This article aims to determine the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on global investors. Moreover, the study uses market capitalization (proxy of firm size) as a moderator, where the effect of firm size on the relationship between ESG and global investors is assessed. This study measures linear and non-linear associations among the variables. Employing quantile regression for the 25th, 50th, and 75th quantiles, panel data regression analysis (QPDRA) is applied to examine the association between ESG score and global investors. For the study, data of 316 Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 listed non-financial enterprises in India during 12 years (2011–2023) are combined. The study found that ESG has positive and linear effects on global investors at low and moderate levels, whereas ESG has a negative non-linear association (forming an inverted U-shaped curve) with global investors as well. Furthermore, market capitalization also influences the relationship between ESG and global investors at low quantiles. This study’s findings help managers to consider firm size and ESG factors while attracting international investors to the business. The results also provide information on the potential future growth of corporations to the board of directors and other authorities. International shareholders’ activity and ownership diversification in small and large companies can improve sustainability disclosure standards. We do not observe any article reporting the linear and non-linear relationship where ESG, global investors, and market capitalization are assessed on Indian firms. The research’s conclusions can guide Indian businesses, outlining a workable structure for highlighting the value of ESG disclosure in investment aspects. Therefore, the current article ensures novelty and multiple contributions.

In the recent past, there has been a shift in the growth of sports leagues across the country, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) acting as a steer. Football, hockey, tennis, and many other sports have adopted the IPL format after the IPL was launched, as players get a platform and fans get a way to enjoy their favorite game in a new format. The development of many different sports leagues and the constant holding of significant sports events have led to the formation of a vibrant market that holds numerous opportunities for marketers. Sponsorship has emerged as the major marketing channel through which such brands can get visibility and engage fans in such leagues. This article aims to examine the performance of sponsorship within the IPL through the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA). This study is being done at the DEA and unveils marketing scholars and practitioners with sponsorship performance assessment and sponsorship decision-making so that marketers can employ the results of the DEA. This analysis could help marketers achieve the highest return on investment (ROI) by knowing which sponsorship opportunities in the IPL, and conceivably other Indian sports leagues, are feasible. This approach not only gives the tactical foundation for decision-making but also brings out the increasing importance of the analytical function in framing the marketing strategies, especially in the booming sector of sports leagues in India.

Unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB), a phenomenon that has emerged through corporate misconduct worldwide, stands as a challenge to organizational and societal sustainability. Despite its impact, the influence of gender on UPB and other related psychological variables remains underexplored. This study tries to understand the role of gender, particularly on how UPB, often related to masculine traits, is affected by psychological ownership and psychological contract (relational). Given the predominantly patriarchal society of India, this study gains relevance as ethical decision-making might be affected by traditional gender roles, where nurturance, frequently associated with women, might have a say. A sample of 300 employees working as sales executives, team leads, and managers from various Ed-tech institutes in India were selected and employed the UPB scale, psychological contract scale, and psychological ownership scale. The data were then subjected to correlation, regression, t -test, and moderation using SPSS-24 and Hayes Process Macro. Results revealed a significant association between UPB, psychological ownership, and psychological contract, where the latter two significantly predicted UPB. A significant gender difference was found among all three variables, where the relationship between psychological ownership and UPB was significantly higher among males. These findings are then explained using various theoretical and historical antecedents and ultimately shedding light on what needs to be done for its alleviation.

This study aims to understand the impact of two non-cognitive traits, propensity to plan (PPN) and grit, on subjective financial well-being (FWB) and financial behavior. It adopts the systems approach to family resource management as its theoretical foundation, where the PPN and grit [consistency of interest (CONI) and perseverance (PR)] serve as inputs, short-term financial behavior (STFB) and long-term financial behavior (LTFB) function as throughputs, and subjective FWB as the output. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected via a self-administered structured questionnaire from 200 faculty and researchers at selected higher education institutions in Kerala, India. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that CONI, STFB, and LTFB have positive direct effects on subjective FWB. Additionally, the indirect effects of PPN and PR on subjective FWB are mediated by LTFBs, such as savings and retirement planning. The study contributes to the literature on FWB by exploring the role of two non-cognitive traits, PPN and grit, in influencing subjective FWB, while highlighting the mediating role of financial behaviors. The findings offer implications for policymakers and higher education institutions to design tailored interventions that help this group effectively plan and achieve financial goals.

This article is based on a comprehensive investigation of the lived experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexual, and asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) individuals working in diverse fields within the urban Indian context. The study contributes to the mainstream discourse on diversity and inclusion (D&I) from the gender lens. It reveals how organizational policies, societal attitudes, and cultural norms in India influence the identity, family, and peer relationships, educational and workplace environments, support systems, and coping mechanisms of LGBTQIA+ professionals. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, data were obtained from interviews published on the “Feminism in India” website. Thematic analysis revealed seven themes, shedding light on the marginalization and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ communities, including the exclusion of trans individuals within feminist spaces and inadequate representation in Pride events. This research investigates nascent experiences within social and professional contexts and narrows down the focus to the LGBTQIA+ community in India. In this study, intersectionality theory is integrated to explain how sexual orientation merges with gender, caste, class, and religion to establish workplace inclusion, equity, and belonging. The themes identified in the study reveal that it is the social, personal, and structural relationships that influence the lives of LGBTQIA+ persons in urban India. Organizations and policymakers can only minimize discrimination and support positive development upon understanding these experiences.

This study aims to understand individual behavioral intentions toward mutual fund investors using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Financial knowledge is used as a moderating variable to test the relationship between the antecedents of investment intention. Convenience sampling was used to obtain 236 samples. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS and AMOS software. The research discovered that subjective norms and perceived behavioral control had a substantial impact on individuals’ intention to invest. Financial knowledge is positively moderated by the antecedents of investment intentions. This study suggests that following the initial phases of decision-making, investors seek information from a variety of sources, including feedback from family and friends, podcasts, social media, and prior experiences. Marketers and financial advisors should educate investors of all ages and education groups on where and how to select and build portfolios of mutual funds in financial markets.

Idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) are nonstandardized work arrangements that help employees balance their work and nonwork demands. Previous literature has paid increased attention to the concept of i-deals, yet there is a lack of clarity regarding the perception of i-deals among Indian women employees. India’s social context is patrifocal, where women face multiple work challenges. Women are more drawn toward nontraditional forms of employment because they prioritize balancing work and personal life. Therefore, the study investigates how i-deals mitigate challenges faced by women in their workplace using an exploratory research design. Data were collected by interviewing 20 women employees in the IT sector in India who had successfully negotiated i-deals. A content-coding method was used to analyze the interview transcripts, and the study findings show that reduced turnover intention, hedonic well-being, and career advancement are the critical outcomes of negotiating i-deals. We also discuss the theoretical and managerial implications.

This study aims to explore the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement on consumer-brand identification (C-B identification), electronic word of mouth (EWOM), and brand attitudes within the context of Indian banking. It delves into three key research problems: First, how does consumer engagement with CSR communication on social media contribute to favorable EWOM, C-B identification, and brand attitude? Second, how do C-B identification and EWOM directly impact EWOM and brand attitude, respectively? Third, what role does C-B identification play as a mediator between CSR engagement and EWOM? This study adds significant value to marketing and CSR literature by expanding our understanding of consumer CSR engagement on social media. It fills gaps in current knowledge by enhancing the applicability of findings, presenting an integrated framework, and examining multiple social media platforms. The findings in the current study will be of immense help to those banks who are keen to develop strong and long-term relationships with their consumers through CSR dialogues on social media.

This research article examines the dimensions of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in the cultivation and consumption of Kalanamak rice (KNR), a heritage and indigenous agricultural product of India. It explores the historical and contemporary roles of KNR in promoting or hindering DEIB within its cultural and agricultural contexts. The research is a unique attempt to construct the DEIB framework in KNR by using secondary resources and qualitative personal interview data, applying the grounded theory approach. The study provides insights into a rarely studied heritage/indigenous crop in India concerning the DEIB framework in its cultivation and consumption. The case study of KNR indicates that the equity and integration of marginal communities in KNR fall short of the desired level. Nonetheless, there is an acknowledgment of the necessity for progress in establishing a DEIB framework. Challenges such as insufficient financial resources and expertise, stemming from a prevailing power and privilege imbalance, are a threat to DEIB in KNR and need to be addressed by policymakers for the benefit of stakeholders. The article also highlights some of the government interventions to improve the DEIB of the KNR farmers and communities.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Supreme Court of India have taken a tough stand to allow for a withdrawal of open offers under the Takeover Code, 2011. Analyzing the regulations, it is clear that withdrawal, which did not exist in the earlier takeover regulations, is now allowed under conditions that render the withdrawal of an open offer impossible to complete. SEBI is vested with wide discretionary power under Regulation 27(1)(d), which reads as “such circumstances” of the Takeover Code, 1997, and so carried forward as Regulation 23(d) in the Takeover Code, 2011. The authors analyze the interpretation of “such circumstances” through the various judgments, highlighting the authorities’ understanding of such withdrawal. The self-placed restriction on such discretionary power is analyzed for its impact on merger and acquisition transactions. The importance of circumstances like market situation, the financial situation of the acquirer, material adverse changes, and nonreceipt of lender approval, whether it deserves a place in the regulation, and if yes, the mechanism to misuse of such provision and the protection of investor becomes the center of the article. The prima facie shift from not allowing withdrawal to debating for more clauses for withdrawal to be allowed, the article provides suggestions as felt necessary.