual audit report of concern bank. Mean, Range,
work on the effect of capital structure on the value of the firm. Their theory assumes perfect standard deviation, and coefficient of variation statistical tools were used in this study to
markets and perfect competition in which firms operate without taxes or transaction cost and know individual characteristics of mention variables. So, this study used descriptive research
where all relevant information is available without cost. However, these assumptions do not design. Correlation analysis statistical tool was used to understand relationship between
hold in the real world or in practice and factors such as taxes, agency cost, cost of financial different mention variables. Multiple regression analysis statistical tools were used to
distress and information asymmetry are important in explaining the capital structure of firms. measure the impact of core capital ratio, bank capital, and deposit on financial performance.
So, this study also used correlational and casual comparative research design .
Hutchinson (1995) approved that in more general terms, financial leverage positive effect
on the firm’s return on equity provided that earnings’ power of the firm's assets (the ratio of Following regression models were used in this study.
earnings before interest and taxes is divided by total assets) exceeds the average interest cost
NPATi,t = α0+ β1CRi,t + β2BCi,t + β3DPTi,t εi,t……(i)
of debt to the firm. He justified that the extent to which a firm’s earnings’ power is likely
to remain above the breakeven point and the potential speed or flexibility with which it can EPSi,t = α0+ β1CRi,t + β2BCi,t + β3DPTi,t εi,t……(i)
adjust its debt usage, if its earnings’ power falls below average interest costs, should help to
determine the level of debt that the firm is willing to commit itself to at a given point in time. Dependent variable is net profit after (NPAT) tax of a firm i in a year t in regression (i) and
earning per share (EPS) of a firm i in a year t in regression (ii). Independent variables are
Profitability of bank-specific, industry-specific and macroeconomic determinants of South core capital ratio (CR) i.e. Common Equity (Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Exposure Ratio, bank
Eastern European credit institutions is examined by Athanasoglou, Brissmis, and Delis, capital (BC), and deposit (DPT) of a firm i in a year t in both regression model.
(2006). The empirical study has approved that bank size, credit risk and capitalization have
influenced on profitability. Regarding of macroeconomic variables, the results are mixed
among different countries.
EPS 182 198.53 -40.23 27.39 19.98 72.94633078 CCi,t 0.211* 1.001 6.061 0.157* 4.237 1.208
BCi,t 0.227* 5.516 1.363 0.151* 3.496 1.645
CC 182 21.41 -0.59 11.65 2.68 23.00429185
Depositi 0.854* 1.001 24.521 0.742* 18.004 1.363 0.777* 19.306 1.422
BC 182 140232067893.00 4398193.00 9483593013.17 11220737437.96 118.32
R 2 = 0.783 R 2 = 0.777 R 2 = 0.797
Deposit 182 180575000000.00 1126000447.00 62606143480.52 33819479106.72 54.02 F = 323.481* F = 311.416* F = 233.251*
D.W. = 2.072 D.W. = 2.156 D.W. = 2.075
Table one has presented that coefficient of variation of earning per share is greater than net Note: Number of Observations = 182 * Significant at 0.01 levels
profit after tax. Bank capital is highly dispersed than core capital ratio i.e. Common Equity ** Significant at 0.05 levels *** Significant at 0.10 levels
(Tier 1 to Risk Weighted Exposure Ratio). Deposit highly dispersed than core capital ratio
and less dispersed than bank capital. Table three has showed: all regression models are statistically significant at 1 % LOS. Value
of variation inflation factor (VIF) of each independent variable of three regression models
is less than 10 approved that all regression models are free from multicollinearity problem.
4.2. Correlation Analysis
Value of D.W. at 182 no. of observations approved that all regression models are free from
Table 2: Correlation Analysis autocorrelation problem. Similarly, all regression models are free from heteroscedasticity
problem. More than 78 % area has explained each regression model. Coefficient value of
Variables NPAT EPS CC BC Deposit independent variable of each regression model is positive and statistically significant at 1 %
NPAT 1.000 LOS. In regression model 1, coefficient value of Deposit 0.854 indicates that, when Deposit
EPS 0.424** 1.0000
variable will be increased by one unit under the condition of other thing will remain the same
on an average net profit after tax will be increased by 0.854 unit. Out of three independent
CC 0.235** -0.229** 1.000
variables base on analysis of three regression models Deposit highly positive effect, core
BC 0.61** 0.119 0.37** 1.000 capital ratio medium positive effect, and bank capital low positive effect for increasing net
Deposit 0.86 ** 0.27** 0.028 0.516** 1.000 profit after tax.
degree of positive relationship in between net profit after tax and bank capital at 1 % LOS. Corff. Corff. Corff.
High degree of positive relationship between net profit after tax and deposit at 1 % LOS. Constants -0.237* 1.001 5.66 -0.028 5.721 1.363 -0.275* 5.663 1.208
CCi,t -3.401 0.285* 1.363 0.105 -3.587 1.645
Similarly, low degree of positive relationship at 1 % LOS in between net profit after tax and
BCi,t 0.277* 1.001 -0.328 0.224* 1.179 1.422
earning per share as well as net profit after tax and core capital ratio. There is low degree of
Depositi 3.973 3.39 2.696
inverse relationship between earning per share and core capital ratio but low degree of direct
R 2 = 0.129 R 2 = 0.074 R 2 = 0.136
relationship in between earning per share and deposit at 1 % LOS. Low degree of positive
F = 13.304* F = 7.122* F = 9.352*
relationship in between core capital ratio and bank capital ratio at 1 % LOS and moderate
D.W. = 1.717 D.W. = 1.69 D.W. = 1.72
degree of positive relationship in between bank capital and deposit at 1 % LOS.
Note: Number of Observations = 182 * Significant at 0.01 levels
** Significant at 0.05 levels *** Significant at 0.10 levels
Table four has presented that all regression models are statistically significant at 1 % LOS. References
All regression models are free from multicollinearity, autocorrelation, and heteroscedasticity
Ahmad, A. (2019). The determinants of conventional banks profitability in developing and
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Ofoeda, I. Gariba, P. Amoah, L. (2016). Regulation and performance of non bank financial institutions Appendix
in Ghana. International Journal of Law and Management, Vol. 58 Iss 1 pp. 108 - 125 http://
dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJLMA-11-2014-0060
EPS (Rupees)
Bank Capital
Core Capital
Ratio (%)
Modigliani, F. and Miller, M. (1958). The cost of capital, corporation finance and the theory of
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
Name of Bank
Deposit
NPAT
investment. The American Economic Review. Vol. 48 No. 3, pp. 261-97.
F/Y
Shearman and Sterling (2011). The new Basel III framework: implications for banking organizations. Nepal Bank 2075/76 26.99 2,596,736,045 15.87 22,244,812,860 118,275,000,000
Limited
Financial Institutions Advisory & Financial Regulatory. 2074/75 39.98 3,215,681,985 10.29 11,039,740,000 99,831,000,000
2073/74 38.77 1,747,123,778 13.37 12,158,918,000 93,944,000,000
Shrieves, R.E. and Dahl, D. (1992). The relationship between risk and capital in commercial banks.
2072/73 44.59 2,882,978,165 9.01 7,439,635,000 89,410,000,000
Journal of Banking & Finance, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 439-57.
2071/72 7.48 483,848,520 6.32 4,398,193 77,999,000,000
Sahyouni, A. and Wang, M. (2019). Liquidity creation and bank performance: evidence from MENA. 2070/71 18.08 716,958,108 3.92 3,593,123,000 69,338,000,000
ISRA International Journal of Islamic Finance, https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIF-01-2018-0009 2069/70 198.53 755,180,353 -0.59 143,625,000 62,984,000,000
Permanent link to this document: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIF-01-2018-0009 Agriculture 2075/76 42.88 4,191,590,635 19.27 140,232,067,893 118,884,922,831
Development Bank
Sari, E. Suhadak, S. Rahayu, S. M. and Solimun, S. The effects of Tier-1 capital, risk management, and Limited
2074/75 36.91 3,653,519,099 19.28 25,269,454,724 104,178,959,617
profitability on performance of Indonesian commercial banks. International Journal of Law and 2073/74 31.59 2,973,280,536 18.61 23,448,862,000 99,816,272,142
EPS (Rupees)
EPS (Rupees)
Bank Capital
Bank Capital
Core Capital
Core Capital
Ratio (%)
Ratio (%)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
Name of Bank Name of Bank
Deposit
Deposit
NPAT
NPAT
F/Y
F/Y
Global IME Bank 2075/76 26.79 2,761,953,667 10.56 17,350,622,000 124,499,000,000 Nabil Bank 2075/76 50.57 4,238,853,581 11.40 21,245,470,606 164,373,041,697
Limited Limited
2074/75 23.64 2,101,363,149 10.32 106,510,000,000 2074/75 49.51 3,981,892,950 11.51 18,710,876,440 135,979,364,610
2073/74 25.51 2,006,159,460 10.23 11,543,265,922 101,910,000,000 2073/74 59.86 3,613,200,322 11.21 14,752,638,819 118,684,419,344
2072/73 19.33 1,382,223,998 11.01 9,381,257,819 74,683,000,000 2072/73 59.27 2,819,333,752 10.51 12,203,615,000 110,210,927,524
2071/72 15.58 960,608,067 11.24 7,908,636,000 60,176,000,000 2071/72 57.24 2,093,813,608 10.18 10,154,006,000 104,237,910,083
2070/71 19.57 974,037,010 10.94 6,805,535,114 52,292,000,000 2070/71 83.68 2,319,557,472 9.68 8,302,904,000 75,388,790,862
2069/70 16.15 449,218,454 9.17 3,874,581,100 34,111,000,000 2069/70 91.05 2,226,686,260 9.98 7,366,908,000 63,506,102,707
Himalayan Bank 2075/76 32.44 2,763,848,475 11.63 15,871,587,201 113,090,000,000 Nepal Bangladesh 2075/76 19.63 1,587,960,145 11.06 14,202,230,000.00 59,764,707,000
Limited Bank Limited
2074/75 23.11 1,875,610,467 11.40 14,349,498,457 99,743,000,000 2074/75 14.95 1,144,035,276 13.31 11,628,900,000 47,982,823,000
2073/74 33.55 2,178,234,893 10.93 12,613,817,027 92,881,114,255 2073/74 28.05 1,200,381,901 14.39 10,715,863,000 43,713,193,739
2072/73 43.03 1,935,907,634 10.93 9,815,198,969 87,335,785,849 2072/73 39.43 1,198,297,230 10.21 6,042,450,000 39,874,233,993
2071/72 33.37 1,112,285,716 9.43 8,041,967,083 73,538,200,185 2071/72 33.48 813,976,568 10.6 4,848,885,000 33,832,696,025
2070/71 33.1 959,107,241 9.48 7,155,579,476 64,674,848,295 2070/71 36.94 742,342,538 10.64 3,612,011,000 25,706,915,697
2069/70 34.19 943,697,990 8.96 6,414,437,452 53,072,319,487 2069/70 38.75 778,645,431 10.76 2,664,288,000 17,845,158,014
Kumari Bank 2075/76 14.81 1,230,378,260 10.89 11,432,900,000 84,403,000,000 Nepal Credit and 2075/76 15.77 1,021,232,240 13.38 11,887,310,000
Limited Commerce Bank
2074/75 14.54 1,046,488,403 12.48 10,462,927,000 69,651,000,000 2074/75 23.51 1,341,516,334 10.29 7,571,000,000 63,430,544,471
Limited
2073/74 13.29 793,142,994 13.55 52,037,000,000 2073/74 14.02 505,867,992 9.75 6,273,732,729 58,795,094,314
2072/73 26.53 716,064,646 10.75 4,259,079,000 37,951,000,000 2072/73 30.08 707,840,700 11.08 3,927,019,409 30,363,555,060
2071/72 16.24 394,788,376 9.89 3,525,690,000 33,422,000,000 2071/72 17.17 348,254,007 10.45 3,019,711,175 26,661,129,863
2070/71 18.69 341,654,966 10.85 3,185,508,000 27,578,000,000 2070/71 26.67 392,111,964 10.70 2,562,362,682 22,256,871,407
2069/70 18.17 291,448,365 11.24 2,850,138,000 25,319,000,000 2069/70 24.14 354,827,828 10.90 2,297,805,464 21,651,267,380
Laxmi Bank 2075/76 17.82 1,590,074,275 11.01 12,269,000,000 84,403,000,000 Nepal Investment 2075/76 26.4 3,324,112,936 11.39 26,235,893,404 152,183,000,000
Limited Bank Limited
2074/75 14.37 1,181,090,925 11.32 10,987,000,000 69,651,000,000 2074/75 35.7 3,659,322,725 11.58 22,695,798,460 140,328,000,000
2073/74 21.77 1,006,624,170 12.43 9,986,117,000 52,037,000,000 2073/74 29.3 3,114,131,140 11.58 20,367,202,860 125,669,000,000
2072/73 27.15 677,127,177 9.79 6,075,527,000 37,951,000,000 2072/73 29.3 2,550,883,563 13.05 18,182,543,651 108,626,000,000
2071/72 19.42 416,195,924 9.17 4,634,659,000 33,422,000,000 2071/72 30.9 1,961,852,380 9.54 11,754,293,710 90,631,000,000
2070/71 26.07 474,856,488 10.85 3,697,912,000 27,578,000,000 2070/71 40.7 1,939,612,344 9.52 8,993,849,000 73,831,000,000
2069/70 24.78 419,842,579 11.24 3,262,640,000 25,319,000,000 2069/70 46.2 1,915,027,932 10.01 7,813,057,000 62,429,000,000
Machhapuchchhre 2075/76 21.07 1,697,088,243 11.88 11,308,458,000 91,560,200,000.00 NIC Asia Bank 2075/76 34.22 3,023,282,666 8.24 21,804,000,000 180,575,000,000
Bank Limited Limited
2074/75 15.81 1,249,688,316 14.38 10,623,725,000 72,474,719,641 2074/75 16.62 1,334,861,927 8.66 15,350,010,000 151,219,000,000
2073/74 24 1,302,483,429 15.78 9,091,177,000 58,629,076,680 2073/74 23.06 1,473,465,967 12.38 10,912,194,316 86,679,102,631
2072/73 25.04 898,222,681 11.32 5,726,052,792 52,291,877,270 2072/73 28.31 1,066,906,232 10.69 9,193,013,294 69,487,997,265
2071/72 22.2 616,372,739 11.14 4,351,914,904 44,205,637,252 2071/72 25.59 680,317,101 10.53 6,059,261,071 53,477,184,239
2070/71 18.34 454,687,791 9.69 3,456,483,000 37,132,092,928 2070/71 35.98 831,588,872 11.84 5,725,861,568 44,984,218,467
2069/70 5.98 148,599,200 11.59 2,923,876,000 27,136,654,448 2069/70 47.41 642,136,406 12.21 4,693,288,345 39,908,774,213
Megha Bank 2075/76 15.69 1,629,689,787 14.34 13,598,590,000 81,859,000,000 NMB Bank 2075/76 23.54 2,257,276,027 13.09 19,061,375,000 98,516,667,000
Limited
2074/75 12.81 1,317,351,773 16.97 12,568,650,000 62,965,000,000 2074/75 21.86 1,853,792,753 14.78 16,851,254,000 84,507,136,000
2073/74 17.31 793,006,074 13.8 6,195,945,544 38,937,000,000 2073/74 22.24 1,467,347,467 12.39 11,393,685,000 73,224,063,000
2072/73 17 551,043,663 11.94 4,469,681,000 30,750,000,000 2072/73 22.1 1,115,064,628 9.34 7,790,514,000 64,781,464,000
2071/72 13.27 346,296,108 13.98 3,254,691,000 21,131,000,000 2071/72 21.48 500,989,608 8.84 3,982,873,000 36,723,000,000
2070/71 13.11 305,537,370 15.24 2,888,264,000 17,148,000,000 2070/71 20.5 409,922,982 9.91 2,918,892,000 27,087,000,000
2069/70 7.61 177,355,953 17.24 2,566,849,000 12,533,000,000 2069/70 18.02 360,393,624 10.42 2,489,383,000 22,186,000,000
EPS (Rupees)
EPS (Rupees)
Bank Capital
Bank Capital
Core Capital
Core Capital
Ratio (%)
Ratio (%)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
(Rupees)
Name of Bank Name of Bank
Deposit
Deposit
NPAT
NPAT
F/Y
F/Y
Prabhu Bank 2075/76 21.03 1,783,592,538 10.22 13,148,762,968 112,393,448,000 Sunrise Bank 2075/76 20.94 1,706,102,088 11.37 12,722,042,072 78,740,000,000
Limited Limited
2074/75 12.58 967,034,844 10.82 11,430,641,456 97,259,665,000 2074/75 18.13 1,476,971,853 12.59 10,925,126,067 69,480,000,000
2073/74 27.17 1,597,952,553 9.45 8,504,116,199 81,349,540,000 2073/74 16.76 1,112,851,929 13.39 9,854,712,000 61,013,263,534
2072/73 26.75 1,117,363,714 10.62 6,985,571,384 60,940,868,000 2072/73 23.93 951,378,476 11.13 6,541,746,000 51,650,280,064
2071/72 31.73 1,018,245,374 9.44 583,725,263 42,142,974,000 2071/72 19.27 470,857,056 10.11 3,612,062,000 33,486,669,059
2070/71 -15.24 -304,851,936 7.65 1,088,499,748 19,835,166,000 2070/71 11.03 246,772,655 10.69 2,874,243,000 26,616,667,279
2069/70 -40.23 -804,628,575 7.62 1,571,695,000 21,093,025,000 2069/70 15.46 311,609,037 10.96 2,600,252,000 23,270,603,296
Prime Bank 2075/76 23.6 2,198,792,243 11.97 13,644,465,572 86,257,837,697 Century Bank 2075/76 8.04 676,407,831 13.46 10,170,770,000 65,488,597,980
Limited Limited
2074/75 21.49 1,726,246,109 11.43 11,659,258,818 81,304,476,188 2074/75 11.31 912,283,372 13.65 9,586,970,000 61,321,550,155
2073/74 23.21 1,467,942,925 12.45 9,937,824,828 65,855,880,385 2073/74 9.18 501,365,807 13.91 6,665,547,473 42,593,653,750
2072/73 30.11 1,115,759,677 10.76 5,776,701,505 48,342,121,058 2072/73 14.56 413,533,271 11.90 3,648,392,000 28,967,846,551
2071/72 23.74 745,589,121 11.29 4,624,956,603 41,005,754,566 2071/72 12.3 260,864,190 10.35 2,603,332,000 24,948,567,976
2070/71 20.97 553,447,114 11.53 3,888,556,422 34,045,262,660 2070/71 6.15 86,927,673 13.17 2,305,815,000 18,393,723,078
2069/70 18.55 477,566,263 11.88 3,164,222,000 28,798,028,030 2069/70 0.09 66,371,596 11.78 1,309,096,335 11,396,473,762
Sanima Bank 2075/76 28.22 2,258,067,506 10.63 13,364,410,000 92,140,000,000
Limited
2074/75 21.22 1,697,503,224 11.14 10,889,090,000 79,139,000,000
2073/74 26.31 1,304,103,406 14.07 9,870,186,114 57,754,000,000
2072/73 32.55 996,054,127 10.69 6,039,446,132 46,344,000,000
2071/72 24.47 624,141,298 10.13 3,734,498,766 34,045,316,000
2070/71 19.28 427,595,604 11.52 3,072,172,121 24,873,849,000
2069/70 15.13 305,061,132 13.91 2,565,034,704 17,789,329,000
SBI Bank Limited 2075/76 27.13 2,292,524,396 12.72 14,804,827,617 97,924,400,000
2074/75 25.16 2,023,511,124 13.38 13,728,773,698 84,269,200,000
2073/74 33.46 1,523,237,401 13.53 11,692,078,000 81,664,548,665
2072/73 36.78 1,331,881,801 10.98 8,169,663,000 65,213,519,724
2071/72 34.48 1,065,436,141 11.18 7,063,688,000 51,628,221,954
2070/71 34.83 922,984,007 10.19 5,892,028,000 54,492,993,606
2069/70 32.75 771,471,129 9.59 4,888,637,991 58,920,455,656
Standard Char- 2075/76 30.39 2,434,664,521 18.31 14,971,059,954 75,731,527,432.00
tered Bank Limited
2074/75 27.33 2,189,898,090 21.41 13,986,845,583 67,061,046,522.00
2073/74 35.49 1,421,596,136 19.58 11,975,101,524 63,872,885,000.00
2072/73 45.96 1,292,494,632 14.08 7,779,409,000 55,727,178,000.00
2071/72 57.38 1,290,025,348 11.67 6,111,788,000 57,286,482,000.00
2070/71 65.47 1,336,589,187 10.83 5,333,516,000 46,298,532,000
2069/70 65.7 1,217,940,751 11.03 4,828,551,000 39,466,453,000
Siddhartha Bank 2075/76 26 2,257,688,323 10.19 16,953,951,000 122,527,700,000
Limited
2074/75 26.45 1,904,061,504 10.99 13,187,005,000 101,748,200,000
2073/74 26.6 1,386,175,502 11.02 10,717,460,000 77,316,600,000
2072/73 41.53 1,254,918,004 8.78 7,708,558,000 64,934,400,000
2071/72 37.77 767,080,512 7.58 5,244,638,000 44,740,730,000.00
2070/71 38.63 700,534,999 8.39 3,995,774,000 35,414,010,000.00
2069/70 29.8 482,556,447 8.21 3,513,565,000 28,392,820,000.00
Impact of Firm Specific Factors on the concluded that there are differences in financial position of high dividend paying and low
dividend paying companies. The stocks with longer ratio of dividend per share to book value
Profitability and Stock Price of Nepalese per share have higher liquidity. Sharma (2011) observed that earning per share is positively
Commercial Banks significant to market price per share. Menike and Prabath, (2014) concluded that the internal
Manoj Kumar Bhatta1 factors, firm specific factors such as dividend per share (DPS), earnings per share (EPS)
and book value per share (BVPS) affect positively and significant impact on the stock price.
With financial deregulation and market integration, the scope of activities, financial
Abstract institutions have been completely reshaped ranging from traditional intermediation products
to an array of new businesses. Poudel and Shrestha (2014) highlighted the research on the
This study aimed to find the impact of firm specific factors on the profitability and stock basic objective of the study are to examine whether MPS of listed companies, especially for
price of the Nepalese commercial banks. Out of 27 commercial banks, 15 were taken as selected companies under the study and to what extent the risk is involved in the investment
sample for the study and 8 years data from 2013 to 2020 were analyzed. Descriptive and
of common stocks of those. Shrestha (2013) found that the firm size and stock return have
cross sectional research design has lent this study a framework for analysis. Correlation and
positive relation. Book to market was found to have strong explanatory power to explain the
regression analysis with multicolliniarity test was conducted to analyze the effect of the
stock returns, which impacted the stock returns negatively. It was further concluded that both
variables. The study found that there is significant but negative relationship between non-
performing loan (NPL) and profitability and significant but positive relationship between the earnings yield and cash flow yield have negative relationship with stock return. As cited
reserve and profitability. The study has also found significant relationship between bonus by Dangol (2020), Sejuwal (2015) concluded that the firm size, book to market and earnings
share and stock price of the commercial banks. Other variables under this study show yield have the explanatory power to explain the cross sectional stock returns. Firm size was
insignificant relation with the stock price. It has been concluded that profitability can be found to have positive impact and book-to-market was found to have negative relation with
increased by reducing the NPL. Likewise, stock price has been majorly dependent on the stock returns respectively. Returns from investment are subjected to variations owing to the
bonus share declaration of the banks. movement of stock price, which depends on various factors which could be internal or bank
specific such as earning per share, bank size, and book to market equity (Shafana, 2013).
Keywords: Profitability, Stock price, Non-performing loan, Reserve, Capital, Bonus share
Nazir et al. (2010) examined the relationship between share price volatility and dividend
policy for the period of 2003 to 2008 in 73 firms listed in Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE).
1. Introduction The study applied fixed effect and random effect models on panel data. They found that
share price volatility has significant negative association with dividend yield and dividend
1.1 Background
payout. The cross sectional regression is used to analyze the relationship of share price
There are two approaches namely the fundamental approach and technical approach for with dividend yield and payout ratio. This study also proposed that signaling effect is also
predicting share prices (Sharma, 2011). The former predicts share price on the basis of relevant in determining the share price volatility. Gabriel et al. (2012) investigated the
financial, environmental and managerial factors, whereas the latter studies the past trends in relationship between volatility and stock price in Nigerian Stock Market. The study used
predicting future share price. However, a number of empirical studies have been conducted month end stock price of four major companies from the period January 2005 to December,
on the determinants of stock prices. Some of these studies looked at the relationships between 2009 data. The results revealed that out of the four companies, only two companies’ stock
stock prices and the factors that could impact on it. The link between fundamental factors price was predicted by volatility in their stock prices The major result of the study showed
(e.g. firm earnings, dividends and book-value per share) and stock price changes has always stock price volatility could not predict their current stock price and hence volatility was
remained as the focus area of interest for market analysts, fund managers, and investors. insignificant and negatively correlated. In this context, this study tries to analyze the impact
Investors take decisions to invest in particular shares of companies, keeping in view their of firm specific factors on the profitability and the stock price determination of the Nepalese
share prices. Theories suggest that there is an association between changes in share prices commercial banks.
and changes in financial fundamental variables (Nisa, & Nishat, 2011). Adhikari (2010)
1 Manoj Kumar Bhatta is a Faculty at Global College International (GCI) and currently also pursuing MPhil
in Management at Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM), Nepal.
1.2 Statement of the problem dividend per share showed a positive effect on the stock price. Modigliani (1961), study
Stock market plays important role both by making provision of capital and encouraging its showed that in assessing the merits of a company's dividend, investors calculate the dividend
effective use for economic growth. Most of the countries of the world heavily depend on yield and this shows how much a company pays out in dividends each year relative to its
the stock market to manage economic development of the country. Development of capital share price. Azhagaiah and Priya (2008) results indicated that higher dividend per Share
market in general and stock market in particular is a must for a sound industrial development creates positive reaction to market price of the share and there is an increase of price of share
of the country. Capital market institutions help to mobilize the surplus unit into the deficit in market on shareholders wealth. Ajanthan (2013) findings of the study were that there is
units for productive investments. Most of Nepalese investor invests their fund in some a positive relationship between the dividend policy and profitability of the company in Sri
securities because of less knowledge about risk-return behaviors of the securities (Adhikari, Lanka. As cited by Ajanthan (2013), Sijolnur and Abdul Basit (2013) demonstrated that the
2010). Various researchers have found important fundamental factors that determine the dividend policy did not have a consistent pattern of influencing the financial performance
share prices for different markets, viz., dividend, retained earnings, size, earnings per share, of companies in the US. Wasfi and Maysa (2013) found that the relationship of dividend per
dividend yield, leverage, payout ratio, and book value per share. A stock price in an efficient share and market price of stock found a positive and significant relationship, non-performing
(price) market provides investors with a good measure of any firm’s performance and its loan and Market price of stock have negative and insignificant relationship. With the help
value. Srinivasan (2013) noticed that, understanding the impact of various fundamental of Panel data approach concluded that there is positive correlation between dividend and
variables on stock price is very much helpful to investors as it will help them in taking market price of stock considering EPS, BVPS, Retention Ratio; while dividend yield and
profitable investment decisions. profit after tax have negative relation with market price of stock.
It is important to know the firm specific factors that impact the profitability of the firm. Paudel (2014) studied the MPS of financial institutions and found that there is higher positive
Firm's profitability is linked to the stock price determination. In this study, both the factors correlation with major financial indicators such as Earning yield, NWPS and DPS and such
that impact firm profitability and the factors that impact the stock price of the firms are relationship in significant. It also concluded that the market price of share in Nepal is not
analyzed. The share market is making the records each day and commercial banks are not indicative of a company's financial performance in stock market. The study also found that
performing as expected. Therefore it is important to know the firm specific factors that there is the largest fluctuation in EPS and DPR, the relationship between DPS and EPS is
impact on the profitability and share price of the banks in the Nepalese context. The above positive; however, it is not significant. There may be various other factors besides EPS to
discussion shows that the studies dealing with impact of firms specific variables on share affects MPS and the growth rate of dividend is inconsistent
price volatility and stock return are of greater significance. Though there are findings in the
context of different countries, no such findings using more recent data exist in the context Reserve
of Nepal. Hence, this study focuses on analyzing the relationship of firm’s specific variables
with profitability and share price in Nepalese commercial banks. Capital
Net profit Stock price
1.3 Objectives of the study Non Performing loan
The major purpose of the study is to analyze the relationship between firm specific factors
on the profitability and stock price in Nepalese commercial banks. However, the specific Bonus Share
objectives of this study are as follows:
i. To investigate the relationship between profitability as dependent variable and capital,
reserve and Non-performing loan as independent variable. The reserve, capital and non-performing independent variable for the dependent variable Net
ii. To find the impact of firm specific factors on the stock price determination of the profit. Reserve capital, Non-performing loan, bonus share and net profit are the independent
Nepalese commercial banks. variables.
regression analysis has been carried out. Multiple regression models have been used to In Table above, Non-performing Loan (NPL) has variation of 5.34 (min 0.0 and max 5.34).
understand the directions, magnitudes and forms of observed relationship. This suggests that banks are having maximum of 5.34 percent of non-performing loan of
their total assets at maximum. The average NPL is 1.45 percent in the last 8 years. Few of
Though there were 27 commercial banks in Nepal till 2020, all of them did not provided
the banks have far above the average NPL. It is also noteworthy to analyze the statistics
scope for the study. Out of 27, 15 were taken as sample for the study for the period of 8
related to net profit which mean value is 6.13 percent and where maximum value is 9.09
years from 2013 to 2020 making total of 150 observations. The data collected for the study
percent. Here also we can find a respectable difference in the minimum and maximum
are quantitative and based on fact. The quantitative data were taken from the annual reports
values of capital which has been increased from 10.81 to 24.27 due to the fact that there is
of the studied banks. These data were then analyzed using different tools and technique to
the provision of increasing the capital base of the banks by Nepal Rastra Bank. The values
produce understandable results. Both the statistical and econometric models are used for
reported for Log capital (min=10.81, max=24.21). The stock price minimum value is 125
analyzing of secondary data.
and maximum value is 3600. Bonus share has been declared up to 68 percent. This reveals
that majority of the banks studied have relatively the less bonus payment as shown by the
a. The model mean value of 15.58 percent. The reserve ratio is minimum 3.75 percent and maximum 7.15
The econometric models employed in this study intends to analyze the relationship between percent with average of 6.3 percent.
independent variables which are capital, reserve, Non-performing loan, bonus share and net
profit and dependent variables which are net profit and stock price. The equation is estimated 4.2 Correlation analysis
in the form of:
NPL Net Capital Stock Bonus Reserve
Model 1: NPt=ß0+ ß1NPLit + ß 2Reserveit+ ß 3 lnCapitalit + έit Profit price share
NPL NPL 1 -.232* -.064 -.103 -.119 -.065
Where, NPit= Net profit, NPLit = Non-performing loan, Capital it = natural logarithm
Sig. (2-tailed) .011 .489 .262 .195 .484
of capital, Reserve, Έit= error term.
Net Net profit -.232* 1 .259** .099 .074 .518**
Model 2: SPit= ß 0+ ß1NPLit + ß 2Reserveit+ ß 3 lnCapitalit + ß 4 NPit + ß 5 BSit + έit Profit Sig. (2-tailed) .011 .004 .283 .419 .000
Capital Capital -.064 .259** 1 .155 .073 .383**
Where, NPit= Net profit, NPLit = Non-performing loan, Capital it = natural logarithm
of capital, NPit = Net profit, BSit = Bonus Share, Έit= error term. Sig. (2-tailed) .489 .004 .092 .428 .000
Stock Stock Price -.103 .099 .155 1 .536** .218*
4. Results and Discussion price Sig. (2-tailed) .262 .283 .092 .000 .017
Bonus Bonus Share -.119 .074 .073 .536** 1 .106
The descriptive statistics consists of number of observations, minimum value, maximum value,
share Sig. (2-tailed) .195 .419 .428 .000 .250
mean, standard deviation associated with variables under consideration. Table summarizes the
descriptive statistics of dependent and independent variables used in this study during the Reserve Reserve -.065 .518** .383** .218* .106 1
period 2013 through 2020 associated with 15 samples commercial banks of Nepal. Sig. (2-tailed) .484 .000 .000 .017 .250
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
4.1 Descriptive statistics *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).
4.3 Regression analysis and multi-collinearity test in Stock price. This implies that the regression line has average fit and thus a minimum
The customary levels of significance are 0.10, 0.05, and 0.01 and so on. In case of this forecasting power.
research work, 5 percent (0.05) level of significance is considered for analysis. Therefore,
Coefficientsa
If, p>.05: Null hypothesis will be accepted, and If, P<.05: Null hypothesis will be rejected.
Unstandardized Standardized
Collinearity Statistics
Model 1 Coefficients Coefficients
Model t Sig.
Model R R Square Adjusted R Square Std. Error of the Estimate Std.
B Beta Tolerance VIF
Error
1 .558a .311 .293 .45101
1 (Constant) 3.242 .467 6.946 .000
reserve is moderate. But this prediction may vary by 0.560 as shown by the figure in the Capital 14.420 18.393 .066 .784 .435 .847 1.181
column of standard error of estimate (SEE). Reserve 187.649 111.105 .161 1.689 .094 .659 1.518
A close examination of the results presented above indicates that the R2 value of 0.319 Net Profit 60.232 115.299 .049 .522 .602 .689 1.451
indicates that about 31.9% of the total systematic variations in the Stock price (dependent Bonus share 26.332 4.017 .513 6.555 .000 .975 1.025
variable) were due to the variations in independent variables. This means that about 68.1%
of the systematic variations in the stock price are left unexplained hence captured by the
a. Dependent Variable: Stock price
external factors.
The regression coefficient of NPL (b1) is -22.884 which implies that an increase of one
Also, the adjusted R-square of 0.289 shows that after adjusting for the degree of freedom the percent in NPL decreases Net profit by 22.884 percent on average if the other factors remain
entire variables taken together could still explain about 28.9% of the systematic variations constant. The regression coefficient of capital (b2) is 14.420 which also implies that increase
in one percent capital increases net profit by 14.42 percent on average if the other variables of capital and Reserve where Eigen value is less than he maximum correlation is above
remain constant. Similarly the regression coefficient of Reserve (b3) is 187.65 which implies and condition index is greater than 10. A VIF test conducted to further check the extent of
that an increase of one percent in reserve increases net profit by 187.65 percent and similar multicollinearity among the independent variables revealed a mean VIF of 1.17 which thus
to bonus share and net profit with 60.23 and 26.33 percent. But the estimates of b1, b2, b3, confirm the presence of multicollinearity.
b4 and b5 may vary by 47.328, 18.39, 111.1, 115.3, and 4.02 respectively as indicated by
standard error. Normal p-plot of regression
The P-P plot compares the observed cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the
Collinearity Diagnosticsa
standardized residual to the expected CDF of the normal distribution
Variance Proportions
(Constant)
Model Dimension Eigenvalue Condition Index
Reserve
Capital
NPL
1 1 3.658 1.000 .00 .02 .00 .00
2 .314 3.415 .00 .94 .01 .00
3 .025 12.121 .07 .03 .95 .04
4 .004 30.882 .93 .01 .04 .96
Bonus share
Condition
(Constant)
Graph shows that data are scattered with the diagonal line. It means there is higher Skewness
Net Profit
distribution and data sets are not close enough to support each other.
NPL
1 1 5.261 1.000 .00 .01 .00 .00 .00 .01 4.4 Hypothesis Test
2 .438 3.468 .00 .37 .00 .00 .00 .48 H1: There is a significant relationship between net profit and Non-performing loan. On the
3 .266 4.450 .00 .53 .01 .00 .00 .50 basis of the individual statistic, NPL passed the test of statistics at 5% level of significance
4 .028 13.647 .02 .01 .94 .01 .02 .00 under the two-tailed test. The ρ- value of 0.012 is less than α of 0.05. This shows it is
5 .004 37.031 .55 .00 .04 .83 .01 .00 statistically significant. This means there is significant relationship between net profit and
6 .003 39.247 .43 .08 .00 .15 .97 .00 NPL of the studied banks.
H2: There is a significant relationship between net profit and Capital. On the basis of the
a. Dependent Variable: Stock price individual statistic, Capital passed the test of statistics at 5% level of significance under
In this case, we find multicollinearity as percent of Reserve and Net profit where Eigen value the two-tailed test. The ρ- value of 0.460 is greater than α of 0.05. This shows it is not
is less than he maximum correlation is above and condition index is greater than 10 which statistically significant. This means there is no significant relationship between net profit and
thus confirm the presence of multicollinearity. It means that these variables do not contribute capital of the studied banks.
in the dependent variables.
H3: There is a significant relationship between net profit and reserve. On the basis of the
Drury (2008) documents that if the muticollinearity among two variables is 70% and above, individual statistic, reserve passed the test of statistics at 5% level of significance under
then it is a case of concern. In the present study, we find cases of multicollinearity as percent the two-tailed test. The ρ- value of 0.00 is less than α of 0.05. This shows it is statistically
significant. This means there is significant relationship between net profit and reserve of the share of the studied banks. This means stock price is significantly impacted by the bonus
studied banks. declared by the studied banks. Other factors have no such significant impact in determining
the stock price.
H4: There is a significant relationship between Stock price and Non-performing loan. On the
basis of the individual statistic, NPL passed the test of statistics at 5% level of significance
under the two-tailed test. The ρ- value of 0.630 is greater than α of 0.05. This shows it is not 6. Implications of the Study
statistically significant. This means there is no significant relationship between Stock price This study provides significant insight about dynamics of profitability and stock price
and NPL of the studied banks. determinants in the Nepalese commercial banks and helps in making optimal decisions to
increase the performance of the bank. The study includes firm specific variables such as
H5: There is a significant relationship between Stock price and capital. On the basis of the
size, reserve, Non-performing loan, net profit, and bonus share. It examines the relationship
individual statistic, Capital passed the test of statistics at 5% level of significance under
between these firm specific variables with profitability and stock price. Because once the
the two-tailed test. The ρ- value of 0.435 is greater than α of 0.05. This shows it is not
relation among these firm specific variables and performance is identified then firms will
statistically significant. This means there is no significant relationship between Stock price
react in the same way in order to increase their financial performance. The relationship
and capital of the studied banks.
between firm specific factors with the profitability and stock price have not been investigated
H6: There is a significant relationship between Stock price and reserve. On the basis of the in a single study in banking sector in previous research. In addition, this study not only
individual statistic, reserve passed the test of statistics at 5% level of significance under benefits the financial sectors but it is of equal significance for other non- financial corporate
the two-tailed test. The ρ- value of 0.094 is greater than α of 0.05. This shows it is not sector of Nepal.
statistically significant. This means there is no significant relationship between stock price
and reserve of the studied banks. 7. Limitation of the Study
H7: There is a significant relationship between Stock price and Bonus share. On the basis of This study focused on finding the impact on profitability and stock price through capital,
the individual statistic, bonus share passed the test of statistics at 5% level of significance reserve, bonus share, and Non-performing loan using 8 years data of 15 commercial banks
under the two-tailed test. The ρ- value of 0.00 is less than α of 0.05. This shows it is of Nepal. There are several other variables that influence the stock price and profitability of
statistically significant. This means there is significant relationship between stock price and banks. This study has only analyzed the data through regression and there are other various
bonus share of the studied banks. methods that could bring different results. Results are based on the data availability and may
require further analysis.
H8: There is a significant relationship between net profit and Stock price. On the basis of
the individual statistic, net profit passed the test of statistics at 5% level of significance
under the two-tailed test. The ρ- value of 0.602 is greater than α of 0.05. This shows it is not
statistically significant. This means there is no significant relationship between net profit and
stock price of the studied banks.
5. Conclusion
This study aims to find the relationship between the firms' specific factors in determining
the profitability and stock price of the commercial banks in Nepal. It analyze the impact of
reserve, Non-performing loan, and capital on the profitability of the bank and net profitability
and bonus share relation with the stock price. The study shows that Non-performing loan
and reserve impact profitability of the bank and bonus share impact on the stock price of
the commercial banks under study. This means there is significant relationship between
reserve and net profit and NPL and net profit of the studied banks. This means banks need
to maintain the adequate reserve and lower non-performing loan to increase the profitability
of the studied banks. Also, there is significant relationship between stock price and bonus
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Impact of Porter’s Generic Strategy on Firm various strategies. Varadarajan and Clark (1994) argue that business strategy is generally
explained in terms of achievement and maintenance of competitive advantage in specific
Performance with reference to Nepalese product-market domains. Cannon (1968) thus has defined strategies as the directional action
Retail Banking Sector decisions which are required competitively to achieve the company’s purpose
Makshindra Thapa1
Strategy is the primary means of reaching a focal objective, and recent planning techniques
makshindrathapa.s1@gmail.com
suitable in dealing in dynamic and turbulent business environment. The assessment of a
company’s success potentials should include criteria focused on the market aspects and
criteria focused on competitive strength. Therefore, Schendel and Hofer (1979) have
Abstract stated that strategy provides directional cues to the organization that permit it to achieve its
objectives, while responding to the opportunities and threats in its environment. Thus, with
Porter’s generic strategies are the proven and pervasive strategic options in achieving strategies, firms achieve competitive advantages through best utilization of the resources.
competitiveness and better firm performance. This paper aims in examining the effect of
Porter’s generic strategies (low-cost, differentiation, and focus) on firm performance in the As Nepalese retail banking sector has faced various quantum changes after 1990s with
context of Nepalese retail banks, a more competitive service industry. This study applies response to many policy reforms and initiations taken in financial liberalization and
casual comparative research design and the data have been collected through administering privatization by Nepalese government. Such policies resulted in the entry of many domestic
questionnaire survey from 75 senior bank managers of 18 Nepalese commercial banks who and foreign investments in many industries, including the retail banking sector. Due to
being engaged in strategic affairs. The econometric model has been constructed to measure growing competition from national and foreign competitors, the sector then become one
the expected effect of the strategies on firm performance. The descriptive analysis, Pearson’s
of the fast growing and more competitive in terms of technological developments and
correlation analysis, and multivariate regression analysis were conducted. The empirical
innovations of service processes that led the market more competitive and turbulent. The
results of correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis produced consistent results
bank managers adopted many strategic initiatives to defend and grow their business market,
indicating positive associations between generic strategies and firm performance. The
empirical results from regression analysis declared higher positive and significant impact ensuring competitive advantages. Similarly, application of the generic strategies of Porter’s
of low-cost on firm performance. Similarly, positive effect of differentiation strategy and (1980) including; low-cost, differentiation, and focus seen common and imperative within
focus strategy on firm performance was reported. The findings suggested that pursuing low- this industry.
cost strategy provides more financial returns with comparison to differentiation and focus
Research in business strategy development has come a long way since the early work in
strategies. The finding also suggested for combination of low-cost and differentiation (and
the 1960s. Andrews (1998) explains that economic strategy is viewed as the purposive
focus) strategies could provide better competitiveness and firm performance.
development and utilization of the firm’s capabilities to exploit existing or evolving
Keywords: Generic Strategy, Low-cost strategy, Differentiation strategy, Focus strategy, opportunities in the business’s competitive environment at an acceptable level of risk.
Firm performance Porter's (1980) model of generic strategies is the dominant paradigm in the literature on
corporate strategy (Hill, 1988; Miller and Dess, 1993). According to Porter's framework,
a business can maximize performance either by striving to be the low-cost producer in an
1. Introduction industry or by differentiating its line of products or services from those of other businesses;
either of these two approaches can be accompanied by & focus of organizational efforts on a
1.1 Background
given segment of the market. many previous studies (Rasheed et al., 2020, Muji et al., 2019,
The contemporary business environment is highly dynamic and competitive, those bring Potjanajaruwit, 2018, Luliya, et al., 2013, Walker, & Ruekert ,1987, Miller, & Friesen, 1986,
many challenges in managing operations. The fast growing globalization and technological Yamin et al., 1999, Murray, 1988, Woo, & Cooper, 1982) have noted that organizations
developments, managers face more turbulent and unstable market. Managing business pursuing Porter's generic strategies achieve better performance.
in conventional tradition lead business towards ultimate failure, rather managers have to
understand dynamic environment and creating a competitive advantage by management of
1.2 Study objective
Porter’s generic strategies; low-cost, differentiation and focus are pervasive and applicable
1 Makshindra Thapa, PhD is the Lecturer of Management at Tribhuvan University Patan Multiple Campus, in all industry settings. They are focal means to achieve competitive advantages. The issue
Lalitpur
faced by managers is to deploy appropriate strategy according to the environmental need for
better performance. In addition, implementation wrong strategy without knowing that in the
long-term periods they are destructing their industry and their business as well. This study customer service. When they are focused on a market niche, they are called cost focus and
aim is to examine the impact of Porter’s generic strategies (low-cost, differentiation, and focused differentiation.
focus) on firm performance in the context of Nepalese retail banking sector.
Porter (1985) also proposed that a firm’s competitive advantage in an industry would be
determined by its competitive scope, that is, the breadth of the company’s target market.
1.3 Research question and hypothesis
This strategy typology was a dominant theory in the 80s to explain the major forces in
Based on conceptual reviews and empirical results of previous studies, this study is the
the market which affected firm competitive advantage and performance? These strategies
research question; which of the three Porter’s generic strategies (Low-cost, differentiation,
in responding to dynamic and risky product market within the industry settings are more
and focus) positive and significant impact on firm performance? By considering research
relevant in existing globalized economy. Thus, managers worldwide apply these strategies
question and aforementioned objectives, the study aims in testing the three of the following
as basic means in achieving competitive advantages and sustainable operations.
hypotheses;
H1 (A): The low-cost strategy has positive and significant impact on firm performance of 2.2.1 Low-cost strategy
the banks. Porter (1980) has described low-cost strategy as the broad strategy which emphasizes low-
cost relative to competitors In this strategy, a firm targets to become the low-cost producer in
H1 (B): The differentiation strategy has positive and significant impact on firm performance
the industry in order to gain competitive advantage. Further, a firm is considered to be a low-
of the banks.
cost producer if it sells its products at average industry prices but earns a profit higher than
H1(C): The focus strategy has positive and significant impact on firm performance of the its competitors, or may sell at a price below average to gain significant market share (Porter,
banks. 2008). Griffin (2005) states that low-cost strategy is a strategy in which an organization
attempts to gain a competitive advantage by reducing its costs below the costs of competing
2. Literature Review firms. Similarly, David (2011) argues that low-cost strategy emphasizes producing
standardized products at a very low per-unit cost for consumers who are price sensitive.
2.1 Strategy A firm can achieve low-cost position through economies of scale, advanced technology,
Pearce & Robinson (2007) have defined strategy as the game plan. Strategy is the direction and preferential access to raw materials among others. According to Porter (1980) in order to
scope of an organization over the long term which enables the firm to achieve an advantage achieve a low-cost advantage, an organization must have a low-low-cost strategy, low-cost
in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competencies with manufacturing, and the core competencies.
the objective of fulfilling stakeholder’s expectations (Johnson et al. 2005). According to
Porter (1985) defines a low-cost strategy as trading of standard products combined with
Porter (1998), the purpose of formulating a strategy is to relate the firm to its environment.
aggressive prices. He has shown the relationship between low-cost strategy and firm
Competitive strategy therefore means being different, deliberately choosing to perform
performance, and he found that low-cost strategy is a successful way to realize stable
activities differently or to perform different activities from those of competitors in order
competing advantage through reducing and controlling the cost. Unlike to its meaning,
to deliver a unique mix of value (Porter, 1930). Firms pursue various strategies to achieve
the adaptation of low-cost strategy refuses offering product/services of inferior quality but
competitive advantages through more market shares. The strategies related to business in
ability of the firm in producing and selling the competitive product/service at an appropriate
relation to compete with competitors are often known as competitive strategy. A competitive
price. Low-cost strategy is favored by strategist as a successful low-cost strategy usually
strategy includes all the activities that a firm is doing to attract customers, withstand
infiltrates the entire firm, as evidenced by high efficiency, low overhead, limited perks,
competitive pressure and improve its market positions resulting in a competitive advantage.
intolerance of waste, intensive screening of budget requests, wide spans of control, rewards
linked to cost containment, and broad employee participation in cost control efforts (David,
2.2 Porter’s competitive strategy 2017). Similarly, low-cost strategy outperforms competitors as it helps in increasing firm
Porter (1985) developed a typology of three generic strategies for creating a defensible performance through selling the product/service with a lower price and still earning same
position and outperforming competitors in a given industry. The generic strategies provide level of profitability.
direction for firms in designing incentive systems, control procedures, and organizational
arrangements. Whereby lower cost is the ability of the firm to design, produce, and market 2.2.2 Differentiation
a comparable product more efficiently than its competitors. Differentiation is the ability
Differentiation strategy is the other basic competitive strategy propounded by Porter. A
to provide unique and superior value to the buyer in terms of quality of the offering and
firm’s differentiation refers to the development of a unique product or service (Porter, 1985).
In the view of Griffin (2005) differentiation strategy is a strategy in which an organization narrow market segment to compete in the industry. This strategy is based on the premise that
seeks to distinguish itself from competitors through the quality of its products or services. the firm will be able to serve narrow strategy targets more effectively and efficiently than
Appropriate adaptation of differentiation strategy requires that the firm create something competitors that serve a wider target (Devlin, 1995).
that is unique in the industry, thus permitting the firm to command higher than average
prices. This strategy requires the development of unique goods or unique services in an 2.3 Competitive strategy and performance in banking industry
industry which are unmatched by relying on customer loyalty to the brand. A company can In the banking industry, a key determinant of the success of the differentiation or low -cost
be offered higher quality, performance or unique features that each of them can justify the strategies depends on whether the bank understands the market structure (Young, 1999). The
higher prices. The value added by the uniqueness of the product may allow the firm to charge distribution systems, technology, segmentation, pricing, product development, branding,
a premium price for it (Kiechel, 2010). quality services, and bank relationships are ways of achieving a differentiation strategy
(Farrance, 1993). A study with a sample of Indonesia banks conducted by Rustamblin et
Porter (1985) argues that if the product or service is unique, this strategy provides high
al. (2013) shows that a differentiation strategy has a stronger association with a bank's
customer satisfaction and loyalty. In addition, Porter (19985) showed the relationship with
performance compared to other strategies (i.e., low-cost strategy, as well as an integrated
firm performance and the advantages that firms earn from pursuing differentiation strategy
strategy). On the contrary, Hahn and Powers (2004) found that banks are hardly getting
referring to realizing higher incomes compared with competitors because of mark trust,
superior benefits when applying the differentiation strategy. Differentiation strategies may
quality, and perception that clients have for the company product. Therefore, if customers
have significant limitations to be applied in the service industry because of the simple and
perceive the product or service as unique, they are loyal to the company and willing to pay
easy to imitate nature of differentiation in financial services, except when the target market
the higher price for its products (Venu, 2001). David (2017) has suggested that a successful
is very sophisticated and has complete knowledge, which is highly unlikely.
differentiation can mean greater product flexibility, greater compatibility, lower costs,
improved service, less maintenance, greater convenience, or more features. In contrast, The empirical results of Karyani and Rossieta (2018) indicated that although both low-cost
differentiation does not guarantee competitive advantage, especially if standard products and differentiation strategies have positive effects on contemporaneous performance, only
sufficiently meet customer needs or if rapid imitation by competitors is possible (David, a low-cost strategy allows a bank to have persistent superior performance in the following
2017). period. Further empirical test which considered bank characteristics provide consistent
empirical results with the primary empirical model, suggesting that the empirical test
2.2.3 Focus results are robust (Karyani, & Rossieta, 2018). The study Wanjiku, & Deya (2021) found
Focus strategy is a generic strategy proposed by Porter (19985) in which firms concentrate out that low-cost strategy, differentiation strategy, focus strategy, and innovation Strategy
on a particular group of customers, geographic markets, or product line segments. Focus significantly and positively affected the performance of Microfinance institutions in Kenya.
strategy is a strategy in which an organization concentrates on a specific regional market, In addition, the study recommends that low-cost strategy is an important strategy embraced
product line, or group of buyers (Griffin, 2005). The focuser’s basis for competitive by MFIs to enable them to survive competition in the market (Wanjiku, & Deya, 2021).
advantage is either lower costs than competitors serving that market segment or an ability to
Rasheed et al. (2020) highlighted the role of business strategy to create a competitive
offer niche members something different from competitors. In focus strategy, a firm either
advantage. They found the business strategy has a vital role in the competitive advantages to
can introduce low-cost and priced products to specific market or differentiated products are
gain the market. Similarly, Muji et al. (2019) examined the effect of competitive strategies
sold in specific niche of the market.
and performance of construction organizations in the large construction industry in
A successful focus strategy depends on an industry segment that is of sufficient size, has good Indonesia. Their found that competitive strategies positively impacted on the organizational
growth potential, and is not crucial to the success of other major competitors. Strategies such performance. In addition, Potjanajaruwit (2018) studied impact of strategic factors on
as market penetration and market development offer substantial focusing advantages (David, performance in case of startups of Thailand. He obtained direct positive effect of the factors
2011). Similarly, According to David (2017) focus strategy has two alternative types; low- on the competitive advantage of startups, and competitive advantage had a direct positive
cost-focus and focus differentiation. The low-cost focus strategy offers products or services effect on the performance of startups in Thailand. Luliya, et al. (2013) also found that Porter’s
to a small range (niche group) of customers at the lowest price available on the market. competitive strategies positively and significantly enhance firm performance through
The focus differentiation is a best-value focus strategy that offers products or services to a performance measurement. Consequently, Kinyuira (2014) examined the effects of porter’s
small range of customers at the best price value available on the market. Consistently, banks generic competitive strategies on the performance of savings and credit cooperative societies
that adopt this strategy usually provide interest rates above the market price (Berman et in Murang’a, Kenya and found significant positive effects of low-cost, differentiation and
al., 1999). As for the focus strategy, in contrast to the other strategies, it emphasizes on the focus strategies on the performance of the Saccos. Hahn and Powers (2004) did a study to
examine the impact of generic strategies on banks. Their Findings indicated that performance 3.2 Data collection procedure
of banks using low-cost was significantly higher than that of banks using stuck in the middle The self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information required.
strategy. To meet this purpose, altogether 150 questionnaires were distributed to the managers of 18
Yamin et al. (1999) found that companies utilizing both cost-leadership and differentiation Nepalese commercial banks of three category- state owned, joint venture and public sector.
strategies are effectively more likely to enhance their firm performance and financial The usable responses received from the respondent were 75 only with moderate response
management compared with other companies pursuing a single generic strategy. In addition, rate. The data collection process ended with 45 days in the months of April and May 2018.
Murray (1988) also suggests that firms using either low-cost or differentiation strategies The respondents comprised managers of decision level, especially top level managers of
outperform stuck in the middle competitors, firms using both strategies simultaneously each bank.
should be able to outperform rivals using only one or the other. However, Walker and The questionnaire comprised a total of 23 items including; personal profile, competitive
Ruekert (1987) found that differentiation strategy has a stronger influence on performance strategies, and performances of their banks after reviewing related literature. The 18 items
as compared to a low-cost strategy. Miller and Friesen (1986) also revealed that the cluster of strategy and performance related items of questionnaire have been used in the past by
of business units that show distinct competencies in the areas of differentiation, low-cost and many researchers. This study has used self-reported or perceived performance measures,
focus dramatically outperform all the others. all of which have been used in prior research (e.g. Datta, 1991; Datta, & Grant, 1990;
The empirical results of these studies have confirmed that Porter’s generic strategies Govindarajan, & Fisher, 1990) to measure firm performance. These dimensions are the
provide competitive advantages. The application of all three strategies provides short term following: Return on investment (PROI), Earnings per share (PEPS), Shareholder value
and long term competencies and hence better firm performance. The effectiveness of each (PSVA), Cash flow (PCFL), Revenue growth (PRGR), and Risk of the generic strategies
of these strategies depends upon the environment of the particular industrial context. The (PRISK). The five point Likert scale used to measure responses, ranging from 5 (strongly
current study aims in filling the gap with examining impact of the generic strategies on firm agree) to 1 (Strongly disagree).
performance in service industry context, taking account of Nepalese retail banks. The dimensions used for measuring the constructs postulated in this study had been explicitly
tested in the literature and found to be valid and reliable measures. First, a large pool of
2.4 Conceptual framework items for each construct was generated from a thorough review of the literature on generic
The conceptual framework as depicted in Figure 1 indicates expected relations between firm strategy. Consistent with the conventional process, the questionnaire was pre-tested with
performance (dependent variable) and three generic strategies; low-cost, differentiation, and some managers that were asked to indicate ambiguities or difficulties with the instruments
focus (independent variables). and to make any suggestions for improvement. After modifications were carried out, the
revised instrument was tested on four academics and, after further revisions; a pilot test with
Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the theoretical framework potential respondents was carried out.
Cost leadership strategy 3.3 Validity and reliability of the research instrument
The reliability statistics based on Cronbach’s reported in Table 1 indicated reliability of
Differentiation strategy Financial performance instrument. Both strategy and performance scales exceeding the minimum threshold of 0.7
suggested by Nunnally (1967).
Focus strategy
Table 1 : Reliability statistics for measurement scales
Scales Cronbach’s Alpha No. of items
3. Research Methods Generic strategy scales .72 13
This study applied casual comparative design of research as the basic objective of the study
strives to examine the impact of competitive strategy variables on banking performance.
The primary source of information collected from questionnaire survey is the source of data.
3.4 Data processing and analysis techniques Items of strategy and performance Mean Std. Deviation
As depicted in the conceptual framework, three of the Porter’s generic strategies have Use of market segmentation 3.95 .78136
an impact on the firm performance. Based on the previous literatures and evidences the
Having clear segmentation and positioning strategies 3.72 .87329
following model is created for the analysis:
Try to meet niche market needs 3.77 .81435
Yfp =α+ +b1 low-cost+b2 differentation+b3 focus + εi
Undertaking extensive market research 3.39 .95330
Where, Applying competitor analysis 3.74 .92906
Dependent variables (Yfp): Firm performance.
Group mean score 3.71
α= Intercept Bank performance
b1= Partial slope coefficient of Low-cost strategy Higher Return on investment [PROI] 4.23 .70934
Increased earnings per share [PEPS] 4.20 .67369
b2= Partial slope coefficient of Differentiation strategy
Higher shareholder value [PSVA] 4.11 .75858
b3= Partial slope coefficient of Focus strategy
Increased cash flow [PCFL] 3.88 .67351
εi = Error terms/ disturbing variables
Higher revenue growth [PRGR] 4.22 .64459
Group mean score 4.13
4. Results
Among three generic strategies analyzed, the low-cost strategy has found commonly favored
4.1 Descriptive analysis of the study variables by the bank managers (mean score=4.24). All four items of this strategy; cost reduction,
Table 2 reports descriptive statistics of the study variables including low-cost, differentiation, operating efficiency, economies of scale and competitive prices have mean values exceeding
focus, and performance status of the banks. 4 clearly indicate that application of these low-cost strategies are advantageous to banking
firms. In addition, the managers have emphasized more on achieving operating efficiency
Table 2 : Descriptive Statistics of the study variables and achieving competitive prices (interest rates and processing costs) as to become cost
Items of strategy and performance Mean Std. Deviation
leader in the industry. In response to four strategies concerned to differentiation strategy,
the managers perceived that those banks could achieve differentiation advantage through
Low-cost strategy providing wider range of services to customers and presence of differential advantages
Aim for cost reduction 4.18 .85962 relative to competitors also valued highly. The results also suggested that bank managers
Strive to achieve operating efficiency 4.45 .71916
have perceived differentiation strategy as the most significant one in achieving competitive
advantages (mean score= 4.34).
Attempt to achieve economies of scale 4.05 .69079
Strive to achieve competitive prices 4.29 .66964 In contrast to low-cost and differentiation strategies, the focus strategy has found to be less
preferred by managers in the process of gaining strategic advantage. The focus strategy
Group mean score 4.24
has obtained a mean score of 3.71. The mean scores for all five used measures found to be
Differentiation strategy below than four. Similarly, the managers have rated overall performance of theirs banks as
Having strong differential advantage relative to competitors 4.16 .65427 satisfactory (mean score= 4.13). They mean scores of four performance items; higher rate on
investment, earnings per share, higher shareholder’s values and higher revenue growth are
Differential advantage lies in bank's service 3.99 .80818
exceeding four suggested better firm performance status of the banks.
Differential advantage lies in bank's reputation 3.96 .91565
Differential advantage lies in wide service range 4.25 .76811 4.2 Correlation analysis
Group mean score 4.34 Table 3 depicts the results of Pearson correlation analysis for generic strategies respectively
low-cost, differentiation and focus strategies that are taken as a prediction in defining
Focus strategy
association with the dependent variable bank performance.
Table 3 : Correlation matrix of the study variables (n = 75). B: non-standardized coefficients; S.E: standard error of variables; β: standardized
Variables Correlations Low-cost Differentiation Focus Performance coefficients; t: t-statistic; p: significant level
Low-cost Correlation Coefficient 1 The results have indicated to mixed impact of generic strategies on firm performance. The
Sig. (2-tailed) low-cost strategy is positively connected with firm performance (B= .284, p = .011). The
Differentiation Correlation Coefficient .268* 1
impact of low-cost on performance is statistically significant. The differentiation strategy also
Sig. (2-tailed) .019 seemed to have positive impact on the dependent variable but, the relation is not significant
(B= .147, p = .175). Similarly, beta coefficient of focus strategy indicates possible positive
Focus Correlation Coefficient .189 .365** 1
impact on performance however the result is not statistically significant (B= .091, p = .336).
Sig. (2-tailed) .101 .001
4.3 Regression analysis Thus, the bank pursuing the low-cost strategy will increase its performance. The result has
In order to measure the impact of independent variables in dependent variable “firm indicated that the banks adopting low-cost strategy will have higher firm performance in
performance,” multivariate regression analysis has been used. The results of regression comparison to the competitors. As Nepalese retail banks passes through intense competition
analysis are presented in Table 4. The calculated value of R is .61 shows moderate relationship and ability of banks to control costs leads to economical operations, thus more market share
between predictor variables and R2 is .33 indicates to the moderate explanation ability of the and financial benefits are possible in competition.
independent variable- performance variation. The calculated value of F statistic is 4.85(.004)
The regression result related to second hypothesis stated as “the differentiation strategy
which means that the model is statistically important with the significance level α = 0.05.
has positive and significant impact on firm performance of the banks” has been rejected.
The positive influence of differentiation on firm performance existed, but the result is no
Table 4 : Regression analysis of dependent variable “Firm
statistically significant. The result implies that Nepalese banks offering unique schemes
performance,” n = 75. Source: Author
and facilities attain good financial returns. The technological advancement and intense
Variables Coefficient estimates SE t p application of digitalization in banking products has led banks to be innovative and introduce
Low-cost .284 .109 2.621* .011 unique banking products getting more customer attention. This strategy enables banks to
Differentiation .147 .107 1.370 .175 adopt market dynamics and meet customer aspirations.
Focus .091 .093 .969 .336 Similarly, the third hypothesis stating “the focus strategy has positive and significant impact
Note. Constant=1.992, F (3,72)= 4.851 **, p<.005, R=.61, R2=.33 on firm performance of the banks’ has been rejected as influence of focus strategy failed
to prove statistically significant result. Thus, among three generic strategies, the low-cost
strategy found to be relatively strong and significant impact on firm performance of the banks.
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Impact of Right Share Issue on Share Price permanently with the company. Under the situation of under-capitalization, there may be
loss of various opportunities because of financial crisis and under the situation of over-
of Commercial Banks in Nepal capitalization; most of the funds may remain idle, it can result in occasional over liquidity
Joginder Goet1 which will definitely affect the profitability of the company. Both situations are harmful for
goetj15@gmail.com a company and may not be able to sustain for a longer period of time (Van Horne, 2002).
Encouraging stock price movements are detected in the case of seasoned equity issue (Barns,
Abstract & Walker, 2006; Kang, & Stulz, 1996). However, the long run response to seasoned capital
issues is stated to be mostly negative in the United States (Allen, & Soucik, 2008; Bayless, &
Jay, 2003). But, in the Asian countries the response to seasoned capital issues is observed to
This study has examined the effect of issue of right share on share price movement in the
be positive (Barns, & Walker, 2006; Kang, , & Stulz, 1996). According to the theory of rights
banking sector using share price and price relative as the predictors of share price movement.
Banking sub-index and index relative of different periods were used for analysis. Five share offering, the price of shares increases after the announcement date and the price again
different periods of time were selected to observe the share price movement considering decrease after the allotment of shares to the extent of value of rights. So, if the same things
the announcement date as the reference point of time. Based on the secondary sources of happen in the share market scenario, then the research like this seems to be an unnecessary
data, a correctional analysis was administered to examine whether the share price and price one. But, in practical life, the theory is not being followed. Problems regarding rights offering
relative (banking index) has any relationship with the share price change in case of Nepalese in Nepal like, no company can issue their rights share at discount and premium, thus, all
commercial banks. companies are issuing rights share at par value. It causes vast deviation between market price
per share and subscription price per share. The main objective of this study is to examine the
Coefficient of determination and probable error were used to find how much percentage of rights share practice and its impact on share price movement of commercial banks in Nepal.
the variation in the share price could be explained by the occurrence of right share issue and
likewise, whether or not the relationship was significant. The results reveal that right share 1.2 Objective
announcements have the signaling effect on share price movement. The share prices and
The primary and major objective of this study is to examine how the provisions and
banking indices of selected banks have decreased after the announcement of right share. The
results suggest that the information irregularity behavior tempts a negative change in share announcement of rights share have been related regarding the difference in share price in the
price after the announcement of rights share. The implication of the results is that investors case of Nepalese commercial banks.
can forestall the nature of change in share price after rights issue announcement and develop
strategic plans to expand the trading activity. 1.3 Research hypothesis
To analyze the data available, t-statistics has been used to test the significance of the
Keywords: NCC Bank., Right announcement, Right share issue, Price relative, Index difference between the share prices under the following hypothesis:
relative.
: There is no significant difference between the share price movement before and after
the announcement of the rights share offerings.
1. Introduction
: There is significant difference between the share price movement before and after the
1.1 Background announcement of the rights share offerings.
Capital is needed for every organization for various purposes and varies from one to another,
depending upon the types of companies and its peculiarities. Most of the companies need 2. Review of literature
capital for expansion, diversification and to cope with various financial dearth situations.
Modigliani and Miller (1958) disclosed that in the absence of information irregularities and
Right share is an option-based financing approach where existing shareholders are given
taxes, the manner in which firms finance their investments is irrelevant. They also found
the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the proportionate number of shares that is equal
that when managers believe that the capital market undervalues equity of the firm, the
to the fraction of their current holding (Holderness, & Pontiff, 2016). Company uses long
optimal financing choice is to issue risk- free debt or use a pre-emptive stock issue. White
term financing to finance in the long-term assets like land and investment, which remain
and Luszting (1980) examined the result of the pooled regression provides more definitive
information on the price behavior associated with the announcement of rights offering. Since
1 Joginder Goet is Asst. Professor at Shanker Dev Campus, Trubhuvan University, Nepal.
the t-statistics on the announcement date dummy variables were statistically significant at the Bist (2017) examined the empirical relationship between stock market development and
1% level or better. The first hypothesis that average investors believe that there is negative economic growth in Nepal over a period of 22 years from 1993 to 2014. Findings of this
information associated with a right offering and cannot be rejected. study represent that the market capitalization has a positive impact on economic growth both
in the long as well as in the short run period of time. The result presented that inflation has
The second hypothesis, capital markets in this instance are inefficient, assumes that a negative and significant impact on GDP per capita in the long as well as in the short run.
management and investors’ expectations differ and that investors require time to assimilate
information. Since the coefficient on the dummy variables for the five days subsequent Karanja (2006) recommended that firms that announce rights issue must consider information
to the announcement of the rights offering were not statistically different from zero to asymmetry as this highly determines the firm’s share prices after successful rights issue and
5% confidence level, the null hypothesis that prices adjust quickly and unbiased to new also examined whether post offer price share performance is related to the decision to issue
information cannot be rejected. rights instead of a firm’s commitment offering, if market offering is an important factor
affecting post issue stock returns. Olesaaya (2010) observed negative abnormal returns
Marsh (1980) stated that UK companies raise virtually all of their new equity capital via prior to announcement of rights issue, positive abnormal returns during the announcement
the rights issue. Companies can guarantee the subscription of their issue having them and negative results thereafter, Miglani (2011) observed positive excess returns of 32 right
underwritten and in recent years, this procedure has been adapted for 90% of UK rights issues from India. They reported a gain of 1.42% in the shareholders’ wealth on the day of
issues. Underwriting is usually carried out on a fixed fee basis representing at least 1.25% announcement of right issue. Bashir (2013) investigated the market reaction to rights issue
of the total money raised, and hence it is clear that quite substantial sums of money are announcement news by employing an event study methodology. The study found evidence
involved. of existence of positive abnormal returns on event date. However, this gain in shareholders’
wealth was statistically insignificant. The study concluded that the reaction of Karachi
Hansen (1988) concluded that the underwritten right offerings are associated with a price
Stock Market is an indication of no rights issue announcement affects that is no wealth
decline of more than four percent just prior to the sale. This is opposing to the public offering
maximization for investors.
where there is little price concession. He contends that this price dip is due to the transaction
costs for placing new securities. For an underwritten right offering, transaction costs that Sakwa (2013) examined the results of the study that stock returns react positively to rights
include flotation cost and price concession are higher than public offerings. So, he advocates, issue announcements. A positive mean abnormal return was recorded over the event period
it is not surprising that companies prefer public offerings than right offerings. with the highest abnormal returns being on day t+2. There was a statistical difference
between mean abnormal returns observed during the event period and estimation period for
Lukose and Rao (2003) and Heron and Lie. (2004) specified management issue new shares
eighteen events and no statistical significance for one event. It was recommended that the
only when the market overvalues the shares. They exposed record of firms that have greater
Capital market intensifies supervision of market participants to enforce compliance with
stock price performance prior to the declaration of equity offerings. This finding is similar
market regulations and also implement education programs to raise awareness among market
to the finding of Thenmozhi, Malhotra, and Gopalaswamy (2007), who concluded that the
participants and reduce information asymmetry. Otieno and Ochieng (2015) concluded the
share price should not decrease if the firm issues safe debt (default and risk free) to finance
stock prices and returns changes significantly in the post announcement period than in the
investment. This is because, based on the assumption that managers act on behalf of existing
preannouncement period. Based on the cumulative average abnormal return, the study
shareholders, rational investors assume that managers issue new shares only when they
concluded that rights issue announcement results into a negative abnormal stock return for
believe the stock is overvalued. In contrast to the above, Holderness and Pontiff (2013),
the listed firms.
stated that, if the major reason for issuing shares is to take advantage of overvalued equity,
this would explain the rather limited use of rights offerings. Kendirli and Elmali (2016) observed that finding of the study concluded that the investors
of deposit banks can yield abnormal returns in the period of ten days after right share
Paudel (2015) concluded that rights share was the major source of capital increment for announcement. Even if it is not statically significant, the another finding of study is that
the listed companies in Nepal and the right share of commercial banks enclosed maximum 100% of abnormal returns of six days; 80% of abnormal returns of ten days and 60% of
portion in total right issuance. Finance companies and development banks ranked the second abnormal returns of twelve days are negative. Pathak and Gupta (2018) conducted a research
and third position regarding the coverage in the total rights issuance. About 96 percent of on rights offering and its effect on share price movements taking five commercial banks
the total rights issue of listed companies was subscribed. Holderness and Pontiff (2016) as sample size. In his research, he found that the right share offering announcement has
found that on an average only 64 percent of the existing shareholders participated in the signaling effect on the share price of the commercial banks. The market price of share
valuable domestic rights offerings in the U.S. They noted that the stock market responds is influenced by right offerings. The share price of Nepalese commercial banks decreases
more negatively to the higher wealth transfers. Their findings suggest that agency conflicts after the announcement of right share in spite of the increase in the market index in the
influence the use of rights offers. corresponding period. This in not consistent with the theory of right offering.
NJMSR Volume IV Issue I NJMSR Volume IV Issue I
98 99
ISSN (Print) : 2467-9356, ISSN (Electronic) : 2795-1545 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53056/njmsr-2016001 https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/njmsr/index ISSN (Print) : 2467-9356, ISSN (Electronic) : 2795-1545
Impact of Right Share Issue on Share Price of Commercial Banks in Nepal Impact of Right Share Issue on Share Price of Commercial Banks in Nepal
3. Research Methodology Table 1 : Analysis of Share Price Movement of Nepal Credit and Commerce Bank
Selected Share Price % Change Banking Index % Change
The purpose of the study is to answer “Does issue of right share of the banks change the
Points of Price (Rs.) Relative from Base Sub-Index Relative from Base
share price movement?” It also explores the effect of issue of right share on market price of
Time 1 2 3 4 5 6
share of the banks by using different indexes. For this purpose, share price, price relative, I 245 100 - 1152.81 100 -
banking sub-index and index relative have been considered as the most reliable and efficient II 235 95.92 -4.08 1016.74 88.20 -11.80
to check the market price of the share of the bank. These indexes also help in making rational III 250 102.04 2.04 1036.82 89.94 -10.06
decisions and future planning about the issue of right share for the betterment of the market IV 241 98.37 -1.63 1017.51 88.26 -11.74
price of the banks. V 218 88.98 -11.02 1013.15 87.88 -12.12
Source: http://merolagani.com/CompanyDetail
3.1 Research design
Table 1 shows the share price movement of NCC Bank before and after the rights issue along
The study has used descriptive and correlational research design to test the objectives of the
with the movement of market index simultaneously. According to the theory, the share price
study. It relies upon discretionary data that is collected form yearly reports of merolagani.
increases after the right share announcement date until the book close date. Second column
com. The banks have been chosen as a purposive technique out of twenty-seven commercial
of table shows the actual prices have fallen after the seven days and hundred eighty days of
banks in Nepal. The study has used ten days and ninety days before announcement,
announcement. On the other hand, the banking sub-indices have decreased after seven and
announcement day, seven days and hundred eighty days after announcement date.
hundred eighty days of right announcement. While looking column 3, percentage change in
For measuring the share price movement of issue of right share, different indexes have been price relative from its base price has decreased by 4.08 percent in between periods I and II
considered to evaluate the impact of issue of right share. In this study, it deals with the but has increased by 2.04 percent in between periods II and III. In between periods III and
issue of right share of selected three banks. In order to analyze the market price movement IV, the percentage in price relative has again decreased by 1.63 percent however, it has also
of banks before and after issue of right share, the different variables like share price, price decreased by 11.02 percent in between IV and V. On the other hand, in the column 6, the
relative, banking sub-index and index relative etc. have been used. percentage change in index relative of all the periods have decreased by 11.80 percent,10.06
percent, 11.74 percent, 12.12 percent respectively from its base index. The fluctuation in
3.2 Results and discussion share price is not consistent with market. Thus, we can say that, the fluctuation in price of
share is not only due to general market movement. There must be some signalling effect of
With the help of financial data available in merolagani.com of different periods of before and
right share offering.
after announcement of issue of right share, share price movement of different periods have
been computed and analysed. Theoretically, the price of share should increase after the rights announcement for few days
and then after the price should decrease by the value of right. However, in the case of NCC
The share price movement before and after the rights issue along with the movement of
Bank, instead of increasing price, it has decreased after seven days of right announcement to
market index simultaneously. The price relative shown in the third column is calculated
Rs. 241 and after hundred eighty days to Rs. 218 from Rs. 250. So, it has not met the theory.
by either adding the percent increase in the price or subtracting the percent decrease in the
price of the share from 100 base value. Here, the base value 100 is considered as beginning
Table 2 : Analysis of Share Price Movement of Kumari Bank Ltd.
index value which is established for the price 90 days before the right announcement date.
Percentage change in the price, in the column four, is calculated by differentiating the Selected Share Price % Change Banking Index % Change
announcement date price from price of the share on each relative point of time and dividing Points of Price (Rs.) Relative from Base Sub-Index Relative from Base
it by the price on 90 days before the announcement. The same method is followed for the Time 1 2 3 4 5 6
calculation of values for market index in columns six and seven. These changes are shown I 275 100 - 1208.27 100 -
in tables. II 250 90.91 -9.09 1134.04 93.86 -6.14
III 261 94.91 -5.09 1219.82 100.96 0.96
Note. I = 90 days before the announcement date (base date); II = 10 days before the
IV 246 89.45 -10.55 1165.05 96.42 -3.58
announcement date; III = The day of announcement; IV = 7 days after the announcement
V 257 93.45 -6.55 1105.27 91.48 -8.52
date; V = 180 days after the announcement date.
Source: http://merolagani.com/CompanyDetail
Table 2 shows that the share price has been in decreasing trend from the base date till the Table 4 : Correlation Coefficient between Share Price and Banking Index
hundred eighty days of announcement. According to the theory, the share price increases
after the right share announcement date until the book close date. While analyzing the S.N. Sample Banks r P. E 6 P.E.
percentage change in price relative and index relative, both have been in fluctuating trend.
Percentage change in price relative after seven days of announcement has decreased by 1 NCC Bank 0.440 0.1936 0.243 1.458
10.55 percent. However, percentage change in banking index has decreased by 3.58 percent 2 Kumari Bank Limited 0.554 0.307 0.209 1.254
only. Thus, we can say that, general market movement along with right share offering has 3 Prabhu Bank Limited 0.737 0.543 0.138 0.828
been responsible for the price decrease. Theoretically, the price of share should increase after Source: SPSS Output
the rights announcement for few days and then after the price should decrease by the value
of right. However, in the case of Kumari Bank, instead of increasing price, it has decreased In case of NCC Bank, there has been a medium degree of positive correlation (r = 0.440). The
after seven days of right announcement to Rs. 246 and after hundred eighty days to Rs. 257 coefficient determination (r2) = 0.1936, which means that about 19.36 percent of variation in
from Rs. 261. So, it has not met the theory. the share price is explained by the general market movement. The coefficient of correlation
is greater than P.E. (P.E. = 0.243) which proves that correlation is significant. So, we can
Table 3: Analysis of Share Price Movement of Prabhu Bank Limited conclude that the share price behavior of NCC Bank is due to general market movement.
Selected Share Price % Change Banking Index % Change
While analyzing the correlation coefficient of Kumari Bank Ltd., there has been a moderate
Points of Price (Rs.) Relative from Base Sub-Index Relative from Base
positive correlation (r = 0.554) between share price and general market movement. This
Time 1 2 3 4 5 6
relation has been further provided by the coefficient of determination which is 0.307 that is
I 451 100 - 1349.98 100 -
30.70 percent, which means 30.70 percent of the price of KBL has been explained by general
II 315 69.84 -30.16 1260.00 93.33 -6.67 market movement. The correlation coefficient (r) is greater than P.E. Thus, correlation is
III 314 69.62 -30.38 1231.71 91.24 -8.76 significant which implies that the share price behavior of KBL is due to general market
IV 305 67.63 -32.37 1242.81 92.06 -7.94 movement.
V 278 61.64 -38.36 1004.60 74.42 -25.58
In case of Prabhu Bank Limited, there has been a high degree of positive correlation (r =
Source: http://merolagani.com/CompanyDetail
0.737) between share price movement and general market movement. The coefficient of
Table 2 shows that the share price has been in decreasing trend from the base date till the determination which is 0.543 or 54.30 percent, which means that general market movement
hundred eighty days of announcement. According to the theory, the share price increases has explained only 54.30 percent variation in the share price. Correlation coefficient (r) is
after the right share announcement date until the book close date. The percentage change greater than P.E. implying it has been significant. So, we can conclude that the share price
in price relative has been in decreasing trend from the base but index relative has been in behavior of Prabhu Bank Ltd. is because of general market movement.
fluctuating trend. Percentage change in price relative after seven days of announcement has
decreased by 32.37 percent. However, percentage change in banking index has decreased by The relationship between share price and Banking index is always positive. It means, Banking
7.94 percent only. Thus, we can say that, general market movement along with right share indices increase due to increase in share price and vice-versa. In the above calculation of
offering has been responsible for the price decrease. Theoretically, the price of share should three sample banks, all of them have been positively correlated. Sometimes, result may be
increase after the rights announcement for few days and then after the price should decrease negatively correlated because the Banking index indicates the average increase or decrease
by the value of right. However, in the case of Prabhu Bank, instead of increasing price, it has in share price of all listed banks. When individual share prices are independent from each
decreased after seven days of right announcement to Rs. 305 and after hundred eighty days other, some may increase and some may decrease.
to Rs. 278 from Rs. 314. So, it has not met the theory.
Table 5 : T-test of Share Price and Banking Index of Sample Banks due to general market movement. There must be some signaling the effect of right share
offering. Theoretically, the price of share should increase after the rights announcement for
Sample Banks Test for Result few days and then after the price should decrease by the value of right. The general market
movement along with right share offering has been responsible for the price decrease. The
Nepal Credit and Share Price 2.306 -2.985 Accepted relationship between share price and Banking index is always positive. It means, Banking
Commerce Bank
Banking Index 2.306 -1.433 Accepted indices increase due to increase in share price and vice-versa.There has not been obvious
Kumari Bank Limited Share Price 2.306 4.070 Rejected impact of rights offering on the share price movement in case of NCC Bank and Prabhu
Bank. But this has not hold true in case of Kumari Bank. Change in share prices of Kumari
Banking Index 2.306 0.256 Accepted
Bank has not been due to the announcement of rights offering. It can be attributed to the
Prabhu Bank Limited Share Price 2.306 0.589 Accepted general market movement.
Banking Index 2.306 -1.050 Accepted
The rights offering have some significant impact on the share price. The general market
Source: SPSS Output movement to a greater extent in Nepal also influences the market price of share. It is believed
that as the capital market gets matured and developed, rights issue practice would contribute
Table 5 shows that the calculated value of t-test -2.985 in the case of NCC Bank., whereas
a lot to raising funds for every company
the tabulated value at 5 percent level of significance and 8 degree of freedom is 2.306. Since
the null hypothesis has been accepted, it means the share prices have not been changed This study is a try to establish a link between right share issue announcements and market price
significantly before and after the announcement of rights offering. In case of Banking movement. This link is important because it is documented that the right share issue announcement
Indices, the result shows that there has not been significant difference in general market affects share price negatively and it conveys there is an irregularity in the market.
movement before and after the announcement of rights offering because t-value tabulated
(2.306) is greater than the t-value tabulated (-1.433). The results reveal the information irregularity behavior which brings a negative change in
market price after the announcement of rights and there is evidence of reducing market price
The t-value calculated in case of Kumari Bank Ltd. is 4.070, whereas the tabulated value
after the rights announcement. Investors can anticipate the nature of change in share price
at 5 percent level of significance and 8 degree of freedom is 2.306, it means the differences
after rights issue announcements and develop strategic plans to improve the trading activity
between share prices before and after rights offering has been significant. But, the difference
in the market.
in the Banking indices is insignificant because t-value tabulated is greater t-value calculate.
Thus, in this case, null hypothesis that there is no significant difference between share price
movement before and after the announcement of rights offering is rejected and thereby the 5. Discussion
alternative hypothesis that there is significant difference between share price movement Initial public offering and right share offering are the two main means preferred by Nepalese
before and after the announcement of rights offering is accepted. banks to collect the obligatory capital. The right offering announcement has the signalling
In case of Prabhu Bank Ltd., the share price has not been changed significantly before and effect on the share price of the commercial banks. However, the right announcement gives a
after the announcement of right offering (t-value calculated = 0.589 t-value tabulated = negative signal to the stock market. The finding is not consistent with the result of Paudel’s
2.306). There has not been significant changed in general market movement before and after (2015) study, who found that the market price of share is influenced by right offerings. The
the announcement of issue of right share (t-value calculated = -1.050). share price of Nepalese commercial banks decreases after the announcement of right in spite
of the increase in the market index in the corresponding period. This is consistent with the
So far it has been observed that in case of NCC Bank and Prabhu Bank, there has not been
theory of right offering in case of NCC Bank and Prabhu Bank but not in case of Kumari
obvious impact of rights offering on the share price movement. But this has not hold true
Bank. However, the finding is consistent with the result of the earlier study by Pathak and
in case of Kumari Bank. Change in share prices of Kumari Bank has not been due to the
Giri (2008). The irregularity in the share price movement after the right announcement may
announcement of rights offering. It can be attributed to the general market movement.
be either because of an inefficient market or leak of information before it becomes formally
public. Therefore, future study can be carried out to identify the cause of the irregularity in
4. Conclusion share price in case of Kumari Bank by testing the efficiency of the Nepalese capital market.
The results discussed above reveal that the right offering announcement has the signaling
effect on the share price of the selected banks. The fluctuation in price of share is not only
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Besides, in Nepalese context work family conflict is not perceived as a serious problem
1 Gaurav Ojha is the Faculty at IEC College of Arts and Fashion. He is also the visiting Faculty of Sunway for a married woman because in a collectivist society dominated by masculine orientations
International Business School & Kathmandu University School of Arts, Nepal. regarding gender roles, women are expected to share the burden of family responsibilities
exclusively (Hofstede et al., 2005). And, gender roles prevalent within Nepalese culture still
categories women as responsible for family matters, hence exclusively incompatible with Similarly, regarding time pressures this study builds its theoretical orientations from the
higher organizational roles and responsibilities. rational model, this model proposes that people who spend more time on either work or family
domains may experience mutual propositions of conflict in each domain (Gutek et al., 1991).
In a survey conducted by McKinsey & Company entitled closing the gap leadership
In addition, for involvement misbalance this study develops its theoretical foundations from
perspectives on promoting women in financial services, nearly half of senior-level women
role theory. Role theory also proposes that multiple roles lead to imbalance of involvement
say that they continue to accept most of household responsibilities, while just 13 % of their
as it becomes more difficult to perform each role successfully, due to conflicting demands on
male peers do the same. More importantly, as the survey indicates, women in entry-level
time, lack of energy, or incompatible behaviors among roles (Greenhaus, & Beutell, 1985).
roles in financial services seldom envision themselves in a top executive position and most
of the entry-level women in financial services have concerns about balancing family and Regarding, involvement imbalances and its stress, conservation of resources theory also
work commitment (Chin et al., 2018). explains stress outcomes for both inter-role stress, this model proposes that inter-role conflict
leads to stress because resources are lost in the process of juggling both work and family
However, there is no study in Nepalese context that acknowledges gender inequalities within
roles (Wright, & Cropanzano, 1998) and increasing female representation in Nepalese
both work patterns and family structures where women before men are expected to carry the
financial sector means that married women are juggling between their work and family roles
double burden of work and family. More importantly, this study examines contextual effects
and eventually this inter-role conflict creates constant condition of involvement imbalances
on work – family conflict incorporating a range of contextual demographic characteristics
for a married women.
and intersectional experiences that subsequently results into negative perceptions and
stereotypes regarding career progress of married women.
2.2 Review of related literature
Besides, no other study has examined issues related with work-family conflict from the As a study succinctly mentions, the experience of work- family conflict for a married
perspective of Sustainable Development Goal-5 that aims to overcome this leadership women may include a simple everyday existential realities such as not being able to pick
and empowerment gap by eliminating many root causes of gender discrimination and up a child from daycare because of attending department meeting or not being able to go
career progress barriers within both private and public spheres by 2030, and this study to work because one’s children are sick (Cinamon, & Rich, 2005). Similarly, a study states
acknowledges work-family conflict as an important hindrance for career progress of married that time imbalance in work and family will make work-family conflicts arise if there is
women employed. disequilibrium between distribution of time in parenting, family responsibilities and working
in the organization (Vithanage, & Arachchige, 2017).
2. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework Moreover, in a study, Lakmal and Gahan (2019) based on identity theory, concluded that
Different and considerable studies have examined, analyzed and evaluated work–family crossover effects of work and family role imbalances were found to be more pronounced
conflict experienced by women employees in different organizational contexts. This present for women than men. Moreover, in a study Edwards and Rothbard (2000) have linked
study has also examined the restrictive effect of work-family conflict on career progress mechanisms between work and family and identified time as a finite resource, hence
of married women employees in the context Nepalese Financial sector. For developing spending time in one life domain would automatically result in diminished time available
conceptual framework various theoretical frameworks and relevant/recent literature has to perform in another domain that subsequently results in constant time pressure. Recent
been reviewed on time pressures, involvement misbalance and spill-over strains of family studies in North American (Chin et al., 2018) and European context (Gender Equality Index,
responsibilities on career progress of married women employees as antecedents of work- 2019) also indicate that asymmetry continues to exist between genders when it comes to
family conflict. sharing the burden of family responsibilities and family interference on work.
Similarly, Chincholkar and Krishna (2012) in a study on the work-family conflict among
2.1 Theoretical framework
the married working executives in Greater Mumbai argued that women employees were
Within a historical frame for conceptualizing work-family conflict, initially bounded acknowledging responsibilities than they would to deliver themselves in both domains and
theory recognized that women are more likely to experience inter-role conflict invoking the article concluded that women need to redefine role expectations for themselves and their
incompatible demands from the work and family domains (Greenhaus, & Beutell, 1985). families. Similarly, in a study Hyman and Summers (2004) on financial sectors find that in
Regarding spill-over strains of work family conflict, boundary theory by Pleck (1977) the United Kingdom both direct and indirect work intrusions into domestic responsibilities
proposed that boundaries between work and family are asymmetrically permeable with of married employees.
unequal frequency and there are gender differences in the pattern of involvement.
Moreover, Jogulu and Wood (2011) in a study regarding married women and their career Figure 1 : Intersectional Relationship between antecedents and
progress as comparative study between Malaysia and Australia‘s middle managers indicate consequence of work-family conflict
that women in two countries studied still have significant responsibilities for performing
family duties, and bringing up children. In particular, the Malaysian respondents viewed
family and personal responsibilities as their greatest impediment to attaining senior
management positions. Besides, in a study, Valdez, and Gutek (1987) mention the career Socio-demographic Antecedents
progression of working women will be affected due to work-family conflict. factors:
Of Work Family conflict
Married, gender-role, (Involvement Misbalances,
Considering Nepalese literature on work-life conflict, Adhikary (2018) found non-
family expectation, age, Time pressures, Spill-over
significant, but positive correlation between work-family conflict and career satisfaction.
dual career couple, family, strains)
However, the sample size of study consisted of 69 percent males and 31 percent females,
employees age of children
whereas recent studies on work-family has recognized limitations of cross-sectional study
when asymmetry and inequalities still remains permeable within the work and family role
of a married woman (Gender Equality Index, 2019). Besides, in another study on barriers to
career progression, Adhikary (2016) indicated that among different societal-related barriers,
marriages during the prime of career significantly hampered the career development of
Nepali women employees. This study also examines the relations between antecedents and
outcomes of work–family conflict and its negative influence on career progress of married Outcome:
women in Nepalese financial sector Negative impact on career progress
(Ambition Gaps, Work-family interface
2.3 Conceptual framework challenges and Perceptual Bias)
Acknowledging gender difference, asymmetrically permeability of work and family
boundaries, and reciprocal as well as bidirectional nature of work-family conflict, this study
has formulated a conceptual framework to examine influence of involvement imbalances
Outcome:
time pressures and spill-over strains of work-family conflict on career progress of married
women in the context of Nepalese Financial Sector (Greenhaus, & Beutell, 1985;Edwards, Negative impact on career progress
& Rothbard, 2003; Voydanoff, 2005; Vithanage, & Arachchige, 2017).Moreover, this study (Ambition Gaps, Work-family interface
has recognized bi-directional nature of the inter-role construct, therefore two distinct types challenges and Perceptual Bias)
of work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict are included in the framework.
Based on the above conceptual framework this study was guided by the following research
questions:
RQ2. Are socio-demographic factors such gender-role, family expectation, age, dual career
couple, family and age of children contributing factors to antecedents of work-family conflict
and its subsequent outcome?
description and in-depth study. In this study, Microsoft Excel, spreadsheet software with Total 90 100%
Analysis ToolPak has been used for data analysis. Education
High School 7 8%
3.2 Instruments and measures Bachelors (Under graduate) 34 38%
Regarding, survey instruments included 16 items (4 for each variable) related to work- Post-Graduate 38 42%
family conflict and career progress (Cronbach’s Alpha ranged from= .756 to .856),8 items
MPhil. or PHD 11 12%
were for itemized scale (1 = Very Much to 4 = Very Little) question, 1 intersectional item
Total 90 100%
for demographic factors as mentioned in research question (Agree/Disagree, Yes/No) and
6 items were associated with demographic. For measurement of variables Likert scale with Degree
1 = strongly agree and 5 = strongly disagree was used. However, for the purpose of result Management 58 65%
reporting strongly agree and agree were combined together as agree and data from strongly Humanities and Social Sciences 23 25%
disagree and disagree were combined as disagree. Hence, reporting only entails three scale ICT( Computer Science) 9 10%
items, agree, neutral and disagree. Furthermore, for developing survey instruments, regarding
Total 90 100%
variable measurement was based on existing literature that was also used for developing
conceptual framework.
No. of Percentage of 6 and the rest of them, 30% (n=24) are using in-home care. Besides, approximately 45%
Respondents character (n=41) of respondents indicate that they have used child-care centers for their child within
responses (Approximately)
Work Experience
6-15 months of age and majority of respondents, 70% (n=63) of them fall under the 30-40
age group.
Less than 5 years 18 20%
5-10 years 45 50%
4.2 Responses on perceived intersectional demographic factors
10-15 years and above 27 30%
Total 90 100% Similarly, regarding the question of the negative impact of work- family conflict on their
Organizational Hierarchy
career progress, 80% (n=29) of married women in the age group of 30-40 indicate much or
very much, approximately 60% (n=17) of women in 20-30 age groups also indicate the same.
Lower Level 9 10%
After all, combining these two age groups as earlier study also concludes, employees within
Middle Level 68 75%
this life-stage are likely to be working longer hours and trying to define their professionalism
Senior Management 13 15%
and considering their lifespan they are also more likely to start a family and have more
Total 90 100%
responsibilities such as having young children at home and this results into greater work-life
Dual Career Couples
conflicts (Voydanoff, 2005).
Dual Career Couples 68 75%
Non-Dual Career Couples 22 25% Consequently, on the issue of gender differences, 78% (n=70) of participants have responded
Total 90 100% in the range of very much and much that asymmetry still continues to exist between men
Family Structure and women in work and family roles and being a woman contributes to their experience of
work-family conflict. In addition, regarding comparative rank question on influence of work
Nuclear Family 54 60%
and family demands, 60% of participants (n=54) responded that expectation of family has
Joint Family 36 40%
greater impact on their career progress than work and this finding relates with a study by
Total 90 100%
Choi (2008) that work and family demands cause life stress among Chinese employees and
Number of Children
the effect of family demands on life stress is mediated by work–family conflict.
Without any Child 23 25%
1 Child 49 55% Approximately 80% (n=72) of married women indicate very much or much regarding their
2 or more that two children 18 20% involvement in domestic responsibilities more than their husband. Similarly, regarding the
Total 90 100% response on do you consider challenges of work-family interference have resulted into an
ambition gap regarding your career progress, approximately 70% (n=63), identify very much
Of sample married employee (N=90) within organizational hierarchy 15% (n=13) are in and much. Here, comparable with findings of Chin et al., (2018), this study also explores
senior management position, approximately 75 % (n=68) on middle-level & lower level and that the challenge of balancing work family conflict results in ambition gaps for a married
10% (n=9) in non-managerial position and this demographic data regarding organizational woman employee.
position also exemplifies the findings of a discussion note published by IMF that has
identified large gaps between the representation of men and women in leadership positions Table 2: Responses on Perceived Intersectional Demographic Factors
in banks and in banking-supervision agencies worldwide (Sahay, & Cihak, 2018). Similarly, Responses No. of responses Percentage
the study finds that approximately 75% (n=68) women employees are dual career couples (Approximately)
and in 65% (n=58) families both mom and dad work full time. 1. Negative impact of work- family conflict on career progress (Age Group Response)
20-30 Age Group (Much/Very Much) 29 (N=36) 80%
Regarding family structure, majority of respondents are part of nuclear family (60%, n=54)
30-40 Age Group (Much/Very Much) 17 (N=27) 60%
and rest 40%, (n=36) belonged to joint family and concerning children, 55% (N=49) of
40-50 Age Group (Much/Very Much) 7 (N=17) 42%
sample married women are with one child, 25 % of them are without any child and rest
20% have 2 or more than two children. Similarly, approximately 90 % (n=81) of married 50 above (Much/Very Much) 2 (N=10) 20%
women with children are using child-care centers and pre-school for their child under age 2. Gender differences and experience of asymmetry in Work and Family Roles
Moreover, when it comes to intersectional influence between demographic factors such Similarly, Person's correlation also indicates a positive relation (r=0.78, P=0.025) between
gender, dual career spouse and age of child (do you think your gender marital status, dual negative impact of work-family conflict on career progress (Do you think work-family
career spouse and age of your child has contributed to your experiences of work family conflict negatively influences your career progress) and gender difference (Do you think
conflict) as contributing factors to antecedents of work-family conflict ,approximately 78% your gender roles influence your experience of work-family conflict). Similarly there is a
(n=70) of respondents agree that demographic factors as contributing factors to antecedents positive and significant relationship between being a dual career couple (r=0.72, P=0.020),
of work-family conflict and its subsequent outcomes. Besides, approximately 75% (n=68) regarding age of youngest child (r=0.12, P=0.44) there is statistically insignificant and weak
agree that work-family conflict can potentially restrict their career progress after all women positive correlation. Likewise, regarding child and parent role, a study found that women
are more involved in family activities while at the same time also accumulating their find their child as central to their identity and give more importance to parental role (Gaunt
professional work (Greenhaus, & Powell, 2012). & Scott, 2017). Hence, married women find it difficult to consider the age of their child as a
burden. Regarding family expectations, this factor has a positive and significant relationship
with work family conflict (r=0.67, P=0.032).
group. Regarding age, approximately 80% (n=29) of women in the age range of 30-40 The results of regression analysis indicates significant predictive of gains in work-life
age group and 60% (n=20-30) indicate their current age group as an important factor that conflict due to involvement imbalances time pressures and spill-over strain = .68, and
influences their work family conflict and also their concerns about career progress. Therefore, adj =.61, F=33.32, p =.020. Therefore, this model predicts 68% variation in antecedents
this study has evaluated a statistically significant degree of difference among demographic of work family conflict increases barriers to career progress among married women in
factors (age) and its association with work-family conflict. After all, a study indicates that Nepalese financial sector. In this model all variables were included in the equation including
the relationship between gender and work-life conflict is significantly moderated by age career progress and work-life conflict. As the analysis predicts these antecedents of work
(Cloninger et al., 2015). family conflict negatively spills over as a barrier for career progress of married women.
Table-4: Chi-Square Analysis of variations in Work family conflict among married Since standardized βs are positive, based on regression analysis this study indicates that 1
women based on their age group percent enhance in involvement imbalances, time pressures and spill-over strains, normally,
and has the positive relationship influence of a rising work-family conflict that results in
Variable Age group (N=90)
P-value hindrance for the career progress of a married woman. Regression analysis of this study
Prevalence of Work-Family -20-30 (60 %- Very Much/Much) confirms the model of Greenhaus and Beutell (1985), which recognizes time, strain and
conflict and its subsequent -30-40 (80%-Very Much/Much) -40-50 3.45 0.035* involvement imbalances as sources of work-family conflict.
Influence (57%- Very Much/Much)
-50 and Above (34% Very Much/Much) As comparable to findings, another study has also indicated that as the employed mother
is experiencing time pressures in work and family roles then the motivation to advance her
N= number of participants, P value significant at 0.05 (2-tailed) career diminish (Bartolome & Evans, 1979). Regarding involvement imbalances and its
Moreover, similar to the chi-square analysis in this study, other studies also indicate that stress, conservation of resources theory also explains stress outcomes of inter-role imbalances
younger married employees experience distress as a result of interference between work results in a negative state of being (Grandey, & Cropanzano, 1999) that culminate into lack
and family involvement and the employees in middle adulthood experience highest levels of of interest in career development.
interference (Bellavia, & Frone, 2005). Likewise, in a study Huffman et al. (2013) indicate
that relationship between family conflict and age is curvilinear in nature; their study finds 5. Discussions
that work–family conflict was lowest for younger and older workers, and highest for workers
In this study, descriptive and inferential results indicate an intersectional relationship
in the middle age group.
between different socio-demographic factors such gender-role, family expectation, age, dual
career couple and age of children and work-family, and the result of descriptive, correlation
4.5 Regression Analysis for predicting work-life conflict career progress
and chi-square analysis are comparable with studies that have been conducted in South
Table 5 : Regression Analysis for predicting work-life conflict and its negative impact Asian Context (Jain & Nair, 2016; Rajadhyaksha, & Velgach 2009; Buddhapriya, 2009) and
on career progress of married woman consistent with other studies that have considered moderating role of socio-demographic
Unstandardized Standardized factors on work-family conflict (Pleck, 1977; Byron, 2005).
Model Coefficients Coefficients t value Sig. In a study related to examining antecedents of work-life conflict Byron (2005) mentioned
Beta Std. Error Beta that demographic variables, such as gender and marital status are predictors of work-
1 (Constant) 2.89 .136 5.15 .010* family conflict work-family conflict. Similarly, comparable with the findings of this study,
Involvement 0.260 .049 0.289 8.73 .0234* Buddhapriya (2009) indicated family responsibilities of married women negatively affect
imbalances their career advancement to senior positions, as they experience career tradeoffs and
imbalances of involvement between professional roles because of the family responsibilities.
Time Pressures 0.343 .067 0.369 2.45 .023*
Spill-Over Strains 0.173 .069 0.181 3.53 .011* Descriptive analysis of the study indicates that among sample married women within
organizational hierarchy 15% are in senior management position and this find is
*.Significant at the 0.05 level, R2 = 0.68, F = 33.032, p < .05 β = Standardized Regression
comparable to a study by Chin et al. (2018) research shows that women remain significantly
Coefficient, * p <.05
underrepresented in the upper levels of financial-services companies and even in Northern
American Context, women account for only 19 % of leadership positions. Hence, despite
this growth of employment opportunities for women in Nepalese financial sector, regarding recommends organizations to realize that work and family are interrelated domains, and
leadership, senior managerial and senior professional roles, gender disparity remains strains experienced in each domains have a mutual impact on another (Kalliath et al.,2012).
extremely high (Ross-Smith, & McGraw, 2010). More importantly, gender inequalities in work–family balance decreases opportunities for
career progress among married woman (Sullivan, 2019)
Moreover, this study finds that career decisions of married women employee, predominantly
guided by the demands of family care and they experience negative spill-over effects of This article also recommends that organizations need to introduce family-friendly policies,
work-family conflict on their career. And, this asymmetric remains consistent even in this flexible work arrangements, compressed workweek plans and cultivate a family-supportive
study and also comparable to findings by Abeysekera and Gahan (2019) that the impact of organizational culture to ensure that married women employees have the necessary family
crossover effects of work-family conflicts was found to be more pronounced for women. supportive programs. Besides, organizations need supportive resources for those employees
Besides, as socio-demographic variables associated with family domain and presence of who are most in need for balancing work-family interfaces (Mansour, & Tremblay,
antecedents of work-family conflict in both professional and family role of a married woman 2018). And, to reduce stress associated with work-family conflict, it is also necessary
indicate that ambition gap persists even among married women employee because of their for organizations to incorporate policies that facilitate work–family enrichment (Jain, &
inability to balance family and due to this major reason they are not pursuing top executive Nair, 2020). Besides, it is necessary for organizations to develop systematic and robust
roles (Chin et al., 2018). After all, based on the findings of inferential statistics, this study organization-based approach to provide solution for work-family conflict within financial
also concludes that an employee experiencing strains of work family conflict is less likely to institutions especially for married female employees (Ajayi et al., 2020)
participate or take initiatives for career development (Higgins et al., 1992)
Moreover, recent study indicates that clarifying priorities between work and family roles
More importantly, Hoobler et al. (2009) consider work-family conflict as a main hurdle for may result into lesser work family conflict (Erdogan et al., 2019) Therefore, concerning
career progress of a married women employee since top-level management perceives women married women, this study recommends them to become better with role segmentation,
having greater family-work conflict and therefore view them as mismatched for leadership seek colleague support, negotiate for flexible work arrangements, have enough courage to
roles in an organization. And, due to asymmetrical involvement in both work and family overcome social criticisms and disapprovals, cultivate highly impermeable and inflexibly
domains, there is a tendency among top-level managers to perceive women employees as role boundaries between work and family domain.
experiencing greater family-work conflict. Therefore, mismatched for career advancements
and leadership fits within the working style of the financial sector that recognizes long
hours as organizational commitment, besides it is difficult for married women to balance
the conflicts arising from work and family spheres (Lockwood, 2003). After all, this study
also indicates that balancing work and family conflict is both experientially and existentially
difficult for employed married women.
Moreover, this study recommends a need for sustainable corporate culture and human resource
practices which acknowledges diversity, family supportive cultures, and gender issues and
assimilates complex and conflicting necessities of both work and family. Besides, this study
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voluntary turnover. Journal of applied psychology, 83(3), 486. entrepreneurship has assumed greater importance to push forward the economic development
of developing countries across the world. The development of a sound entrepreneurship
culture is an index of the empowerment of people, industrial development, and the overall
economic prosperity of any country. Women entrepreneurship has become a very important
driver of women empowerment and sustainable economic progress. The paper reviews
women empowerment, female entrepreneurship, gender equity, institutional support and
problems of women in rural areas. It also suggests practical solutions to surmount the
problems confronted by the women. The physical, material and technical supports have
to be extended to the women entrepreneurs to get success and empower themselves. An
imperative need is to promote and encourage women to take part and exhibit their mite
in the central stream of economic activities and thereby promote economic growth and
sustainable development. It provides further insights on the relationship between women
empowerment and entrepreneurship and needs to focus special attention on promoting
women empowerment as a part of UN sustainable development goals.
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
The concept of women empowerment and entrepreneurship development have assumed
greater relevance in developed as well as developing nations across the world. The
development of entrepreneurship, which is a human activity, has become imperative in
the economic development and prosperity of any country. The success of an economy
1. Siby Abraham, PhD is an assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Sacred Heart College
(Autonomous), Kochi, Kerala, India.
2. Prof. Himachalam Dasaraju is a Senior Fellow & Professor Emeritus (former), Commonwealth Visiting
Fellow, UK. He has served at Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andra Pradesh, India.
3. Jency Treesa, PhD is an Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, St. Teresa’s College (Autonomous),
Kochi, Kerala, India.
undisputedly depends on its entrepreneurial quality, skills, competence, and performance specific form of applying semi- structured interviews. The problems of women entrepreneurs
of the industrial sector. For the developing countries, it is an urgent need to find, nourish enlisted in the latter part of the paper is the experts’ subjective orientations, points of view
and develop competent women entrepreneurship for strengthening women empowerment. and interpretations.
Economic empowerment is a sine qua non for elevating women's status in every developing
economy. Women in emerging economies in general and India, in particular, are deprived of 3. Review of Literature
many socio-economic benefits and status in society. They are relegated in multiple ways in
There is a growing body of literature that recognizes women empowerment as a solution for
the society though they constitute a considerable proportion of the total population.
bridging the gender equality. The literature review is based on themes as Women empowerment
According to the World Bank, empowerment means "the process of increasing the capacity and gender equity, Women's Empowerment: Global Scenario, Women Empowerment:
of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions Indian Scenario, Women Entrepreneurship as a Means of Women Empowerment, Women’s
and outcomes”. The core of this process is actions which build both individual and collective Entrepreneurship - present need, scope of women entrepreneur, and Institutional Support for
assets and improve the efficiency and fairness of the organizational and institutional context Women Entrepreneurship in India.
which govern the use of these assets (UN, 2012). The empowerment is multidimensional
Women entrepreneurship is defined as self-employment or the creation of a business where
encompassing the extension of freedom of choice and action in social, economic, and political
the total or majority of the ownership and the decision-making processes are owned and
spheres thereby upholding one's life with adequate control over resources and decisions.
managed by women respectively (Carter & Shaw, 2006).
Women's freedom is often restricted due to the inherent gender inequality prevailing in
homes and society. For the empowerment, women require a lot of assets and capabilities
3.1 Women empowerment and gender equity
at the individual level to transform the untapped assets into products or services. The right
approach towards achieving this end could be through entrepreneurship development among Women's empowerment is a critical aspect of achieving gender equality. Gender equality
women. The entrepreneurial spirit with good education is one of the most important means of is a human right, but the entire world faces a persistent gap in access to resources and
empowering women with the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence necessary to participate opportunities and decision-making power for women and men. Gender equality is a
fully in the development process of any economy (UNFPA Report, 1995). fundamental human right, and it's a necessary foundation for a healthy, peaceful, prosperous,
and sustainable world. Women are deprived of opportunities than men in fulfilling basic
1.2 Objectives of the study needs, higher education, health, safety, economic participation and political representation.
Protecting the rights of women and giving them equal opportunities promises gender
The specific objectives of the study are:
equality and also ensures the attainment of international development goals. Empowered
(a) To examine the problem of gender gap and the empowerment of women through women increase the quality of health and productivity of their families, communities, and
entrepreneurship. countries, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone. Women's empowerment and gender
(b) To discuss the policy measures undertaken by the Government of India to promote equality ensure progress in all areas and was one of the eight-millennium goals envisioned by
women entrepreneurship. the world leaders at the Millennium Summit held in New York in 2000.
(c) To study the constraints and barriers to women entrepreneurship in India and suggest
The Gender-related Development Index (GDI) and the Gender Empowerment Measure
measures to tackle the problems of women entrepreneurs.
(GEM) were introduced in 1995 in the Human Development Report of the UNDP with
the prime aim of the measures were to add a gender-sensitive dimension to the Human
2. Research Methodology Development Index (HDI). It is high time to presume that every woman should be self-
reliant, self-sufficient, healthy, resilient, respected, courageous, strong, equal treatment, and
The study aims firstly, to examine the problem of gender gap existing in India and the policy
heard. For strengthening this movement every year on the 8th of March observed globally
measures taken by the Government of India to promote women entrepreneurship. Content
the International Women's Day to review the progress and propose the action plan to achieve
analysis was used for analyzing the textual material required for this. In this approach building
the target. International Women's Day was organized globally on March 8, 2021, and debated
a coding frame is central (Schreier, 2012). Extensive literature review was done to gather
on the main theme "Choose to Challenge". Further, the celebrations focused on the review
published data and the based on the research objectives data was coded based on the theme
of the achievements of women and calls for action to empower women to create a gender-
of women entrepreneurship and policy measures taken to promote women entrepreneurship.
equal world.
To know the problem of women entrepreneurs, one to one expert interview was conducted
among 6 women entrepreneurs. Meuser and Nagel (2009) discuss the expert interviews as a
Empowerment of women and minimizing the gender gaps in the world of work will in relevant and important for sustainable human development (UNFPA, 2007). The concept of
general help to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and particularly human development has evolved out as a broader measure of the socio-economic progress
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 1 on ending poverty, Goal 2 on food of the nation. Human development is measured in the form of a composite index called the
security, Goal 3 on ensuring health, Goal 5 to achieve gender equality, Goal 8 to promote Human Development Index (HDI). In 1995, the Human Development Report put forward the
full and productive employment and decent work for all; and also Goal 10 on reducing concept of Gender-related Development Index (GDI) and Gender Empowerment Measure
inequalities (UN-SDGs, 2020). (GEM). GDI, while measuring the achievements in the same dimensions and variables as
the HDI, also incorporates inequality in achievement between women and men (Anand et.
3.2 Women's empowerment: Global scenario al, 1995).
Prior studies have confirmed the theory of “push” and “pull” factors when it comes to the
Women's Empowerment is a buzzword worldwide, as the global decisions of various countries
motivations of business leaders (Orhan & Scott, 2001; Sarri & Trihopoulou, 2005). Several
as a part of global partnership for development, centering on population development, more
lines of evidence suggest that women in developing countries are generally “pushed”
so on women empowerment. The task of promoting women's empowerment is included
toward entrepreneurship through factors such as economic hardship and state initiatives,
in the Millennium Development Goals and International Conference on Population and
whereas women in developed countries are more likely to be “pulled” into entrepreneurial
Development (ICPD) Programme of Action (Principle-4). The ICPD Programme of Action
activity through the pursuit of achievement, autonomy, and self-fulfillment (Malach-Pines
referred to the Cairo Consensus which was remarkable in its recognition that reproductive
et al., 2010).A report of the United Nations says that "Women constitute half of the world
health and rights, as well as women's empowerment and gender equality, are cornerstones of
population, perform nearly two-thirds of work hours, receive one-tenth of the world's
population and development programs worldwide. The United Nations Fund for Population
income and own less than one-hundredth per cent of the world's property." Women are still
Activities (UNFPA) partners with governments, other agencies and civil society to advance
suffering from discrimination, exploitation, and victimization across the world; hence, the
UNFPA's mission. Two frameworks guide its efforts, viz., the Programme of Action adopted
need of the hour is the empowerment of women in all categories – social, political, and
at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development and the Millennium
economic. Keeping pace with all these tasks to empower the women through education,
Development Goals which target to reduce extreme poverty by the end of 2015 (www.unfpa.
gender budgeting, and all those rights which are necessary for women to sustain their life in
org).
a suitable and appropriate environment, women entrepreneurship is another way to empower
them. In the process of industrialization and globalization, mass education, and a sense of The world population increased from 3.6 billion to 7 billion between 1970 and 2011.
right of equality in economic activity, women are putting their steps in the entrepreneurial As that population becomes more educated, its growth rate will slow down. The Human
world. They have to perform multifaceted roles in society along with their professional life. Development Report of 1995 focused on gender inequality in the development process of
various countries. It highlighted the fact that among 900 million illiterates in the developing
A recent study in the United States indicated that 1 out of every 11 adult women is an
world, women outnumbered men. Among the 1.3 billion people in poverty, 70 per cent were
entrepreneur. Women business owners generated overall employment of 18 million workers
women. But the invisible non- monitored contribution of women to the world output was
and earned from $2 to $3 trillion in U.S. economy revenues. Women substantially contribute
a staggering $ 11 trillion per annum i.e., nearly 50 per cent of the official estimated world
towards economic development and their contribution in the development process has
output of $ 22 trillion. The report also said that women's position was unenviable in all
been continually increasing all over the world. The steep rise in the number of female
countries and in all respects. Even in administrative and managerial careers, women were far
entrepreneurs can be attributed to many reasons like passion to pursue their ideas, the desire
behind. In India in 1992, women accounted for 2.3 per cent of employed in the carder and
to become self-employed, and the urge to address philanthropic causes and this is at par with
the rest were occupied by men.
the rationale of their male counterparts. It is a truth that the women in almost all the known
societies of the world have not enjoyed the same status, privileges, rights, and powers as men The Gender-related Development Index (GDI) and the Gender Empowerment Measure
(Mayoux, L, 2000). (GEM) were introduced in 1995 in the Human Development Report of the UNDP to add
these measurements of gender-sensitive dimensions to the Human Development Index
According to Human Development in South Asia Report (2000), Women's Empowerment
(HDI).
is a change in the context of a woman's life, which enables her to increase her capacity for
leading a successful human life. Women's empowerment is one of the essential factors that
promote human development. The Programme of Action of the International Conference
on Population and Development envisages that the empowering and ensuring autonomy
of women thereby improving their political, social, economic, and health status are highly
Figure 1: Global Gender Gap Index Table:1 The Global Gender Gap Index rankings in South Asia, 2021
Source: World Economic Forum (WEF)-Global Gender Gap Index, 2021. According to the report of the South Asia's Global/Regional-wise Gender Gap Index, 2021,
It is observed from the above diagram of the Global Gender Gap Index 2021 of WEF, that India got 6th regional rank and 140th global rank as mentioned earlier, as detailed in Table
India ranked 140 globally out of 156 countries, and 62.5 per cent of the gender gap in the no.1.
gender parity in South Asia. India is ranked as 140 (slipped 28 places) among 156 countries,
Figure 3 : Country-wise Human Development Index Rank, 2019
as per the Global Gender Gap Report 2021, by World Economic Forum. In 2020, India was
at 112th position among 153 countries. Iceland remains the topper as the most gender-equal
country in the world for the twelfth time.
Source: World Economic Forum (WEF)- Global Gender Gap Index 2021.
Table 2: Country-wise Human Development Index Rank, 2019 Gender equality apart from being a fundamental right is a necessity for a peaceful and
sustainable world. When compared to the past decades we see positive changes with regard
Country HDI Rank (2019) Change from 2018
to gender equality. The enrolment of girls in the schools increased, fewer girls are forced
Russia 52 -3 into early marriages and more women take up leadership roles. Covid-19 is said to have
Sri Lanka 72 1 reversed the limited progress that has been made on gender equality and women's rights.
Brazil 84 0 Disproportionate role is assigned to women in responding to the virus, including as frontline
China 85 2 healthcare workers and caretakers at home. The unpaid job of women at home increased
many folds during lock down times, especially due to the school closures and the increased
South Africa 114 1
need of care for elderly people.
India 131 -2
Bangladesh 133 1 3.3 Women empowerment: Indian scenario
Nepal 142 1 Economic empowerment is a sine qua non for enhancing the status of women in the society in
Pakisthan 154 0 any developing economy like India as Indian women are deprived of many socio-economic
benefits and status in the society. They are backward in many ways in the society though they
Source: World Economic Forum (WEF)- Global Gender Gap Index 2021.
constitute considerably in the total population. As per the 2001 census, women constituted
Interestingly, India dropped a place in the overall Human Development Index (HDI) ranking about 48 per cent of the total population of the country. In India, women head only 10 per cent
though improved in its absolute value of HDI to 0.645 in 2019 from 0.642 in 2018, a change of the total household, and the ownership of land and other assets are mainly in the name of
of -2 from 2018. We have miles to go to reach the considerable global HDI, followed by the men of the family. Moreover, women in the economically active age group 15-59 years
Bangladesh and Nepal. India dropped a place in the overall Human Development Global constitute 58.4 per cent of the total women population. For empowering women, this needs
Gender Gap Report which is annually published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). It to be targeted because if a woman is economically empowered it becomes much easier for
benchmarks countries on their progress towards gender parity in four dimensions: Economic her to become socially empowered. These women need to take part actively in education/
participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political training, employment, income generation, and developmental process. The situation is so
empowerment (WEF, 2021). worst in the case of women in backward areas. Keeping in view the plight of Indian women
particularly, the government of India has been taking a lot of measures to improve the living
Table 3 : India's profile in world gender gap: Score comparison in 2006 standards and social status of the women. Accordingly, a plethora of programs for uplifting
and 2021 the status of women in society is taken up over some time.
2006 2021
Index / Factors The government of India has given importance to the development of women since the
Score Rank Score Rank Planning era. But only in the Sixth Five Year Plan the focus of the government changed
Global Gender Gap Index 0.601 98 0.625 140 from women welfare to the development of women. The Eighth Plan set vigil to ensure
Economic participation and opportunity 0.397 110 0.326 151 that benefits of development from different sectors do not negatively affect women. The
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh was set up in 1993 to meet the credit needs of poor women. The
Educational attainment 0.819 102 0.962 114
Ninth Plan was remarkable as it envisaged "empowerment of women" and “Convergence of
Health and survival 0.962 103 0.937 155 existing services" available in both women-specific and women-related sectors. The Tenth
Political empowerment 0.227 20 0.276 51 Plan (2002-07) planned at "empowering women as the agent of socio-economic change and
Source: World Economic Forum (WEF)- Global Gender Gap Index 2021. development". In tune with the recommendation of the National Policy for Empowerment of
Women, the Tenth Plan put forward a three-fold strategy for empowering women, through
Table no.3 presents the score comparison of India’s profile in world gender gap in 2006 and social empowerment, economic empowerment, and gender justice.
2021. It can be observed from the table that the global gender gap index score rose from
The socio-cultural pattern of the Indian society is largely based on the Hindu Caste system
0.601 in 2006 to 0.625 in 2021 and the rank rose from 98 in 2006 to 140 in 2021. It indicates
in which class, caste, ethnicity, and gender largely determine the socio-economic status of
that the global rank slipped 42 ranks from 2006 to 2021. Likewise, all other factors like
various populations. Moreover, Indian society is a patriarchal society with masculinity as
economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and
one of the characteristics in most of the families of the society which influence all aspects of
political empowerment also declined from 2006 to 2021.
the social, cultural, and economic life of the people (Oliver D'Souza, 2011).
Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) has important linkages with gender equality. 3.4 Women entrepreneurship as a means of women empowerment
For attaining gender equality, India has formulated several schemes and legislations that Entrepreneurship always depends on the entrepreneurial talent and efficiency and it is a
aim to empower women and enhance their participation in the economy. Unfortunately, notable development indicator from a socio-economic point of view. It has emerged as a
these initiatives have had only limited success. According to the WEF 2021 report, India new major force for economic change and women, along with men have to be encouraged
has slipped on the political empowerment index as well by 13.5 percentage points, and a to take part so that women empowerment and economic development can be attained
decline in the number of women ministers, from 23.1 per cent in 2019 to 9.1 per cent in together. Entrepreneurship requires the ability to take the risk and coordinate the factors of
2021.But it still scored relatively well compared to other countries, ranking at 51 in women's production efficiently in an uncertain environment. Generally, women can work hard with
participation in politics. In the index of education attainment, India has been ranked at 114. a lot of commitment and dedication and their entrepreneurial qualities make a considerable
The WEF's Global Gender Gap Report 2021, indicates the following in the Indian context influence on the success and failure of organizations. This has been widely recognized by
(WEF, 2021). the planners and they often emphasize moulding talented women as entrepreneurs who can
1. India ranked 140 among 150 countries in the overall global rankings. It is noticed that transform the destiny of our nation with their business involvement.
India has fallen 28 places in the overall ranking globally.
The Government of India has defined women entrepreneurship as an enterprise owned and
2. In South Asia, India lagging behind the neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal,
operated by women with a minimum of 51 per cent financial interest and women employees.
Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
Women entrepreneurs can perform the same tasks and responsibilities as their male
3. India’s position in the political empowerment index decreased by 13.5 percentage counterparts. They need to explore the prospects of starting a new enterprise; undertake risks,
points. introduce innovations, coordinate administration, control business, and provide effective
4. India has ranked 114th in the index of education attainment. leadership in all aspects of the business (Frankel, FR, 1997). Women should be encouraged
5. India has fared badly in Health and Survival, which includes sex ratio and economic to free themselves from the shackles of conservative traditional customs, which confine
participation in national and regional economic activity. them mostly to household activities. Because of their capacity for hard work, commitment,
6. In India, the estimated earned income of women is only one-fifth of men's, which puts and sense of responsibility they should be properly motivated and their talents and abilities
the country among the bottom 10 globally on this indicator. have to be nurtured. In the small-scale industrial sector, there is considerable scope for their
gainful employment and they can improve their standard of living, their own as well as that
In India the proportion of women in senior and managerial positions remains very low; only of people in general. But as the situation now prevails, there is no perceptible improvement
14.6 percent of these positions are held by women and there are only 8.9 percent of firms in women entrepreneurship. It is most unfortunate because, in India’s population, women are
with female top-level managers. Further, the estimated earned income of women in India is on par with men. But their participation in economic activity and share of income in the total
only one-fifth of that of men, which puts the country among the bottom ten globally on this resources of the country are pitiably very low.
indicator, it said. Discrimination against women is also reflected in the health and survival
In India, the ownership and management of business and industry has long been considered
sub-index statistics. With 93.7 percent of this gap closed to date, India ranks among the
a male prerogative. It is important to note that as per the Planning Commission estimates,
bottom five countries in this sub-index. Wide gaps in sex ratio at birth are due to the high
the total requirement of employment during 1990-95 would be about 65 million and during
incidence of gender-based sex-selective practices. In addition, more than one in four women
the decade 1995-2005, it would be 105 million, of which the major employment seekers
has faced intimate violence in her lifetime, as explained in the report. "Conversely, 96.2%
would be from rural areas. Therefore, it is necessary to develop small-scale industrial
of the educational attainment sub-index gender gap has been closed, with parity achieved in
units in areas where there is chronic unemployment, dearth of capital, lack of appropriate
primary, secondary and tertiary education. Yet, gender gaps persist in terms of literacy: one-
technical know-how, and certain inherent structural imbalances in the economy. Because
third of women are illiterate (34.2%) compared to 17.6% of men," the report added (Global
this sector has a high potential for the generation of employment, the scope for dispersal
Gender Gap Index 2021).
of industrial units, narrowing down regional imbalances, utilization of hitherto untapped
The extent of gender inequality is evident from the high incidence of violence against locally available resources, and for the promotion of entrepreneurship among women.
women, including violence at homes. Studies reveal that over one-third of adult women in Towards this end, the Government of India has taken several measures in the area of
India have experienced sexual or physical violence. Domestic violence is one of the most finance and managerial assistance for the promotion of women's enterprises. Despite these
common forms of cruelty faced by women. These high levels of tolerance for domestic measures, the small-scale units are still plagued by a series of problems. The crux of the
violence reveals the need for increased efforts to raise awareness of women's rights and the problem is that women entrepreneurs are found lacking in initiative, motivation, innovation,
law among both women and men and community leaders (ADB, 2013). and the spirit of encountering risks which are closely associated with all business operations
whether of women or men. Male domination encouraged by the long-established tradition and trying to bring them into the fold of industrial activity. But it seems that women have
of patriarchy practice has almost conditioned most of the women to a life of obedience, not responded as favourably as expected. Probably the customs and tradition are generally
submissiveness, silent suffering, self-denial, and scarify as if these are great and inviolable against their assuming new roles, which are mistakenly regarded as roles of men.
virtues in themselves that all women should emulate. As a consonance, women’s direct,
Unemployment in rural areas has been on the increase and migration from rural to urban
active and dynamic participation in the economy and their contribution to its development
in search of livelihood has become a greater and vexing problem. An estimate by the
have been grossly reduced and confined.
Planning Commission placed employment backlog at about 28 million by the beginning of
Eight Plans. And their number is sure to have increased perceptibly since then. Among the
3.5 Women’s entrepreneurship - A present need
countless employment seekers, a major portion is from rural areas. Therefore, it is necessary
Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi asserted rightly: “My greatest hope is women. They
to develop small-scale industrial units in areas where there is chronic unemployment, dearth
want a helping hand to help them out of the well in which they had been kept. They made
of capital, lack of appropriate technical know-how, and certain inherent structural imbalances
record contribution during Satyagraha of 1931-32, they are waiting to be organized”. He also
and bottlenecks in the economy. As the small sector has a high potential for employment
said: “woman is the companion of the man gifted with equal mental capacities. She has the
generation, there is plenty of scope for the dispersal of industrial units over a wide area
right to participate in all walks of life along with men. She has the same right to freedom
so that regional imbalances are narrowed down, untapped local resources are utilized and
and liberty as a man. She is entitled to a supreme place in her sphere of activity as man is.
also entrepreneurship among women could be promoted in the process. Towards this, the
By sheer course of vicious customs, even the most ignorant and worthless men have been
government of India has tried to provide financial and managerial assistance.
enjoying superiority over women for whom they do not deserve and ought not to have”. In
India and other developing countries, the ownership and management of businesses and In India, a very substantial portion of women are unemployed though they can undertake
industry have long been male prerogatives. This situation, fortunately, is changing gradually varied activities including industrial activity. Therefore, it is essential to expose them to the
and in recent years women have begun to be aware of their potentials and their rights to various employment profit generating avenues and promote and develop entrepreneurship
participate in various economic activities including the fields of industry, service sector, and among them. And it is a fact that in some parts of our country, some women have established
business. Educated women in cities are making their way into non-conventional fields such beyond any doubt, their competence as successful entrepreneurs. But unfortunately, this
as consultancy, marketing, advertising, export of garments, interior decoration, handicrafts, development has taken place in cities only. And the rural women are still caught in the
dyeing and printing, food processing, Biotechnology, IT, etc. There is hardly a field in which targeted levels of poverty, restricting social traditions, customs, and prejudices. Hence, it is
they are not making their mark today. quite necessary to emancipate them and bring them into the fold of entrepreneurship.
The emergence of women entrepreneurs in India has increased over the years and it has
3.6 Scope of women’s entrepreneurship
significantly grown after the economic reforms in the 1990s. According to the Bain &
Women can venture into any area of business industry and the service sector depending on
Company report on women entrepreneurship, India has 13.5-15.7 million women-owned
their interest, inclination, and aptitude depends upon their educational background, family
enterprises, representing 20 per cent of all the enterprises. Most of them are managed and
social status, income level, nature of training if they have had any technical knowledge,
operated by a single person but provide direct employment for an estimated 22-27 million
entrepreneurial background, and so on. Women can venture into these and other activities
people. Even though the numbers show a sudden spurt in women entrepreneurship, a sizeable
by getting trained in those fields and the related areas. The government and allied agencies
number of these enterprises are run by male counterparts and the ownership of women remain
have been providing training facilities through various Entrepreneurship Development
only in papers. The virtue of women entrepreneurship has not been accepted in the traditional
Programmers (EDPs). Financial institutions are also directed to purvey financial and
Indian social setup and ignored its potential as a game-changer in women empowerment in
managerial assistance to women entrepreneurs. Women can choose to invest in MSMEs, the
the country. However, the urban population has acknowledged the capability of women and
cooperative sector, or the khadi and village Industries sector.
entrusted them with greater responsibilities in the corporate world.
MSME Sector: The micro and small-scale Sector is a major area in which enthusiastic,
The Government of India has undertaken several programs wherein entrepreneurs are trained
talented women can start several small units. The field is vast and as many prospective
on all, technical, managerial and other related skills so that they may enter the industrial field
women, entrepreneurs, as can venture, would find openings in it. It provides avenues in
confidently with risk-bearing capacity and manage their units on scientific lines. In this
various areas where raw material and labour and other infrastructural facilities are abundantly
context, it is important to recognize that in entrepreneurship development equal importance
available. It is easy to start units in this sector as it depends totally on locally available
has to be given to potential and prospective women entrepreneurs. Given the important
resources. All entrepreneurs who are prepared to invest up to Rs.75 lakhs in fixed assets
role women can play in the industrial scene, the Government of India is encouraging them
can start a tiny unit in rural and backward areas. There is fair evidence of women all by
themselves managing tiny sectors very successfully. It is their commitment, hardworking 4. Discussion and Findings
and risk-bearing natures that make fortunes of their units and enable them to succeed. As
This study produced results which corroborate the findings of a great deal of the previous
women in India are still in the male dominating environment, it needs some effort for them
work in women entrepreneurship. The expert interview with the women entrepreneurs was
to break themselves free of restriction to prove themselves as successful entrepreneurs. As
used to collect context information and insights on their problems.
small units are labour-intensive based on indigenous technology, locally available resources,
and their flexibility in changing the product line, it is not difficult for them to succeed in
this sector. Once women establish themselves as successful entrepreneurs, they can provide
4.1 Impediments to women entrepreneurship in India
employment opportunities to a considerable number of unemployed educated women. They The problems and constraints experienced by women entrepreneurs have resulted in
can start units in the manufacturing sector as well as the service sector in which there are restricting and inhibiting the expansion of women's entrepreneurship. The major barriers
several approaches for prospective women entrepreneurs. encountered by women entrepreneurs are:
Rural Sector: Rural industries are vital for the development of rural areas, though they a. Lower confidence in business skills:
are generally associated with agriculture, forest produce and handloom. Rural industries
In the male dominating social set-up, family members do not have much faith in women
are characterized by the high potential for employment and income generation. These
possessing the abilities of decision-making. They often underestimate the capabilities and
industries are using locally available raw materials and operate with low investments in
skills of their women. Similarly, as women are accepting a subordinate status, they too
plants and machinery. Women can successfully venture into various rural industries such
develop a false notion that men are more competent when it comes to financial matters.
as bee-keeping, making of hand-made papers, bags, carpentry, bio-gas, making of palm
gur, candles, perfumes, matchbox, soaps and non-edible oils, leather goods, processing of
b. Lack of working capital:
pulses and cereals, fruit-processing and the preservation etc. Increased women participation
in such ventures in rural areas leads to their self-sufficiency and greater economic freedom. When it comes to entrepreneurship, women are considered in the high-risk category by the
Microenterprises in rural areas have a commendable role in empowering women in rural potential funders. Indian women rarely own property and other valuable assets which can
areas. They provide gainful employment to women and helps to develop personal and social be used as collateral for loans. They often depend on their family for their financial needs.
capabilities in them. Women entrepreneurship in microenterprises gives them much needed Investors too have apprehensions to support entrepreneurial ventures by women.
financial independence, self-confidence and a better standard of living. Economic betterment
of women leads to equal socio-economic opportunities, gender justice, property rights, c. Socio-cultural barriers:
political representations and ultimately results in the overall development of the nation. Women have to perform multiple roles in the family and it is very difficult for them to
create a work-life balance unless they have been given flexible working hours and space.
3.7 Institutional support for women entrepreneurship in India The system of social setup is patriarchal in nature in which men hold predominant roles in
To foster women’s entrepreneurship in our country, several institutions have launched financial decision making, political representations and control of the property. In case of
special programs and schemes with a variety of packages. They are intended to provide financial stress in the family, the girl child has to leave education for her brother. Successful
financial as well as managerial support to them to set up their units in areas of their interest. women entrepreneurship requires overcoming all these socio-cultural barriers. As a result,
The government of India canalizes assistance through these institutions for developing their this impedes the progress of women and handicaps them in the world of work. So, while
ventures. In India, there are several credible institutions established for the development of putting a step ahead into the entrepreneurial world or any other profession, women need
women entrepreneurship, namely, Canara Bank Centre for Entrepreneurship Development to think several times because of lack of confidence, economic dependence, and social
for women (CED), Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Andhra Pradesh bindings.
State Financial Corporation (APSFC) Women Entrepreneurship Scheme, IFCI Interest
Subsidy Scheme, IDBI Mahila Vidhya Nidhi Scheme, National Institute for Entrepreneurship d. Safety in work and public places:
and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), Centre for Entrepreneurship Development Since women represent approximately 25 per cent of the total workforce in India, ensuring
of Karnataka (CEDOK), SBI Shree Shakthi Scheme etc. safety in work and public places is of utmost importance for the physical, intellectual,
emotional, the well-being of women. The root cause of violence and oppression against
women is the lack of a value system in society. The frequent atrocities against women at
workplaces restrict women’s mobility and thereby, their economic participation and freedom.
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Study on Wompreneurs' Work-Life Balance
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Abstract
UN Women (2018, 2020). The 1995 Fourth world conference on women, Beijing: UN Women.
The study explores the adversities faced by wompreneurs (Women Entrepreneurs) of Odisha
UN Women (2020). Facts & figures: Economic empowerment. Available at https://www.unwomen.org/
and talks about their work-life balance issues. The paper presents the viewpoint (motivation)
en/what-we-do/economic-empowerment/facts-and-figures.
of wompreneurs as to why they think of starting an enterprise of their own. Focus is also laid
World Economic Forum (2021). Global Gender Gap Report. Available at https://www.weforum.org. onthe supportive factors of wompreneurs and factors that disrupt maintaining their work-life
balance.The present exploratory paper is the outcome of a pilot study that has been performed
using thematic investigation & analysis to find out solutions for the above-mentioned issues.
For this paper, Qualitative research is used, which is conducted by assimilating data from
personal interviews and thematically analyzing it. Suggestions for better work-life balance
are given at the end. The area of work-life balance is devoid of studies in India, where
wompreneurs are expected to have a better work-life balance as they are their own "boss",
the paper tries to explore the authenticity of such assumptions. The model has been devised
with the above research objectives to provide insight into motivating factors and work-life
balance issues of wompreneurs, which can help the Government, policy-makers, research
fraternity and other training counselling institutions to emphasize such emerging issues that
would lead to empowered women as well as an empowered Nation.
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
Entrepreneurship is the initiation of a new venture with a futuristic approach by assembling
and utilizing capital, raw material, and manpower for developmental activities. The
term Entrepreneurship first came into usage byRichard Cantillon (1680-1734) as cited
in Landstorm(1999).During the early twentieth century, the only reason women joined
entrepreneurship was because of economic needs, to supplement family needs or the personal
loss(divorce or death) of a spouse. Later in the 1990's the thinking started to transform, the
rise in feminism bought about various changes in the living and standard of women, the
1 Prof.Dr. Sanjay Satapathy is the Vice Chancellor of Kalahandi University, Bhawanipatna, Odisha, India.
2 Dr.Anita Pareek, Cuttack,Odisha.
world started to recognize and accept women as entrepreneurs. And women started to opt The government of Odisha provide them training for the above activities and also sanctioning
for entrepreneurship as a preferable choice for greater flexibility and autonomy in managing loans at a minimum rate of interest, which has helped them to make products and sell them
life. Women preferred entrepreneurship so that they can manage their work-life balance to local markets as well as other districts to earn their living, become independent, and lead
better, i.e. the juggling of responsibility among work and family domains would be easier a better life.
with the flexibilities that entrepreneurship offers. The corporate world is not found very
appealing for women entrepreneurs nowadays owing to issues like gender biases, unequal 1.1.3 The urban wompreneurs
pay, and working hours, for which many women move towards the field of entrepreneurship Urban women of Odisha are scaling and reaching new heights in entrepreneurship in Odisha,
(Appelbaum Asham,&Argheyd, 2011). an article by 'The New Indian Express'(Women entrepreneurs in Odisha show the start-
up way,2018), stated that around 310 startups were registered in the year 2018, for the
Women entrepreneurs can be defined as a person with clarity in vision and entrepreneurial
amendment in the start-up policies in the year 2018 which focused to engage more and more
skills like identification of market opportunities, risk-taking nature, and achievement as the
women in entrepreneurial activity and empower them with various schemes and financial
key motivation as given by Vinze(1987).Wompreneurship is the entrepreneurial venturing
support. Women of Odisha are into all sectors today, including innovative health/medical
by enterprising women in mostly sustainable business tracks with 7C's (Creativity, Care,
care, apparel, jewellery designing, and food sector. Not only they are employing themselves
Consonance, Competence, Concatenation, Commitment, and Cooperation) (Satapathy,2018).
but creating employment for the general mass. Some of the urban wompreneurs of Odisha,
Though women's entrepreneurship has deep roots of origin the boost-up was only possible who have successfully led their start-up are:
after the rise in education, globalization, and availability of several schemes and programs • SumonaKarjee Mishra: Owner of Prantae Solutions, devising affordable technology for
by the government for women, which has led to the ultimate Women Empowerment in India various disorders.
as well Odisha. • Tara Das: Owner of Rajmouni Foods, for the famous sweet delicacy of Odisha 'the
Women entrepreneurs have proved to be building blocks of the economy, as India constitutes arishapitha'.
a nearly equal population of both men and women, in such a scenario, women's contribution • Palak Aggarwal: Owner of BattiGhar, providing innovative solutions through sustainable
as entrepreneurs are seemingly essential for building up a strong economy and leading to use of technology.
global prosperity. Thus the participation of women in the economy is essential for themselves, • AmbikaSatapathy: Owner of Zoo Fresh, fish and meat industry
for creating employment for others as well as for boosting up the entire economy. • Megha Aggarwal: Owner of KalaGhar, organic and handmade art crafts for home decor
• Leena Dutta: Owner of Bestray Infotech Private Limited, providing Information
1.1.1 Wompreneurs of Odisha Technology(I.T) solutions specialized in the healthcare sector.
The scenario with the state of Odisha shows that the population of men and women are • Sukriti Patnaik: Owner of ' Indulge salons'
nearly equal and more women are employing themselves in various entrepreneurial • SushmiNayakKanungo: Owner of Hot Mix Plant
activities. This is believed to hit the economy of the state appealingly in recent years. Women • SubhraraniMohanty: Owner of S.S.Associates, Low carbon stoves
Entrepreneurship in Odisha is active both at rural and urban levels. • BaijayantiRoutray : Owner of United Foods, Bakery.
• Jangyaseni Jena: Owner of GobindaDhupakathi (Incense sticks)
1.1.2 The rural wompreneurs:
• Supreeti Mishra: Owner of Glaze Group of Companies, has diversified in various areas.
Focusing on rural entrepreneurship, here women are majorly involved in agricultural
• Priyanka Padhi: Owner of Influidity Solutions, a business consulting firm.
activities, Self Help Group(SHG), or informal business activities. The Mission Shakti, a
Government of Odisha initiative to empower rural women by supporting SHG's, hasbought These wompreneurs have left no segregation wall of so-called men's work and women's
about a positive change in rural women, more women are earning their livelihoods by work, as they are visibly present in almost all sectors. The reason for such proactiveness
engaging in various entrepreneurial activities like: is Government support, friendly policies of work, financial helping hand, and a conducive
• Horticulture n Diary Buffalo ecosystem have all let the rise in entrepreneurship of women in Odisha. The Micro Small
• Floriculture n Poultry farming and Medium Enterprise(MSME) Department and Women and Child-Care Development
• Apiculture n Candle making Department of Odisha are equally alert about the needs of budding entrepreneurs and helping
• Bag and carpet making n Pickle making them to contribute towards the growing economy of Odisha.
• Stone carving n Incense sticks making
The following section gives a view about theMotivation factors, Supporting factors, and With time, the roles and duties of both men and women have experienced transformations.
work-life balance issues of wompreneurs, based on the extant literature: In the early days, men were the sole bread earners of the family, and women were household
caregivers. But during the Industrial Revolution, the family started behaving as a cohesive
unit and, all members of the family worked inconsiderate of their age to contribute to the
enhance the economic situation of the family. Thus women entered as a contributor. (Tilly
and Scott, 1978). The involvement of both spouses at work disrupts this balance and creates
imbalance (Boyum-Breen, 2006). Okafor and Amalu (2010) stated in their study about,
many women starting a venture to support the economic needs of the family.
Thus, from the above literature discussion, it is proposed that: Thus, from the above literature discussion, it is proposed that:
Premise2: Economic needs of the family have a positive influence on the development of Premise 4: Competencies havea positive influence on the development of women
women entrepreneurship entrepreneurship
Supporting factors for women entrepreneurs 2.2 Work-life Balance factors of women entrepreneurs
Spouse support Role conflict
Spouse support is considered as an essential factor in studies of female entrepreneurs, where Women have several roles to portray like wife, caregiver, mother, daughter (Casper,
it has been studied considered both as positively as well as negatively affecting factor. &Bianchi, 2001). The Social role theory entails that every role has an expectation attached
In the current study spousal support is taken as a support system, which provides bits of to it (Eagly, &Wood, 2011). And all the roles have to be performed in such a way that
advice, moral support and helps in the management of various tasks (McKay, 2001). A people connected with, get satisfaction in terms of expectations. Failure in roles often
supporting hand from a spouse helps women in managing their role conflicts and emotional leads to dissatisfaction from other members. Any incompetency in performing roles creates
strains(Berkowitz & Perkins, 1984). Spousal support also helps to reduce work-life balance a disturbance in both family and work-life (Greenhaus &Beutell, 1985). The coexistence
among wompreneurs(Kim & Ling, 2001). Many times husband supports their wife's ventures of various roles creates stress and anxiety (Eagle, Icenogle, Maes,& Miles 1998). A lot
because she brings new economic opportunities to the family by earning at par with her of conflicts have been identified, as an outcome of factors, such as overburden of roles,
husband(Kim& Ling, 2001). There have been findings which state that the recognition and uncertainty in roles, collision in the role, lack of independence, and avoiding reward system
contribution of wompreneurs bring happiness and satisfaction among spouse and family (Moore, 2000). This pressure of various roles from different domains of life and the stress to
members and they have a sense of pride that their daughter-in-law is contributing to society cope with them creates role conflicts and deteriorates the quality of life(Mauno, Kinnunen,
and bringing name and fame to their family. Rosenbaum and Cohen (1999) stated that &Ruokolainen, 2006).
wompreneurs with spousal support often face less stress and follow their passion ceaselessly.
(Dehle Larsen & Landers 2001) stated in the study that spousal support for wompreneurs is Thus, from the above literature discussion, it is proposed that:
the most desired and effective one among all other types of social supports. Premise 5: Role conflict has a negative influence on the development of women's
entrepreneurship.
Thus, from the above literature discussion, it is proposed that
Emotional instability
Premise 3: Supporting factors have a positive influence on the development of women
entrepreneurship The psychological stressors that create stress and anxiety are majorly from work, known
as 'work stress infusers' compared to 'family stress infusers'. The women who cannot
Competencies balance both domains often get burnout anxiety and get derive no satisfaction from any
The term competency was coined by Boyatzis (1982). He conducted a study that explored domain(Makowska,1998). The road to handling both work and family together often
100 competencies from a sample of 200 managers. Based on the finding, he defined create a crossroad situation for women and adversity affects the health and wellbeing of
competency as a certain behavior that matches with the demands of the job and parameters women(Carlson, Kacmar & Williams 2000.
of an organization, which ultimately results in the desired behavior. The terms like talent,
abilities, and competency are interchangeably used in the literature of research(Mitchelmore, Thus, from the above literature discussion, it is proposed that:
& Rowley, 2013). Competency in terms of entrepreneurship relates to developmental and
Premise 6: Emotional instability have a negative influence on the development of
growth steps taken towards new ventures (Bird, 1995). Women are said to be comparatively women entrepreneurship
weak than men in terms of financial skills and good at interpersonal relations(Collerette,
& Aubry, 1990), such an existing skillset give way to new opportunities in the field of 2.3 Objectives of the study
entrepreneurship. These skill-sets become the catalyst for wompreneurs which are non-
• To investigate the enterprise start-up motives for today's wompreneurs.
substitutable and rare in nature (Wernerfelt, 1984). Competency helps to c manage work
• To find out the Work-life balance issues that wompreneurs face nowadays
better and enhance performance. A person having a good skill set can manage situations
• To project the factors which wompreneurs believe to be their 'support factors'
better at home and work. The skillset helps wompreneurs to grow and excel at par with
society. Competencies are mostly inborn but can be developed and enhanced with time to • To present the suggestions given by wompreneurs in this study.
meet the growing needs, as the struggles of a competent individual become in a way easy
than a less competent person.
Threeentrepreneurs of the city were chosen for this study and the mode of interaction was
a face-to-face interview, where the name has been kept unidentified for privacy reasons Identification of Factors related to the Issues from Extant Literature
provided by them. The entrepreneurs are selected from three different sectors, to gain more Motivation Factors Support Factors Work-life balance factor
clarity sector-wise. The sole aim of these interviews is to prove the objectives of this study
Economic- Spousal- Role Emotional-
by enquiring about the motivating factors of their entrepreneurship, the supporting factors of Passion Competencies
Needs support conflict Instability
their entrepreneurship, and their key work-life balance issues. To achieve the objectivity of
this study the elaborated interviews are put as case studies where a case study is relevant for
a study of this kind having a limited geographic area and limited respondents (Zainal, 2007). Setting Premise for each Factor
Figure 1 : Cases were taken up for this study Identification of entrepreneurs from different sectors
The Methodology adopted for this study is given in Figure 2 by using a diagrammatical
approach. Proposed Model based on
Findings
Diagrammatic
representation of the
Methodology
Source: Authors
4. Case Description the school is among the best schools in Bhubaneswar. She is also a national awardee and
believes that passion is the strongest will and courage for a women entrepreneur, which
4.1 Case:1 helps her to achieve and balance all equations of life.
Mrs. A, a housewife from Bhubaneswar, havingthree children, wanted to start something on
her own, due to the financial requirements and ill health of her husband. She initially thought 4.3 Case:3
of a stitching/tailoring shop but due to lack of capital, she decided to start a business with Mrs. C is the owner of a beauty chain salon in Bhubaneswar. Not only she became a successful
whatever minimal resources she had and which required no extra training. She converted entrepreneur but bought about a revolution in Odisha salon industry by educating women
her passion for cooking into a business. The famous sweet delicacy of Odisha, with a few about make-up skills. Born and bought up in a highly educated family, she gained education
kilograms of raw material she started her business, in which she initially faced a lot of outside Odisha and finally worked across European countries with her husband. There she
troubles for the first six years. In the meantime, when her business started to grow, she was exposed to various fashion and trends and decided to make her passion into a business.
was at time betrayed by her staff who learned the recipe from her and started a business of In search of flexibility and pursuing her passion, she thought of leaving the corporate world
their own. With a lot of patience and hard work she, did not stop and continued to sell the and starting her salon chain in India, for which she took professional beauty and makeup
sweets. Having so many hardships and managing a family was no easy for her. Having the courses. To follow her dreams, she left the high-paid jobs and shifted to India and opened
role of a mother, wife, and entrepreneur who was budding gave her many challenges. And her salon in Bhubaneswar, with her spouse's support both, mentally and at work. The high-
the biggest struggle was marketing her goods, gradually she gave samples to the big hotels paid jobs could not satisfy her passion and she wanted a bigger name and recognition in this
of Bhubaneswar, and her efforts succeeded. She faced a lot of emotional challenges while industry. The risk of leaving a settled job abroad and coming back home town for a new
bearing so many hard situations altogether. Every component of her life sought attention venture created an immense emotional pressure, which bought in many challenges. But the
from her. Today, she has her own food company which sells sweet delicacy and other snacks, support network, zeal for a better earning, and the faith in her dreams gave her reasons to
all big restaurants are her customer and she takes party/ marriage orders. Recently she was start this venture. Having a daughter, she has multiple roles of mother, wife, and boss a huge
felicitated by Government. All of this was the outcome of her spouse and family support. number of salon staff but, she tries to create that balance and get energy from the smiling and
Her husband was the motivation and emotional backbone, where her children helped her in happy faces of her satisfied clients. She believes that, though imbalance and challenges will
all stages from making to marketing. The cooking skills she learned from her mother-in-law prevail each day, every problem has a solution, thus having love for your work and a support
helped her to gain recognition as an entrepreneur, where her passion today is taking her to structure can make women win any battle of life. She has also been recognized and awarded
new heights of success with every passing day. by various bodies for being a strong leader.
5. Findings and Discussion passion and needs they had, they tried to resolve and balance their issues, hence it has a
Though the journey of managing both work and family is not easy yet the case study project positive impact. The support factors in the discussed cases also prove to help get motivation
and manage work-life balance, which shows a positive impact. The work-life balance issues
that with few support factors both the spheres can be managed to a great extent. But in
harm the motivation and support factors, as these issues tend to create anxiety, health,
absence of family and other support factors wompreneurs at times needs to quit their work
work, and family conflicts due to which many womprenurs quit their venture and become
and in turn, destroy their motives and wishes to be an entrepreneur and establish their own
victimized due to paucity of stability and balance.
identity.
An entrepreneurial journey is never easy. Especially, as a woman, one may feel forced to
handle everything with balancing the household and work sphere. But, the truth is, no person
can do it all. To lead a healthy life, one must learn to balance self with work efficiently. So,
-ve blaming and treating oneself for everything would de-motivate the growth of women as
+ve - Positive impact bread earners. Rather the family, society, as well as government, should look for ways in
-ve - Negative impact which women can keep both their spheres at par and prove to be excellent entrepreneurs, and
Source: Authors thus be a part of the growth of the nation. Awareness and togetherness of women can bring
The figure. 3 is the proposed model, The Wompreneurial Balance Framework, which forth catalytic change in micro and macro levels.
establishes the relationship among the motivation factors, support factors and work- 1.10 Suggestion by wompreneurs via the personal interviews in the study, insights
life balance factors and the impact they owe on each other. The model is based upon the for managing better work-life balance and balanced life at large:
pieces of literature that authors have come across and cited in the Review Of Literature
• Identifying works that are truly important
and also insights are drawn from the case studies of this study. The support factors have a
• Allocating stipulated time to filter distractions: set boundaries
positive impact on both motivation and work life balance factors, as support factors provide
• Avoiding jumping between multiple lines and streamlining tasks.
a backbone to both these areas and possess a positive impact. The motivation factors if
• Creating a strong support network: take external help
are strong enough can spill a positive impact on work-life balance factors and decrease
• Follow health routine
the imbalance. Whereas the work-life balance issues hurt both motivation and well as
• Having practical expectations: having a perfect/stress-free life is a dream
support factors, as these issues, disturb the existing equilibrium and leads to many health
• Devote time for yourself
and emotional troubles. The discussed cases in this study show that wompreneurs who had
• Don't compare with others
strong motivation factors could be able to sustain their work-life balance, because of the
Kim, J., & Ling, C.,(2001). Work-family conflict of women entrepreneurs in Singapore.Women in Female Consumers Awareness Level on
Management Review, 16(5), 204–221.
Kirkwood, J. (2009) .Motivational factors in a push-pull theory of entrepreneurship. Gender in
Purchasing Online Beauty Products in
Management: An International Journal, 24(5), 346–364. Kathmandu Valley
Lewis, S., &Cooper, C.L. (2005). Work – Life Integration: Case Studies of Organisational Change, Seeprata Parajuli1, Bhawana Thapa2, Niranjan Devkota3, Udaya Raj
John Wiley & Sons, Chichester.
Paudel4, Saraswati Gautam5
Lewis, S., Gambles, R., &Rapoport, R. (2007). The constraints of a ‘work-life balanceapproach: an
international perspective. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 18 (3),
360-73.
Abstract
Maskowska Z.(1995) Psychosocial characteristics of work and family as a determinant of stress and
well-being of women: A preliminary study. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and
Environment Health 8, 215-22 Consumer awareness about their appearance and beauty results in the growing demand
Mauno, S., Kinnunen, U., &Ruokolainen, M. (2006). Exploring work and organisation based resources on the market for cosmetic and beauty products. Cosmetic used by consumers depends on
as moderators between work-family conflict, well-being and job attitudes. Work and Stress, various attributes such as size, consistency, brand name, brand loyalty and labeling. This
20(3),210–233. study therefore tries to analyze awareness level of female consumers on purchasing online
McKay, R. (2001). Women entrepreneurs: moving beyond family and flexibility. International Journal beauty products in Kathmandu valley. Descriptive method is employed in this study where
of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research,7 (4), 148–165. 285 female customers who buy cosmetics online are taken as sample for the study. Likewise,
awareness level is also measured with the help of awareness index. Findings of the study
Mitchelmore, S., & Rowley, J. (2013). Entrepreneurial competencies of women entrepreneurs pursuing
revealed that 95% females are aware about online purchase of cosmetic products. Likewise,
business growth. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 20 ( 1), 125-142.
both literate and illiterate women use online platforms to buy cosmetic products however,
Okafor, C., &Amalu, R. (2010) .Entrepreneurial motivations as determinants of women entrepreneurship
the ratio of literate women is higher. Also, the trend to buy cosmetics product is higher in
challenges. Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti BULLETIN, . 2(2), 67–77.
unmarried compared to married females. Thus, the study concludes effectiveness of online
Pereira, F.C. (2001) Representacao Social do Empresario, EdicoesSilabo, Lisboa. beauty products can be enhanced if online sites focuses on delivering quality products in
Rosenbaum, M.& Cohen, E., (1999). Equalitarian marriages, spousal support, resourcefulness, and reliable price to customers.
psychological distress among Israeli working women. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 54(1),
102-113.
Keywords: Female customers, Beauty products, Awareness, Kathmandu valley, Cosmetics
Sarri, K., &Trihopoulou, A. (2005).Female entrepreneurs' personal characteristics and
motivation: a review of the Greek situation. Women in Management Review, 20 (1), 24-36
1. Introduction
Satapathy, S.K.(2018) Wompreneurs(unpublished manuscript).
Tilly, L.A., & Scott, J.W. (1978), Women, Work, and Family, New York, NY The beauty products are witnessing tremendous growth on the market today and have
Vinze, M.D. (1987), Women Entrepreneurs in India: A Socio-Economic Study of Delhi, 1975-85.New become one of the world's leading industries (Priyanto, 2019). It is estimated that 15-20
Delhi: Mittal Publications, percent of the cosmetics market is rising annually in our country, Nepal. The demand for
Wernerfelt, B. (1984).A resource-based view of the firm.Strategic Management Journal, 5 (2) ,171- skin whitening dominates the phenomenon relative to other beauty products (Kumar, 2005).
180. Consumer awareness about their appearance and beauty results in the growing demand on
Women entrepreneurs in Odisha show the startup way (2018, December). The New Indian Express. the market for cosmetic and beauty products. Customers buy products based on their tastes,
Retrieved from https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2018/dec/02/women-entrepreneurs- desires and purchasing power (Cheung, Lee, & Rabjohn, 2008). Chaudhary (2018) entails
show-the-startup--way-1906145.html young people and adults in Nepal are more worried with their appearance and prefer to buy
Zainal, Z. (2007) Case Study as a Research Method. JurnalKemanusiaan, 9, 1-6 cosmetic products for that. Cosmetic used by consumers depends on various attributes such
as size, consistency, brand name, brand loyalty and labeling (Chaudhary, 2018). Earlier price
1 Seeprata Parajuli is the faculty at Quest Int’l College Pokhara University, Nepal.
2 Bhawana Thapa is the faculty at Quest Int’l College Pokhara University, Nepal.
3 Niranjan Devkota is the faculty at Quest Int’l College Pokhara University, Nepal.
4 Udaya Raj Paudel is the faculty at Quest Int’l College Pokhara University, Nepal.
5 Saraswati Gautam is the faculty at Quest Int’l College Pokhara University, Nepal.
used to be the major dominating factor for customers (Hsu, Yen, Chiu, & Chang, 2006) but neglect trying to understand such might (Bechan, & Ehsanul Hoque, 2016). Food and Drugs
now all of these variables are playing a major role in market dominance. Administration (FDA) has defined the difference between personal care products and beauty
products. Under the law, some of the products commonly referred to as "personal care
Marketing has a strong positive effect on customers' purchasing habits, and they have a
products" are beauty products. These include, for example, skin moisturizers, perfumes,
direct impact on consumers buying a product from a business they are well aware of (Ab
lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, shampoos, permanent
Rahman & Asrarhaghighi, 2015). Mirabi, Akbariyeh, & Tahmasebifard (2015) addresses the
waves, hair colors, toothpastes, and deodorants. Some, however, are regulated as drugs.
six stages of information, understanding, desire, interest, persuasion and purchase suggested
Among these are skin protectants (such as lip balms and diaper ointments), mouthwashes
by researchers before preparing or deciding to purchase the product. Online shopping in
marketed with therapeutic claims, antiperspirants, and treatments for dandruff or acne
Nepal is becoming increasingly popular by the day. Nearly all people with internet access
(Sameer, 2007).
have been drawn to online niche products at least once and many decide to buy it as well
(Shrestha, 2019). Yet unfortunately, many are left disappointed due to many problems Today, the worldwide beauty industry, which covers everything from hair and skin care to
with the online shopping experience. Online shopping websites in Nepal lack reviews and makeup, is an estimated $425 billion industry. In countries like Nepal, where society and
ratings of clients. Such portals may provide some discount or coupon codes for each review communities have experienced lots of financial related issues, however with the changing
received to encourage further customer interaction (Chaudhary, 2018). Chaudhary (2018) lifestyle of people lots of money has been spent in beauty products. Not just the female but
states that cosmetics that are used daily by females for beauty purpose have huge amount even men have been using beauty products in Nepal too (Shrestha, 2019). From casual day to
of chemicals in them. There are lots of beauty products used and purchased by individuals party day’s beauty products has become part of our everyday routine. Similar to the hundreds
and beauty parlors for the customers however they don’t assure quality (Himalayan News or perhaps thousands of grocery stores around town, there are cosmetic shops set up at every
Service, 2019). nook and corner of Kathmandu. From departmental stores to local beauty parlors, there is
no dearth of cosmetic products for potential customers (Anjana, 2017). Beauty products
Nepal imported Rs. 3.65 billion of cosmetic products in FY2015/16, while Rs. 3.24 billion
are mainly imported from abroad. Nepal gets its cosmetics products of various brands from
of cosmetic products entered the country in FY2014/15 (NRB, 2016). However, Nepalese
a number of different countries. Needless to say, like other imports, a significant share of
women still hesitate to buy the cosmetics product online dues various reasons. In Nepalese
cosmetics products available in Nepal is manufactured in India (Kumar, 2005).
context, while e-commerce is booming like anything, online shopping for cosmetics products
is still to be improved a lot (Devkota et al., 2021). It can be a difficult and deliberate decision The importance of cosmetics can be gauged by their best feature. The right cosmetic products
to buy beauty products because these decisions affect an individual's overall appearance. provide nutrition for skin, ensuring it stays hydrated and supple. Since your body needs
Thus, this study will help individual and beauty product sellers to learn about the consumer care and the right food, quality beauty products can give your body the nutrition it needs.
purchase behavior and its coverage. Also, there are various factors that directly and indirectly Cleansing and exfoliating removes impurities from the skin’s surface and also cleans out the
affect the purchase of beauty products. Many consumers today are particularly interested in pores. If left to their devices, these pores can fill with oil and then cause other skin issues
what they put on their bodies, with growing concerns about health and environment. This (Cash, & Smith, 1982). Women who work in the corporate sector know the importance of
study will also focus on impact of these products to the Nepalese female customers. Upon making the right impressions. They need the right beauty products to make sure they look
completion of this paper online purchase pattern of cosmetics or beauty products can be professional and are up to the mark. Employment laws suggest that candidates shouldn’t be
identified up to certain extent. judged on their appearance, but with the look on point there’s always a chance that female
can get a leg up (Mirabi et al., 2015).
Further part of this study is structured as follows: second section incorporates review of
literature followed by methods used in section three. Fourth section presents results followed Today social media plays greater role as a marketing platform for any companies and have
by discussion in fifth section. Finally last part concludes the study. greater role in influencing customers to purchase the products as well. As per the research
instagram, YouTube are generally popular for marketing content as well including market
2. Literature Review for beauty products and are effective source where customers rely upon to buy their beauty
products (Denton, 2019). As mentioned by Kinski (2017) there were 14.9 billion videos
Beauty gives blissful pleasure, which is why it is sought after (Feng, 2012). Every individual related to beauty products on You Tube and 700 million videos were being watched monthly.
seem to possess an inner need for beauty that is both primitive and rather intensive. We all However only 3% were actually uploaded or controlled by actual brands remaining 97%
want to experience beauty, and to be beautiful - whole industries are built on these needs were uploaded and reviewed by vloggers. Also, consumers want to see real results of the
(Kun, 2005). According to the French writer Anatole France, "beauty is the greatest power products being advertise so that they can expect same result with themselves.
in this world". So, obviously, it is a power to be reckoned with, and only a fool would
The research shows that online retail was projected to be $271.1 billion by 2011 (Forrester Figure 1 : Study Area
Research, 2006). Online shopping is quite adopted by people of this generation however
they also opt for in-store shopping (Millenials, 2015). Sebastianelli et al. (2008) mentioned
that women were more likely to use internet to buy clothes, beauty products and toys. For
instance, websites attracts women in buying clothes and beauty products by offering various
coupons and discounts.
3. Research Methods
3.1 Research design and study area
There are numbers of customers who purchase online products on daily basis and among
them, for this study customers who buy cosmetic products online particularly from
Kathmandu Valley are considered. Kathmandu valley is situated between 27 ° 32'13" and 27
° 32'13" latitudes. The latitudes of 27° 49'10" to the north, and the ranges of 85° 11'31" and
85°31'38" to the south the east, at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level. It occupies
an area of 899 square kilometers and is divided into three areas: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and
Bhaktapur, with a combined area of 665 square kilometers.
4. Result and Discussion 4.2 Status of female consumers’ on online purchase of beauty products
There are various groups of people who are extremely careful and interested in cosmetic
4.1 Socio-demographic characteristics products (Bosnjak et al., 2007). The importance of beauty products has increased as many
Among 285 female online cosmetic products purchaser taken for the study, it was seen that people want to stay young and attractive. Beauty products is not just about being beautiful
females of age 21-30 (62.45%) were more inclined towards purchase of online cosmetic but it enhances personality of girls, builds confidence and also maintains good perception
products. Likewise, this study also revealed that around 96% of the respondents have in others eyes.
attended formal education and 4% of online purchasers have not received formal education.
Among which most of the respondents (42.45% ) had intermediate level of education which Table 2 unleashed that among 285 respondents only 1% respondents does not use any kind
also showcase that both literate and illiterate females uses online sites to purchase their of beauty products remaining 99% uses beauty products in different forms. It was also
cosmetics and it is not necessary that only literate people could use sites for any online identified that most of the females (40%) who responded to this study has been using some
shopping though only few (5.61%) illiterate uses online tools for shopping cosmetics. kind of beauty products from 5-10 years. However, only 8% female stated that they have
been using beauty products since 20 years that means the craze for beauty products among
Table 1 : Socio-Demographic Characteristics females in Nepal has just emerged and that with the emergence of online platforms and
social media. In many different cultures, beauty items are commonly used and embraced.
Variables Number Percentage
The artistic self-expression and self-identity factor can be attributed to the popularity of
Age beauty products (Kun, 2005).
Below 20 39 13.68
21-30 178 62.45 Table 2 : Status of females on beauty products consumption
31-40 54 18.94
Yes % No %
41-50 14 4.91
Use of beauty product(s) 281 99 4 1
Education
Influence of online advertisements on purchase of beauty 179 62.8 106 37.1
Illiterate 16 5.61
products
Upto Primary Level 25 8.77
Visits websites/pages of cosmetic products 159 56 126 44
Upto Secondary Level 89 31.22
Intermediate 121 42.45 Influence of information related to success of cosmetic 221 77.6 64 22.5
Masters 30 10.52 products
Above Masters 4 1.40 View relatable advertisements on internet 205 72 80 28
In case of online purchase of beauty products the most important factor the affects the most Price influence 205 72 80 28
is the marital status of women as women are married they are expected to spend the most. Colors, Text, and/or Shape of the Packaging Influence 179 62.8 106 37.2
If the women are married they are expected to spend more and more money in the cosmetic Superior Brand Choice 221 77.6 64 22.5
products and they tend to use lots of beauty products. However our study revealed that Shopaholic 160 56 125 44
51.22% respondents who buy cosmetics online are unmarried. This means unmarried ladies Attribute of beauty products 160 56 125 44
spend more on cosmetics while comparing to married woman. Note. Based on Researcher’s Calculation from Survey, 2020
Basically, females were found to use Lip Cosmetics, Eye Cosmetics, Hair Care Cosmetics
and Skin Care Cosmetics, Facial Products and Eye Cosmetics. However, majority of females
(185) were found to use lip cosmetic products and eye products were used by least number
of females (81). As with most industries, marketing and advertising internal processes have practices followed by the companies where they buy or are planning to buy any products which
become more effective and efficient by moving online and, thus, can cut costs and save time. also brings companies into pressure to follow social responsibility.
In line with this the study also shows that around 63% of respondents are directly influenced
Though Nepal is experiencing changes in shopping pattern, adopting online platforms for
by the online advertisement. The study further indicated that 56% customers’ visits websites
shopping price factor still plays crucial role while making purchase decision. But, while it is
and pages of beauty products before they purchase them on the other hand, 44% does not
the matter of cosmetic products 72% female stated that price factor does not influence them
visit any websites or pages while buying beauty products. The advertisements promote an
to buy cosmetic products, they try to purchase genuine quality which suits them, their skin
idealized lifestyle and manipulate readers to a certain extent into believing whatever that is
the most. But, 28% respondents feel that expensive beauty products are of better quality.
advertised is indeed true (Kaur et al., 2017).
Also, 62.8% cosmetic buyers stated that color, texts, shape of packaging influences them to
In our result, we found out that 221 out of 285 respondents are influenced by the information buy cosmetic products to greater extent. Salim Khraim (2011) states in the cosmetic market,
provided in the website or page about the success of the product given in advertisements luxury cosmetics, such as Max factor, L'Oreal, Revlon have a brand name picture of high
influenced them to purchase beauty product. This denotes that 77% of respondents do read and product class and broad recognition and customers opt for those products with stronger
check the information provided in the advertisement. Also, it was found that approximately brand name which can be stated true in this study as well, as 77.6% customers would make
28% of respondents do not relate themselves to the advertisement of beauty product while choice of superior brand products in comparison to non-branded products. Likewise, Out of
rest 72% of respondents can relate themselves. This shows that maximum respondents can 285 females 160 believe that they purchase of particular beauty product based on frequency
relate themselves to advertisement displayed by cosmetic companies. On the similar note of shopping with the brand and regularity to the website is discussed. And rests 125 do not
56% females agreed that guarantees made in an advertisement influenced them to purchase believe that they purchase of particular beauty product based on frequency of shopping
particular beauty product. Similarly, Family and friends affect young people’s behavior in with the brand and regularity to the website is discussed and 56% thinks brand is the most
various ways. Aidla (2011) set as example, traditions and values are very important in the important attribute to be considered while purchasing any beauty product.
family while among friends the significant factor is social pressure. 72% female denoted that
they do get influenced by friends and family while buying beauty products. 4.3 Preference on online purchase
Study showed that there are mainly five reasons for consumer to prefer online store to buy
Likewise, 72% respondents bought the beauty products because it was given during a
beauty products namely; Convenience, prompt service, comparability, business to consumer
consultation at a cosmetic counter of various departmental store and malls. This shows that
(B2C) and reasonable pricing.
it is an effective way to sell the beauty products by putting the store and stalls and giving
consultations to the customers that visits to the departmental stores and shopping malls for Figure 2 : Preference on Online Purchase
various products. Sometimes, they even get what they were searching for in such stores and
malls. According to a research done by Bailey (2011) women shop for skincare items as
a way to indulge themselves. They want to buy expensive-looking items from the luxury
brands and they want to be pampered at the beauty counter. Similar to the findings 56%
females in Kathmandu valley tend to buy beauty products because the company was offering
free gifts however, 44% would look for various other factors rather than gifts while buying
cosmetic products as they affect their health as well.
Consumers also feel more pleased with their purchase when it is part of a promotion. 179 out
of 285 respondents do get influenced by the beauty products promotional events and sale.
Promotion, events and sale can be conducted frequently in order to get good customer attention
in the field of marketing plus in the case of female products female tend to get more attracted
by these sales and offers. Social responsibility has been gaining attention of customers of Note. Based on Researcher’s Calculation from Survey, 2020
different segments. Likewise, customers who purchase beauty products have also seen to be
being aware towards the social responsibility that the cosmetic companies are practicing. In line Majority (45.9%) of customers prefer online purchase because they think they can compare
with the same factor it was found that 179 out of 285 respondents do get influenced whether price, quality and other various related factors from one site to another and one page to
or not the purchased beauty product’s company practices social responsibility. From this it can another which sells similar beauty products. Which could make their purchase decision easier.
also be said that in Nepal as well customers are being aware about the social responsibility However, 95.7% customers feel that pricings schemes of online shops are not reasonable.
Likewise, 39.6% prefer online purchasing due to convenience, 28.7% due to prompt service Table 3 : Awareness Index
and 27.1% due to B2C facility.
A Information sources Yes No
Online advertisements influenced me to purchase beauty products 218 67
Figure 3 : Reasons for not Choosing Online Purchase
I visit websites/pages that sell beauty products 175 110
Information about the success of the product given in advertisements 213 72
influenced me to purchase beauty product.
I am more likely to buy an beauty product if I can personally relate to 204 81
its advertisement
Guarantees made in an advertisement influenced me to purchase 194 91
beauty product
I bought beauty products after they were suggested by a friend or 205 80
family member
Awareness was measured in multiple factors which are explained accordingly. Then two of skill of seller. However, communicating skill of sellers is found to be causing less challenge
these three dimensions are evaluated at three ranges that are less aware, moderately aware (0.004%) on online purchase.
and highly aware. The ranking is shown by the index number. The 0-50 index is graded
as less aware and the 51-100 value index as highly aware. For the index, each respondent 4.6 Problems faced by consumers
with the answers to the given question is first calculated separately. In comparison with the Taking reference from our study 29% of respondents said that the major problems is of
users, further satisfaction level is then measured in conjunction with the gender, showing fraud, 24% said that low quality products is delivered, 14%said that the problem is with high
the percentage of male and female users' satisfaction level. Under awareness index we have cost, 17% said that the problem is delayed process,11 said that products do not match and
analyzed and considered various variables that further help to depict the awareness level of rest 5% said that the products are unreal ones.
the users on online shopping. Thus, the study found that 95% females are aware about the
online purchase of beauty products. Figure 5 : Problems Faced by Consumers
Therefore this study recommends that ensuring quality products, learning about competitor’s
next move, increasing online payment method and making users aware about it, giving
Note. Based on Researcher’s Calculation from Survey, 2020 discounts and offers to customers can enhance online purchasing pattern of female
customers towards beauty products. However, this study only covered awareness of females
5. Discussion customers from Kathmandu valley so for more effective and reliable result further study can
be conducted targeting women of different areas of Nepal.
This study finds that 95% of total respondents have knowledge of online shopping which the
awareness level of online purchase in Nepal is gaining betterment. Hsu et al. (2006) further
stated that the faith of other individuals, such as friends, authorities and groups, would have a
positive impact on social factors to influence a person to use IT and make purchase decision
accordingly. The component associated with the behavioral intent to payment electronically
also resulted in perceived ease of use in the online purchase behavior of beauty products in
this study and the finding is highly significant.
This study found that the Nepalese online shopping consumers appear to pay more attention
to the timely service and quality of product. Supporting the result of previous research, the
online purchase behavior of beauty product's features dominate the behavioral intention or
their judgment on the online purchase behavior of beauty products, including the effect of
social influence. Nepal is becoming increasingly popular by the day. Nearly all people with
internet access have been drawn to online niche products at least once and many decide to
buy it as well (Shrestha, 2019). Yet unfortunately, many are left disappointed due to many
problems with the online shopping experience. Online shopping websites in Nepal lack
reviews and ratings of clients. Such portals may provide some discount or coupon codes
for each review received to encourage further customer interaction (Chaudhary, 2018). This
could help new customers on their website who are looking to buy. Often, as they provide
incentives, internal penalties may be levied on comments with false opinions and seller-
harmful opinions.
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A Systematic Review on Blockchain is a community record that consequently stores and checks transactions.
Blockchain is a decentralized ledger of digital transactions. A blockchain is a long chain
Blockchain in Education: of connected data items that are saved on every participant device and can only be added
Opportunities and Challenges by a highest number of participant those who agree. There are public blockchains that
anybody may access and potentially contribute to, as well as private blockchains that are
only used within a company or organization. The blockchain at the heart of the Bitcoin
Navin Duwadi1
digital currency is the most well-known, but not the only, blockchain. The Digital ledger
technology (DLT) powers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies. Use cases for a
straightforward, obvious register of exchange information are various because DLT works
Abstract through a decentralized stage making it tamper-proof transactions (Ark, 2018).
This study focuses on bloackchain as an emerging technology regarding its use to restructure Every block in the blockchain can store a little volume of data (generally around 1 MB), which
the systems and advance education upon quality outcomes. What are the benefits of might be any information that has to be stored securely while still being widely disseminated.
integrating blockchain in education concerning system reformation and advancement in These might be information of monetary transactions (virtual currency) or exam credentials
developing better educational process for all encompassing learning outcomes? With the or learning records in the case of education (Sharples, & Domingue, 2016). That data is kept
recent developments of blockchain applications across multiple domains, the education on all participating devices and may be seen by anybody with the cryptographic ‘public key,'
industry seems to be benefited from this technology in considerable degree. Transcripts and but cannot changed or altered, even by the original author. The data records are timestamped,
certificates play a vital role in individual’s life so it needs to be stored in tamper-proof and ensuring a reliable and accurate record of the new information.
long term available ledger. In pursuant to addressing afore stated question, this study bring
information regarding what blockchain technology is, how it functions and what its uses The blockchain is an enormous and worldwide encoded data set that goes to the requirement
if it comes to integrate with education at different levels. This may include reviewing the for decentralization and security of cycles normal to general people and organizations,
conceptual/knowledge bases, research and development studies and sources that introduce finishing the syndication or monopoly of data by the elements that dealt with that data. In this
blcokchain including its features but with special highlight on how it has been integrated in sort of phenomenal and general arrangement, a group of individual records called "blocks"
the education sector especially in innovative situation. are joined in a “chain" that can't be altered, being approved by different PCs through the
Internet. An enormous, decentralized, encoded, and open book of records where different
To this end, this study was designed to provide a systematic review of all the literature focused specialists control the veracity of the information and guarantee its moral soundness were
on decentralized ledger technology. Multiple sources were reviewed following a systematic discussed. Its utilization incorporates the exchange of cryptographic forms of money,
pattern that allows selection of relevant sources, sort out information being guided by the decentralized programming, and the enrollment of charges, and a long record of exchanges,
research question and make final selection of required information that connects with what everything being equal. (Gomez, 2021)
and how of Blockchain in education.
In the beginning, blockchain technology was limited only to the digital currencies application
Keywords: Blockchain, Education, Ledgers, Certificate, Decentralized technology but these days there are lots of research undertaken to explore the importance of blockchain in
other domains such as healthcare, education, smart cities, banking, insurance, and many more.
1. Introduction The trend has shifted towards the security and verifiable system because blockchain provides
Blockchain technology was proposed by someone called Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 and an unbreakable and unhackable system for computer-based applications (Magazine, 2015).
was applied in a virtual currency application. Using blockchain technology, Nakamoto has
The new and quick advancement of dispersed figuring and blockchain innovation has
invented a digital currency called bitcoin. It is a peer-to-peer network that uses distributed
pushed us to reevaluate and reconsider a large number of the basic parts of the frameworks
ledger technology to store and disseminate information (Nakamoto, 2009). After Satoshi
of education, literacy and training. Ideas like trust, worth, protection, and personality are for
Nakamoto implemented blockchain technology to invent bitcoin there are many other
the most part, coming into question as another set-up of advancements has been introduced.
cryptocurrencies also started emerging on the market.
The recent and rapid advancement of distributed computing and blockchain technologies
has compelled to reconsider and redesign many of our established educational institutions.
A new set of technologies, concepts like trust, value, privacy, and identity are all being called
1 Navin Duwadi is a faculty for graduate studies at Global College International and a director of Department
of Information Technology. into question when the blockchain technology is brought into the academic institution.
The main concern of blockchain technology in the education sector is how this technology can 1.2 Objective
provide the secure as well as a trustable and traceable exchange of educational information.
The main goal of our research is to,
Later that information is shared among the multiple institutions in the field of education
including teaching and learning process that too encompass accreditation and validation of (i) analyze the evolution of blockchain-related research topics across time and venues,
educational achievements that are in turn secured in the ledger (Blockchain in education,
(ii) classify blockchain-related existing research,
2021). It has been found that Blockchain technology provides an environment where
individuals can be the custodian of their academic records and won’t necessarily require (iii) identify the opportunities and challenges of blockchain technology implementation in
any intermediaries to record or alter records. Issuance, validation, and sharing of certificates education, and
can also be done by education providers using blockchain technology, a cryptographic data (iv) map the connections between the discovered blockchain opportunities and challenges
exchange which will ultimately help to prevent the certificate frauds that are seen so often. with the identified research topics.
A revolutionary field for technologies is identified in the education sector, an emerging area 2. Review of Literature
where the requirement for the certificate is fundamental. It can be found on the multiple
In this section of the paper, some of the theories and ideas related to blockchain technology
research done by researchers, certain percentage of the applicants falsified the degree
certificates. The need to check this sort of data is presently not accidental and might be and its application in the educational process and institutions has been explained.
valuable to keep away from certain ensuing debates (Sharma, 2018). The blockchain simply refers to the data records that have been hosted on decentralized
Students’ records are a very crucial part of the education sector, and with blockchain networks and are a part of the blockchain and cannot be modified. Blockchain is a peer-
innovation, resources like learner participation, courses, and installments toward educational to-peer network that uses cryptography technology to keep data safe. In the blockchain,
cost on the off chance that they go to a public or private school, grades, coursework, and all existing records are managed by a group of nodes that cannot be owned by a single
surprisingly their certificate can turn out to be essential for their own blockchain record. Since entity so updating or even damaging records on all networks is nearly impossible. All of
these records can't be erased, this assists with information security in that it is permanent. the transactions that the block will bring are linked together so that they may be validated
Student records are the property of the students rather than to the school. With blockchain, and signed using cryptographic evidence that the blockchain and its volunteers have solved
no member can alter a record after it has been saved. On the unusual chance that a record (Guustaaf et al., 2021).
has a blunder, another record should be added to address it, and both the erroneous and right
records will stay apparent (Hance et al., 2021). The application of blockchain-like virtual currency such as Bitcoin uses the public key
infrastructure (PKI) mechanism. In PKI, generally, pair of a public and private key is
distributed to the users. The public key is used to identify the address of the currency wallet
1.1 Problem statement
and a private key is used to identify the authenticity of the user. The ledger of the transaction
Document forgery is a developing issue that requires immediate attention. In recent years, consists of the sender’s and receiver’s public key and the value of the transaction. In about
the fake replication of certificates has expanded dramatically, posing a threat to education ten minutes, the transaction will be written in a block (Yli-Huumo et al., 2016). A previously
policy stakeholders. Fake diplomas not only deceive companies and colleges, but they also
written block is then linked to this new block. All blocks, including information about each
deceive students. These days’ education institution and workforce seems to have victim of
transaction, are saved in the users' disk storage, which is referred to as nodes. Each node
the fraudulent academic documents. It is often found that some people have faked their
stores information about all Bitcoin network transactions and uses prior blocks to verify the
document to enter into the professional career. It has a negative impact on the society because
one without required qualification can damage the work force and the reputation of the integrity of each new transaction. Checking the accuracy of transactions rewards the nodes
organization where they are working. It was found that even some reputed companies have (Haugsbakken & Langseth, 2019). Mining is the term for this process, and it is supported
similar kind of issues on the past. In the context of developing countries like Nepal, people by Proof-of-Work, which is one of the key concepts in Blockchain technology. A consensus
are working in the sensitive areas such as medical industry and academic institution with the exists amongst all nodes when all transactions are successfully confirmed (Yli-Huumo et al.,
fake qualification that will eventually destroys life of the pupils. So, the immediate action 2016). The new blocks are linked to previous blocks and all the blocks are aligned in one
is needed to control the spread of the forgery documents and blockchain based verification continuous chain. This chain of blocks is the public ledger technique of Blockchain.
system will be able to address the issue.
According to Swan (2015) Blockchain is the decentralized overseeing strategy, intended
for distributing and moving cash for the clients of the digital currency. This strategy can
support the public record of all virtual currencies transaction that have at any point been
executed, with no control of a third-party association. The benefit of Blockchain is that the
public record can't be adjusted or erased after the information has been supported by all the network information conceals the underlying nature of the data (Iredale, 2021). Any
nodes. This is the reason Blockchain is well known of its information trustworthiness and input data is passed through a mathematical method that generates a different form of value,
security attributes (Casino et al., 2019). Blockchain innovation can likewise be applied to but the length remains constant. Each block in the ledger has its own hash and also contains
different sorts of users. It can, for instance establish an environment for virtual contracts the hash of the previous block. Users will be provided with a private key to access the data
and peer to peer information sharing in a cloud computing service (Swan, 2015). The solid and a public key to make the transaction (Daley, 2021).
place of Blockchain strategy, information trustworthiness, is the motivation behind why its
utilization stretches out additionally to different administrations and applications such as an 2.1.4 Distributed ledgers
education sector. In terms of hierarchy, all full nodes on the blockchain network are equal, and each node
behaves as an autonomous agent. On the local space, they store and maintain their own
2.1 Blockchain key features subsets of the shared ledger. This kind of decentralized storage can solve a lot of the issues
that a centralized system has. It is frequently utilized in the field of blockchain because it
2.1.1 Corruption proof transaction
can improve the system's reliability, availability, and access efficiency (Raman & Varshney,
There are several attractive blockchain qualities, but corruption proof is probably one of the
2018).
most important features of blockchain technology. Corruption proof also called Immutability
refers to the inability to change or alter anything (Iredale, 2021). This is one of the most
2.1.5 Consensus mechanism
important blockchain aspects for ensuring that the technology stays as it is - a permanent,
Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger. Each and every user has the right to store and
unchangeable network. Blockchain technology differs from traditional financial systems in
manage the database and all the users will have a copy of the ledger. A consensus mechanism
a few ways. It ensures the blockchain features through a collection of nodes rather than
refers to a set of rules that ensure all participants are on the same page of the ledger, thus
depending on centralized authorities (Haugsbakken & Langseth, 2019). The digital ledger is
ensuring that the blockchain information stored in each node is not falsified. Nowadays,
duplicated on every node in the system. To add a transaction, each node must first verify its
there are many consensus mechanisms available such as proof of stake (PoS), proof of work
legitimacy. If the majority agrees that it is correct, it is entered into the ledger. This increases
(PoW), and delegated proof of stake (DPoS) (Mingxiao et al., 2017).
transparency and makes it impenetrable to corruption (Iredale,2021).
As a result, no one can add any transaction blocks to the ledger without the approval of the 2.1.6 Quick settlement
majority of nodes. Furthermore, once the transaction blocks add to the ledger no one can Transaction in a traditional system takes a long time to settle down. Blockchain provides a
go back and alter the transaction. Thus, not any user will be able to change or delete the faster settle downtime for the transaction (Arndt, 2019). Comparing multiple applications
transaction added on the ledger. of blockchain such as virtual currencies and digital certificates in education. People travel
overseas for higher education and it will be very hectic for them to receive documents in
2.1.2 Decentralized technology a traditional way. Where Blockchains are now far too quick for them, and they can easily
The network is decentralized, which means there is no governing authority or one individual transmit money or receive documents using blockchain technology (Iredale, 2021). The
in charge of the network. The network is instead maintained by a collection of nodes, making smart contract system is another interesting fact. This may make it possible to conclude any
it decentralized. This is one of the most effective aspects of blockchain technology. The type of transaction more quickly. To this day, this is one of the most valuable blockchain
blockchain puts the users, in a simple position. Users can access the system straight from the characteristics. People can send and receive money or documents for a little cost now that
web and keep the assets there because it does not require any regulating authority. Anything the third party is out of the way.
from bitcoins to crucial documents, contracts, and other significant digital assets can be
stored. And, thanks to blockchain, the user will be able to exert direct control over them by 2.2 The benefits of blockchain in education
utilizing the private key (Iredale, 2021).
2.2.1 Enhanced transparency
2.1.3 Improved security The immutable ledger technology of blockchain produces a chronological record of real-
time events. This is excellent for validating transcripts, displaying a complete report card,
Cryptography, when combined with decentralization, adds another degree of security for
and keeping students up to date on their progress. When a student submits their assignment
individuals. Cryptography is a complicated mathematical procedure that protects against
via blockchain, they can't "lose" it or claim it was misplaced by the teacher (Daley, 2021).
attacks. Every piece of data on the blockchain is cryptographically hashed. In simple terms,
1) When and how often were blockchain research articles for education published?
2.2.4 Learning performance and personalization
The main aim of the research question is to identify the trends that includes the
Educators now have additional resources to monitor and oversee their pupils' performance
publication trends over the time in a multiple region and also helps to understand the
because to the transparency provided by blockchain data storage. Schools may provide a
research topic, blockchain in education is accepted by scientific research community as
fully tailored learning environment by employing smart contracts and their output as tools
a relevant research topic.
to determine where a student is lagging. Institutions across the school district can access
student performance data stored on a blockchain and utilize it to improve educational 2) What are the opportunities that blockchain technology could bring into the field of
processes (Pixelplex, 2021). education?
This research question intends to identify the opportunities of employing blockchain
3. Research Methodology technology for education that have been discovered in the peer-reviewed literature. It
will also aid future scholars in their efforts to enhance blockchain adoption in the realm
This study follows systematic literature review. Systematic literature review is a method of of education.
collecting, assessing, and interpreting all relevant research for a certain research question,
3) What are the various challenges while implementing blockchain technology in education?
topic area, or phenomenon of interest. Primary studies are individual studies that contribute
to a systematic review; a systematic review is a type of secondary study. A systematic This research question intends to identify the challenges of implementing blockchain
literature review was conducted by searching for relevant papers according to Petersen et technology for education that have been found from the peer-reviewed literatures. It will
al. (2008) principles. The systematic review process was chosen as research methodology also help future scholar to improve blockchain adoption in educational institution.
because the goal of the review was to explore the existing studies related to Blockchain
technology. The following subsections go over the steps of the guidelines.
3.3 Conducted search
A comprehensive literature search was conducted between August 2021 to address our core
The overall methodological approach includes the following,
research question, and the results were updated in September 2021. Scopus, IEEE Explorer,
1) Identify the need for a review, specify the research questions and develop a review ACM Digital library and Google scholar were utilized as the main scientific database, and
protocol. all paper titles were searched for the term blockchain, decentralized ledger, education and
2) Identify the research, select the studies, assess the quality, take notes and extract data, distributed ledger, and performed different combinations of keywords to search over the
synthesize the data. search engines. Additional searches were carried out using the referenced works of relevant
3) Carried out the survey applications with blockchain in use for academic purposes. articles. At the end of the process we have found around 300 publication in multiple databases.
3.4 Inclusion and exclusion criteria verification tool that helps screening candidate resume for further selection with the help of
3.4.1 Inclusion criteria the blockchain technology.
Paper that contains present application of blockchain technology in education field. 4.1.3 Gilgamesh platform
Peer-reviewed research articles, conference proceedings papers, book chapters, review Gilgamesh is a social platform based on San Jose, California for information exchange
papers, short surveys, serials etc. that present information about blockchain technology in that uses Ethereum smart contracts and blockchain technology. The network changes how
education. readers, critics, and authors interact and communicate with one another. Users can gain and
transmit knowledge in a secure environment using the Gilgamesh platform, which supports
Full paper available on the internet related to the blockchain technology in multiple domains. widespread learning and education and urges the human race to become more thinking
and information-centric (Tuson, 2018). Using the feature of the blockchain technology
3.4.2 Exclusion criteria Gilgamesh platform has provided secure and reliable platform for learners and educators to
Paper that are not written in English, paper without missing abstracts, notes and editorials. share common platform for certificate validation and verification.
4.1.7 Disciplina The second category, Student-centric Educational Record Management, included a variety
Disciplina based on Kesklinna, Tallinn, Estonia is a personalized learning management of topics. Students should be able to access and control their own educational data via
system that keeps track of learners' academic achievement using blockchain technology blockchain technology. For example, Liang and Zhao (Liang and Zhao, 2020) developed
(Daley, 2021). Each student is given a score based on their academic performance, a blockchain-based system for full quality assessment of students to overcome issues with
extracurricular activities engagement, and other accomplishments. These results are used keeping students' study data.
by schools and institutions that have registered on the platform to personalize the learning Furthermore, Blockchain can also function as a skilled based transformation bank. In
process and generate unique programs for each course. Disciplina also attempts to improve particular, the blockchain learning ledger keeps track of the users' knowledge and skills
communication between students and teachers by providing easy-to-use tools for grading, growth by recording extensive information about their learning experiences. All of them
rating, and reviewing. Recruitment firms and businesses can also use the platform to find can be converted into a type of digital currency and stored on a blockchain network in
potential employees (Pixelplex, 2021). accordance with a set of detailed standards. Students will be rewarded for their academic
efforts, which is also known as earning through learning. (Chen et al., 2018)
4.1.8 Parchment
Parchment based on Scottsdale, Arizona, provides digital credential services to students, Another application area, Blockchain-based Educational Institute Systems, contained
academic institutions, and companies, and uses blockchain in education. K-12 educators can research on blockchain applications for transferring academic credits between universities.
upload any significant developmental progress to the company's blockchain. The platform According to the articles analyzed, the blockchain may be utilized to efficiently share
is used by higher education institutions to assess academic merit, process applications, and information without the involvement of third parties or intermediaries. (Loukil et al., 2021).
issue unchangeable diplomas. Students also have 24/7 access to all educational information
and can simply share their academic achievements with potential employers and educational 4.3 Opportunities of integrating blockchain technology in education
institution (Daley, 2021). Many blockchain projects from various areas share the goal of reducing paper-based
workflows, lowering administrative expenses, and improving the efficiency of routine
4.1.9 Bitdegree procedures involving multiple parties. Arndt (2019) explains the blockchain is a technology
BitDegree based on Kaunas, Lithuania is more tech-focused online education platform that allows for the creation of a tamper-proof record that is shared by a number of
integrates blockchain ledgers and tokenization. To help more people learn about digital ledger stakeholders who may have competing interests and hence do not trust each other as the
technology and eventually adopt a blockchain-related career, the organization offers online sole source of information. As a result, various stakeholders can use blockchain systems
courses such as “Cryptocurrency for Dummies: Ethereum vs Bitcoin and Much More.” The to establish safe and trustworthy records. Furthermore, by merging blockchain and smart
site also encourages education by awarding tokenized scholarships for completion of the contracts, numerous operations involving several stakeholders may be reliably automated.
course or fulfillment of specified goals (Daley, 2021). Data stored by smart contracts may be traced in this way, holding parties accountable and
resulting in a highly transparent system that can be easily validated by third parties (Garcia-
Font, 2020). By implementing the blockchain technology in education, every document can
4.2 Applications of blockchain technology in education
be shared through digital media and reduces the administrative cost and creates the paperless
Some universities and institutes have begun to incorporate blockchain technology into
environment.
their educational programs, with the majority of them using it to assist academic degree
management and summative assessment of learning outcomes (Chen et al., 2018). The first According to Loukil et al., (2021) adopting the blockchain to secure and verify shared
category, Certificate Verification, included research on the use of blockchain technology evidence can improve the education area. Because student records are saved on a blockchain,
to create digital certificates that can be consulted and verified by third parties via an papers such as diplomas and certificates can be eternally secured and certified, even if the
untrustworthy and immutable proof system, or even revoked if they were issued incorrectly. institutions that issued them closed down or the entire educational system collapsed due to
Fake degrees, diplomas, and certificates are a serious issue in the educational area these days, conflicts or natural disasters. Because they can verify the validity of their certificates issued
and verifying their authenticity takes a lot of time and effort. Blockchain technology has the to third parties directly on the blockchain, the nature of blockchain technology can help
potential to help reduce certificate and degree fraud. As a result, a number of educational educational institutions save time and resources associated with transactions to confirm the
institutions have begun to employ this technology to develop a digital certificate that can be validity of their certificates issued to third parties.
consulted and validated by third parties via an unreliable and unchangeable proof system.
(Loukil et al., 2021). Some of the reviewed articles has explained that many blockchains also support smart
contracts. This means that lectures and courses can be written into the blockchain and
run automatically when certain criteria are satisfied. A teacher, for example, could • Interoperability and open design
assign assignments to students. The smart contracts on the blockchain may verify the These days many organizations and industries are adopting blockchain technology and there
accomplishment of each task automatically. Teachers might be paid in crypto tokens for is a trend that they develop their systems with different characteristics. Unfortunately, there
completing all responsibilities, and pupils could be given credits. This method might be used is no universal standard to activate separate networks to communicate with each other in
to lay out entire courses. (Cedeño et al., 2020) blockchain technology. Blockchain interoperability refers to the capability to share and
Students, teachers, professors, and researchers produce high-quality content on a regular access information across the network. This could be a challenge of blockchain technology
basis. However, getting published is a difficult task. Science has a long history of valuable in the field of education where student’s sensitive data will be shared across the network.
research that has been rejected by scientific publications for a variety of reasons: however, (Malavolta et al., 2019)
publishing on a blockchain could enable new writers, researchers, and others break into the
business. Blockchains may also aid in the administration of rights and the prevention of • Non-technological factors
piracy. Students and teachers who write stories, make music, documentaries, or other short
Blockchain engineers and experts
films could share their work on the blockchain. This would not only save time in finding
Blockchain technology is a new and emerging field and it can be found that there is still a lack
a publisher, but it would also defend against piracy, enhance copyright management, and
of skilled professionals, engineers, and experts on the market. With the rapid development of
reward the author directly based on how popular or well-rated their creations are. (Cedeño
blockchain applications in multiple domains, the demand for human resources of blockchain
et al., 2020)
technology is increasing (Ma & Fang, 2020). Most of the companies, either start-up or well
Blockchain technology also provides opportunity to create better learning platform in established are looking for blockchain developers to implement blockchain-based systems.
educational institutions. The creation of improved online learning platforms will benefit Nevertheless, the education field is sensitive so high-level research and development group
from blockchain technology. Universities, in particular, can create useful education systems is needed to develop and implement blockchain technology in the higher education sector.
and programs that connect students and teachers. Schools use the education idea to improve Because of the increasing demand on the market place blockchain professionals are very
access to and exchange of study resources. Users purchase internal tokens in order to request expensive to afford for the educational institution. Skilled professionals will be a huge
feedback from on-call online tutors. They can also access educational services and download challenge for an educational institution to implement blockchain technology.
learning materials. (NuWire, 2021)
• Lack of policy protection and practical experience
Tokens are earned when students on educational platforms view tutorials and invite new
The majority of blockchain research now focuses on disrupting the existing finance sector,
members to the system. When people connect with their material, content providers earn and its use in education is very new (Liang & Zhao, 2020). Furthermore, lack of policy
extra tokens. protection and relevant skills provide barriers to progress. First, decentralization will
have a significant impact on traditional educational institutions due to a lack of legislative
4.4 Challenges of integrating blockchain technology in education protection and supervision. The traditional education platform incurred significant losses,
This challenge invited teams to articulate a vision and design pilots that empowered all leading to a hostile attitude toward innovative applications among important institutions
learners, unlocked lifelong learning, and improved economic mobility. In doing so, the and departments. Second, due to the limited number of application instances, professionals
teams addressed various important characteristics of an ecosystem-first design approach: and researchers are waiting to see what happens next and lack the drive to promote new
applications. (Chen et al., 2018)
• Scalability
• Trust factors
The amount of transactions in blockchain technology is increasing every day and making
The trust factor is one of the major obstacles among blockchain users to implement blockchain
the distributed ledger bulky. In the blockchain, every node should store transaction records
technology. Especially in the education sector trust plays a vital role to keep student's and
and information (Zheng et al., 2017). With the increasing number of blockchain nodes in teacher's information securely over the blockchain network. There are two different types of
the network, it reduces the efficiency of the algorithms and the response time of the nodes. challenges related to trust. Firstly, the organizations may not be able to trust the technology
Although it has been said that blockchain technology is tamper-proof but still there are a lot and may not trust the other organization on a distributed ledger network. (Ma & Fang, 2020)
of cases where hackers have attacked the system so this challenge is not addressed properly
there will be a high risk of the leakage of teachers and student information. (Ma & Fang,
2020)
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