SEARCH ARTICLE

10 Pages : 162-176

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2017(II-II).10      10.31703/gssr.2017(II-II).10      Published : Dec 2017

Silencing the Silence: A Study of Women at Workplace

    This paper highlights the extent of women marginalization through silencing their voices at workplaces in the Pashtun society. Using the construct "muted group" theory a qualitative study of the participants with ages between 25 and 32 at Abdul Wali Khan Universy, Mardan (Pakistan) was undertaken. The analysis of response reveals that both males and females work equally, share equal work load, and can perform their duties well together. It is significant that despite the appearance of unbiased equal treatment to males and females the societal biases effect a reality that is contradictory to the facade of equality. The study established that males make use of authoritative language because of which females feel reluctant to share their thoughts openly due to the fear of being rejected at the work place. They conform to male domination and in this way appease the macho ego of males. Moreover, females are often made fun of when they talk; consequently they choose to remain silent. This marginalization explains why men think that women cannot share their thoughts clearly or cannot speak logically without realizing that there is something wrong with the way they deal with women.

    Gender Discrimination, Feminism, Muted Group Theory, Discrimination, Work Place, Pashtun.
    (1) Sayed Mahrukh
    Independent Researcher, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
    (2) Ayaz Ahmad
    Lecturer, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
    (3) Liaqat Iqbal
    Assistant Professor, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan

32 Pages : 318-329

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2021(VI-II).32      10.31703/gssr.2021(VI-II).32      Published : Jun 2021

YouTube Usage Motivation among Students: Uses and Gratification Analysis

    YouTube grow into one of the potential commercialization platforms after the inception of the Internet. Users can decide the content of the video by subscribing to popular trends. This research also aims to examine the motivation behind YouTube usage among the young generation in Pakistan. The researchers employed a descriptive quantitative approach and gathered data from n= 105 respondents from young students. Results indicated that the YouTube watching pattern among the students of AIOU showed that students use YouTube to satisfy their cognitive needs and gratify their personal, effective, and social integrative needs. Students also use YouTube for tension release. The majority of the students of AIOU use YouTube to get extra information about the topic they want to prepare for their exams. The students use YouTube to clear their concepts about specific topics and courses. Thus, it is concluded that students watch an aspiring video on YouTube, and they not only get entertained and are also motivated by these videos. Further, the research has concluded and highlighted significant study limitations accordingly.

    YouTube, Social Media, Uses and Gratification Theory, Pakistan Videos
    (1) Saadia Anwar Pasha
    Department of Mass Communication, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Amina Rasheed
    Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan
    (3) Sana Ali
    MPhil Scholar, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan

39 Pages : 392 - 405

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2021(VI-II).39      10.31703/gssr.2021(VI-II).39      Published : Jun 2021

Do the Investment Distortions Affect the Performance of Non-financial Firms of Pakistan?

    The investment decisions are very important for investors as it directly affects the firm's future profitability and shareholder's wealth. Firm managers are involved in making inefficient investment decisions in imperfect capital markets. This study aims to examine how the inefficient investment decisions influence the firm performance after controlling for the financial factors. The two steps System Generalized method of moments is used to examine the impact of investment distortion on firm performance. The empirical analysis is based on unbalanced annual panel data set of a sample of 324 non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange for the period 2015 to 2017. The results show that investment distortion is negatively affecting the performance of non-financial firms in Pakistan; irrespective of the proxy used to measure the firm performance. These results support the information asymmetry theory and agency theory, which explains why managers are involved in making sub-optimal investment decisions at the cost of shareholders' wealth and why their inefficient investment decisions can damage the value of the firm.

    Agency Theory, Information Asymmetry, Investment Distortions, Performance
    (1) Sameen Aftab
    Lecturer, Faculty of Management Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (2) Faisal Rizwan
    Associate Professor, Faculty of Management Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Abdul Rashid
    Professor, International Institute of Islamic Economics (IIIE), International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

06 Pages : 46-58

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).06      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).06      Published : Mar 2022

Theory of Deconstruction: A Study of Scholastic Scope Thereof

    This research article primarily dealt with the impact of theory of deconstruction in various disciplines; it endeavored to study the power of pervasion of this notable literary and philosophical theory into other areas of study including the field of education, too. Theory of deconstruction as propounded by Jacques Derrida, famous French abstruse thinker and philosopher of twentieth century, emphasizes the transient nature of the meaning of a text by finding various aporias -- a logical dis-junction in a text -- and impasses lying in the text whatever. Such aporias disturb the underlying system of logic of the text under consideration leading to its own negation.Being considered as the main building block of Postmodernism --a style and concept in the arts characterized by distrust of theories and ideologies and by the drawing of attention to conventions -- this aggrandized theory has pervaded a great many fields of knowledge changing their fundamental claims altogether . In this way, this theory has gained much attention in the realm of knowledge. This article, as a matter of fact, studies this very influence of theory of deconstruction in the realm of various disciplines.

    Theory, Deconstruction, Derrida, Education, Aporias, Postmodernism, Impact/influence.
    (1) Ghulam Sarwar Butt
    Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies, Government Associate College, Pasrur, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Naveed Khalid
    Resource Person, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Tariq Hussain
    Assistant Professor, Institute of Education and Research, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

38 Pages : 387-402

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-II).38      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-II).38      Published : Jun 2022

The Work Engagement and Job Characteristics: Systematic Review and Guidelines for Future Avenues

    This systematic review of forty articles aims to synthesise the increasing number of work done on work engagement and job characteristics by analysing the preferred sources from 2017 to 2021. The research studies were carefully chosen according to the researcher's inclusion criteria. The all-encompassing review of the literature has included an introduction,significance, and review of 'job characteristics theory, 'job demand theory', and elaborates innovative definition of 'work engagement' in the light of the literature review. The analyses were performed in terms of annual scientific production, most relevant sources, Bradford's law, source growth, tree map, and word dynamics through biblioshiny. MS Excel was used to evaluate the research studies. This systematic review will be beneficial to organisations and policymakers to plan the characteristics of jobs effectively to promote employee participation. Emphasis on the employees' work engagement and job characteristics will support apprehending the dream of a perfect workplace.

    Job Characteristics, Job Characteristics Theory, Job Demand Resource Theory, Systematic Review, Work Engagement
    (1) Maryam Gull
    Assistant Professor, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
    (2) Aliya Ahmed
    Dean of Business School, National College of Business Administration and Economics (NCBA and E), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
    (3) Sobia Hassan
    Department of Public Administration, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

29 Pages : 322-329

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).29      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).29      Published : Mar 2023

Nation and National Integration: Conceptual Perception

    The pursuit of harmony within a state is known as national integration. National integration connects all facets of society regardless of language, racial background, religion, race, or belief. It is a process based on harmony, interdependence, and most importantly, national awareness. National integration is a sentiment that unites a nation's population. The goal of national integration is to foster awareness of, pride in, and respect for the best elements of our national culture, aspirations, traditions, and a desire to advance our nation. The current study concentrates on several methods of national integration. Additionally, using secondary data, this study endeavour also outlines the notion of nation and nation characteristics.

    National Integration, Theory of Appealing Leadership, Consociational Democracy
    (1) Shamila Tabssum
    PhD Political Science, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Mehwish Aslam
    Visiting Lecturer, Department of International Relations, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Ghulam Mustafa
    Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

34 Pages : 375-384

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).34      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).34      Published : Mar 2023

Exploring the World of Artificial Intelligence: The Perception of the University Students about ChatGPT for Academic Purpose

    The study aims to explore the impact of ChatGPT on the writing skills of undergraduate students. This is a qualitative study in which 24 randomly selected students from two private sector universities in Karachi were interviewed and analyzed. The sample size was small but diversified, which was comprised of male and female BS (final year) students from humanities and sciences backgrounds.The data was classified into four categories to show different levels of responses from positive to negative. The result showed a mixed trend in which the majority of students were of the opinion that ChatGPT hinders creative writing, whereas the other group, was of the opinion that it is beneficial if used but under proper supervision / controlled conditions. The responses seem quite reasonable because ChatGPT is still in its infancy stage and may take some time to fully understand its technical aspects. However, more in-depth studies are required for its effective application in different academic areas.

    Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) Large Language Model (LLM), Rationalist Theory, Writing Skill
    (1) Atika A. Imran
    Lecturer, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Ajab Ali Lashari
    Lecturer Education, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

03 Pages : 26-41

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).03      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).03      Published : Jun 2023

Role of Individual's Subjective Well-Being in Exposure to Hate Material on Twitter; An Analysis of Lahore-Based University Students

    The research examines the association between hate material exposure and subjective well- being on Twitter using a sample of private and public universities in Lahore. The researcher aims to identify how life happiness & satisfaction are associated with higher exposure to hate material. Data is collected through an online survey (n = 400). The researcher used the theoretical framework of Routine Activity Theory. The findings of the research did not determine any significant relationship between the lower level of subjective well-being and exposure to hate material on Twitter (p > 0.05) because hatred content is easily available and accessible on the Internet and does not require any specific psychological or behavioural situation for having being exposed. Attention is given to the problems which become the cause of sharing hateful content online. The study recommends that SNS should focus more on policies to control hateful content as it is targeting people who result in violent behaviours.

    Subjective Well-being, Exposure, Online Hate Material, Routine Activity Theory
    (1) Farwa Manzoor
    M.Phil. Scholar, School of Media and Communication Studies, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Tanveer Hussain
    Assistant Professor, Department of Communication and Media Research, School of Communication Studies, University of Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

25 Pages : 274-283

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).25      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).25      Published : Jun 2023

Unlocking the Power of Schema Theory based Pre-Reading Activities: Enhancing Reading Comprehension at the Intermediate Level

    The study evaluated the efficacy of schema theory-based pre-reading activities in enhancing intermediate-level reading comprehension. The study was conducted solely on first-year English students at GHSS Togh Bala Kohat. The study involved 60 first-year students, divided into two groups of 30 participants each. The study employed two groups, a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group underwent five English lessons utilizing schema theory-based brainstorming activities while the control group received traditional instruction. Pre- and post-tests were administered to students to evaluate their performance and assess the outcomes of schema theory-based pre-reading exercises. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS. The study revealed that incorporating schema theory-based pre-reading exercises in teaching resulted in superior academic performance of students compared to those who were not exposed to such activities. After a period of four months, retention tests were conducted once more. The findings indicated that Schema-based pre-reading exercises improved students’ performance.

    Schema Theory, Cognitive Theory, Pre-Reading Activities
    (1) Shah Jehan
    Lecturer, Department of Education and Psychology, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Farid Ullah Khan
    Assistant Professor, Department of Education and Psychology, Kohat University of Science and Technology. Kohat, PK, Pakistan.
    (3) Abdul Wahab
    Lecturer, Department of Education and Psychology, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, KP, Pakistan.

01 Pages : 1-9

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-I).01      10.31703/gssr.2024(IX-I).01      Published : Mar 2024

Syntactic Analysis of Urdu Case Clitics as Postpositions in Comparison with English Prepositions

    The differences between Urdu and English pose many challenges for learners in Pakistan. One of them is the functioning of ‘Urdu case clitics as postpositions in comparison with English prepositions’. ‘Case Theory’ by Chomsky and Lasnik in 1977 has been implemented to qualitatively analyze whether Urdu accusative, dative and instrumental case clitics can function as Urdu postpositions in comparison with English prepositions. The study's major findings demonstrate that Urdu accusative case clitic ‘KO’ as well as Urdu dative case clitic ‘KO’ do not have structural compatibility with the English preposition ‘to’, hence, cannot be determined as Urdu postpositions. However, instrumental ‘se’ case clitics are harmonious to English prepositions to be called Urdu postpositions, for their placement in a sentence in relation to the noun they are modifying. The study also concludes the recommendation of further research to analyze the semantic properties of Urdu case clitics in comparison with English prepositions.

    Syntactic Theory, Syntactic Analysis, Urdu Case Clitics, Urdu Postpositions, English Prepositions
    (1) Sana Mahmood Qureshi Hashmi
    Lecturer, Department of English, National University of Modern Languages, Quetta Campus, Balochistan, Pakistan.