MANAGEMENT INSIGHT

Feminine Leadership in Contemporary India: “Deconstructing Cultural Resistance and Reclaiming Relational Authority in India”

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:29:18 +0000

Women in leadership roles continue to meet resistance from culture and social institutions in India, despite constitutional and eighty years
of legislative protection. In a socio-cultural environment that equates authority with traditional traits of masculinity, qualities of
femininity in leadership like empathy, collaboration, consensus-building, emotional wisdom, and long-term ethics are at cross-purposes.
The article explores why the double bind paradox, the likability penalty, the maternal wall, caste-gender intersections, religious
orthodoxy, safety constraints, and sustained "Bindi Ceiling" in corporate, political, educational, and community spheres continue to
silently grapple with as evidence from empirical studies, policy reports, and lived realities up to 2025. To India, neatly visualizing the
vision of holistic, inclusive education in NEP 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals, the episodes narrated in this paper make a
useful argument about the necessity of throwing away these obstacles.

HR Interventions for Improving Working Conditions, Labor Rights, Wages, and Social Security in the Informal Sector

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study attempts to propose a bottom-up community-based legislation of worker welfare approach using a top-down approach.
Therefore, it hopes to create a wholesome framework. It also aims to study the impact of, informality, weak enforcement and structural
inequality through the lens of international labour standards and constitutional jurisprudence.
The aim of this paper is to examine the possibilities of human resource interventions in the informal sector to make improvements in the
working conditions with the aim of protecting labour rights, increasing wages and extending social security.
In many developing countries, the sector uncovered by law and well-established institutions, i.e. the work force is the most significant
contributor to economic growth. As a result, informal workers suffer the most from exploitation, unpaid wages, unsafe working
conditions and financial insecurity.
The exclusions create a significant human rights problem as actual denial of just wages, decent working conditions and social protections
is often a threat, for example. There are now gross violations of basic standards of work for many informal workers despite the very
existence of laws to ban them.

HRM 5.0 and Employee performance with VIKOR under Fuzzy Environment

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:24:03 +0000

Digital transformation in organizations is increasingly converging with values of human-centered work place and Human Resource
Management 5.0 (HRM 5.0) is already on fire among the researchers and practitioners. This framework never considers the digital tools
as independent technical solutions but as the supplements of people-oriented HR practices- responsive, inclusive and sustainable work
systems are developed together. The methodology of the assessment of HRM 5.0 is difficult: a company has to measure the performance
in many different parameters, which are often contradictory and cannot be measured easily. Multi-criteria decision-making techniques,
especially in fuzzy environments, through VIKOR, offer systemic form of maneuvering such complexities.
This paper analyses the impact of the HRM 5.0 practices on the employee performance in terms of a fuzzy VIKOR decision framework. It
builds a theoretical framework where HRM 5.0 dimensions are connected to performance measures and decision science is employed to
shed light on such connections. The paper presents a stepwise methodology of assessing the HR practice impact on outcomes when the
conditions are disturbing by uncertainty and vague data and information gaps. The methodology of the study is the combination of fuzzy
set theory and VIKOR in relation to empirical analysis and practice ranking. In addition to the theoretical input, the work provides
valuable advice to managers working on human-centered digital HR and outlines new research directions in the unexplored area.

Rejuvenating the Concept of CSR through the Lens of Ancient Indian Wisdom

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:33:23 +0000

Corporations function as legal entities within society and hold a social responsibility toward both business and the community. The
accountability for the outcome of their operations is being recognized. Organizations now acknowledge that conducting business
ethically is essential for long-term social and economic sustainability. This has underpinnings in ancient Indian philosophy, that
emphasizes universal peace and well-being since long. The deep-rooted spiritual foundations reinforce the commitment to Corporate
Social Responsibility, commonly known CSR and the preservation of our environment for future generations. This article seeks to
examine the nature of CSR from a global perspective while tracing its origins in ancient Indian wisdom. It explores the integration of
spiritual principles from Indian traditions into the modern framework of corporate responsibility. The primary objective is to gain insights
from ancient teachings that establish a spiritual connection with CSR theories. Given this focus, the study adopts an exploratory approach
to investigate the philosophical underpinnings of CSR through the lens of Indian heritage. This paper deals with Carroll’s philosophy of
CSR which is the foundation of Indian framework of CSR and relate the ancient lessons related to social responsibility of business from
all ancient wisdom and found that current CSR framework is nothing but rejuvenated form of our ancient thoughts. Based on the
literature review, it was observed that many scholars have attempted to search the linkage of ancient Indian wisdom with management
theories, models, & leadership style but rare studies written on CSR and its historical background. Consequently, this article addresses a
gap in the existing literature and offers valuable insights into the subject. In summary, it can be inferred that ancient wisdom promotes an
inside-out approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which plays a vital role in fostering ethical conduct, effective governance,
and transparency—key elements in fulfilling the ultimate objectives of CSR.

BYJU’S: From Ed-Tech Unicorn to Industry Reset - An Analytical Review

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This case study looks at the development, growth, difficulties, and prospects of BYJU'S, the top ed-tech business in India, between 2013
and 2025. Through several billion-dollar investments and smart acquisitions, including Osmo, Aakash Educational Services, WhiteHat
Jr., Epic, and GeoGebra, the firm has grown from its $9 million initial funding in 2013 to become a global leader in ed-tech. Between 2020
and 2021, BYJU's position in K–12 education, test preparation, coding, early learning, and professional upskilling was greatly increased
by the quick acquisition frenzy. The study does, however, also draw attention to the significant issues and problems that BYJU'S faces,
including claims of pushy sales tactics, a bad workplace atmosphere, course misrepresentation, delayed financial reporting, valuation
markdowns, and trouble turning free users into paying subscribers. Hyper-growth gave way to consolidation between 2022 and 2025 as
the business struggled with financial strain, governance issues, layoffs, and restructuring demands. Despite these obstacles, BYJU's
future hinges on bolstering its core learning offerings, enhancing transparency, incorporating previous acquisitions, and implementing
sustainable business practices. The growth story of BYJU, the intricacies of its operational model, and the strategic changes required for
its long-term stability in the ed-tech industry are all thoroughly explained in this case study.

Cognitive Antecedents of Entrepreneurial Intention: Gendered Evidence from GEM India

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:22:10 +0000

Entrepreneurial intention has emerged as a significant predictor of entrepreneurial behaviour, particularly in developing economies
where entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a mechanism for employment generation, innovation, and economic
transformation. Drawing upon the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Social Cognitive Theory, this study examines the influence of self
efficacy and fear of failure on entrepreneurial intention across gender in India. The study utilizes secondary data from the Global
Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Adult Population Survey 2021, based on a nationally representative sample of 4,165 individuals aged
between 18 and 64 years.
Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted separately for male and female respondents to examine the influence of cognitive
antecedents on entrepreneurial intention. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial self-efficacy significantly and positively predicts
entrepreneurial intention among both genders. Women possessing entrepreneurial self-efficacy were found to be 4.381 times more likely
to exhibit entrepreneurial intention, whereas the odds for men increased by 3.504 times. Contrary to conventional expectations, fear of
failure also demonstrated a positive and statistically significant relationship with entrepreneurial intention among both male and female
respondents. These findings suggest that fear of failure may operate not merely as a psychological barrier but also as a motivational force
within the Indian entrepreneurial context.
The study contributes to entrepreneurship literature by offering gender-disaggregated evidence from a developing economy and by
reinterpreting the role of fear of failure in entrepreneurial cognition. The findings carry implications for entrepreneurship education,
public policy, and gender-sensitive entrepreneurial support systems aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial confidence and resilience.

The Impact of Technology and Digital Platforms on Freelancing: A Comprehensive Analysis

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:43:57 +0000

The global employment landscape has transformed significantly over the past two decades, with freelancing emerging as a major and
mainstream form of work. Once viewed as supplementary employment, freelancing is now embraced worldwide due to technological
advancements, evolving work cultures, economic pressures, and a growing desire for flexibility. This study examines the rapid rise of
freelancing in the global workforce, focusing on the drivers behind its growth, the role of digital platforms, and the challenges freelancers
face (Upwork, 2024). Using a descriptive and analytical approach, the research relies on secondary data drawn from peer-reviewed
journals, academic literature, and reputable databases (World Bank, 2023). A systematic review highlights key factors contributing to this
shift, including technological innovation, the mainstreaming of remote work after COVID-19, and changing worker
preferences—especially among younger generations who prioritize autonomy and work-life balance.
The findings show that technology is the most significant catalyst for the expansion of freelancing. Platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and
Freelancer have reduced entry barriers, making independent work more accessible (World Bank, 2023). Despite its advantages,
freelancing presents notable challenges, including income instability, lack of job-related benefits, job insecurity, and intense global
competition (Upwork, 2024). Weak regulatory frameworks and limited social protections heighten these issues, particularly in
developing regions (World Bank, 2023). Additionally, unequal access to digital infrastructure contributes to regional disparities in
freelance opportunities.
The study concludes that freelancing will continue to shape the future of work, supporting economic growth and global talent mobility. To
ensure sustainable development of the freelance sector, comprehensive policies, social security measures, skill-building initiatives, and
robust digital infrastructure are essential.

Digital Banking in India: An Analysis of Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:57:15 +0000

The banking industry plays a pivotal role of promoting economic development by ensuring seamless transactions and financial within
the various sectors of the economy. A revolutionary development in the field of banking sector was led by the creation of electronic
banking. Fulfillment of dynamic consumer requirements through reliable methods of virtual banking handled financial transactions more
efficiently.
Our study aims to analyse the key trends in e- banking in India, highlighting both the impediments and opportunities that shape its growth.
A firm understanding of the changing environments becomes essential to improve the services provided by financial institutions. Our
study is analytical in nature and relies on secondary data sources to explore the developments in digital banking. We examined various
aspects of digital banking, providing factual understandings into the sector’s efforts to enhance accessibility, security and consumer
experience.
This paper looks into the difficulties faced with cyber attacks, regulation and lack of digital literacy. We also explored the possible
advantages like financial inclusion, technological innovation and government support. By evaluating these aspects, the current study
provides a clear perspective on the future of internet banking in India.

Risk-Adjusted Performance Analysis of Conservative Hybrid Mutual Funds: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Sector Schemes in India

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 05:06:18 +0000

In the Indian capital market, wide range of investment avenues are available for individuals looking to grow their wealth, including equity
shares, bonds, treasury bills, corporate bonds, and mutual funds. Among these alternatives, mutual funds have emerged as one of the most
preferred investment options due to their potential to generate attractive returns while offering diversification and professional
management. In recent years, mutual funds have gained significant popularity as they pool funds from multiple investors and invest in a
diversified portfolio of securities in accordance with predefined investment objectives. Their professional management and ease of
investment make them particularly suitable for small investors with limited financial expertise or time. The present study was undertaken
to compare some selected conservative hybrid mutual fund schemes of the Indian mutual fund industry for a period from January 2020 to
December 2024. The main focus was on evaluating and comparing the performance of these funds and comparing their risk-return
characteristics. The analysis was based on historical NAVs, BSE S&P 500 data, and Factsheets published by various AMCs, etc. Various
statistical tools such as Rate of Return (RoR), Jensen Alpha, Beta, Standard Deviation, Sharpe Ratio, and Treynor’s Ratio for were used to
assess performance and risk-adjusted returns. The findings indicate that Kotak Debt Hybrid Fund (private sector) and Canara Robeco
Conservative Hybrid Fund (public sector) outperformed over the five-year study period. The study highlights the importance of
evaluating risk tolerance and investment objectives before selecting mutual fund schemes. Furthermore, investors should carefully
analyze historical performance and risk indicators to ensure that their investment choices align with their financial goals and risk
preferences.

Health Insurance in India: An insight from Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Agenda

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:06:18 +0000

Health insurance plays a vital role in advancing universal health coverage in India by reducing out-of-pocket expenditure and improving
access to healthcare services. This study presents a PRISMA-guided bibliometric review of health insurance research in India from 2015
to 2026, aiming to map publication trends, identify key authors, journals, and research themes, and highlight knowledge gaps. A
systematic search was conducted in major databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, using keywords related to health insurance and
India, and studies were screened and selected according to PRISMA criteria. Bibliometric indicators such as publication growth, citation
analysis, keyword co-occurrence, and co-authorship networks were analysed using VOSviewer. The results reveal a steady increase in
publications, particularly after 2015, with dominant themes including government-sponsored schemes, financial protection, healthcare
utilisation, and socio-economic determinants of insurance uptake. Notably, gaps remain in research on private insurance markets, rural
urban disparities, and technological integration in insurance delivery. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of
health insurance research in India over the past decade, offering insights for future studies and evidence-informed policy interventions.

Digital Inclusion and Women Entrepreneurship in Rural India: A Decade Review (2015-2025) and a Framework for Sustainable Development

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:28:52 +0000

This paper explores how digital inclusion fosters women entrepreneurship in rural India, promoting long-term sustainable development.
It examines the intersections between digital literacy, government initiatives (like Start-Up India and Mudra Yojana), microfinance
access and socio-cultural dynamics influencing rural women entrepreneurs. Drawing on literature published between 2015 and 2025, the
study highlights digital transformation as a critical enabler of women’s empowerment and economic participation. It identifies key
barriers limited education, financial constraints, patriarchal norms and psychological resistance and assesses the role of emerging
technologies (mobile banking, e-commerce, fintech) in overcoming these challenges. The paper proposes an integrated conceptual model
linking digital access, social support and entrepreneurial performance to sustainability outcomes. Findings underscore the need for
inclusive policy interventions, capacity-building and gender-sensitive ICT training to strengthen India’s rural entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The study contributes to sustainable development discourse by providing insights into how digital empowerment can drive gender equity,
economic resilience and social transformation in rural India.