DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTAN

Diversity management practices are becoming the norm of the day and a challenge for HR managers. Keeping this organizational reality in mind, the main purpose of the research is to explain the relationships between diversity management practices and organizational performance. Hypotheses has been developed and the diversity management practices, and the organizational performance have been measured using the Employees’ perception of diversity management practices (EPDMP) scale and on a sample size of 514 employees from public and private sector organizations across Pakistan. The results confirm the relationship between diversity management practices and organizational performance.  It has been concluded that higher workforce diversity does not automatically produce an inclusive climate, specific working environment is required to support workforce diversity where diverse employees are valued and appreciated. Lastly, some practical implications for HR managers and policy makers have also been discussed

IMPACT OF THE FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP DIMENSIONS ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN DIVERSE ORGANIZATION IN PAKISTAN

This paper examines the connections among the dimensions of functional leadership of situation clarification, strategy clarification, coordination leadership, and organizational performance within highly gender-diverse organizations in Pakistan. A sample of 500 employees from universities in Pakistan was taken. The data collection process was conducted among the university employees. For data analysis PLS-SEM through SmartPLS3 was employed. The results of the study indicate that within the higher education sector in Pakistan, the distinct dimensions of functional leadership of situation clarification, strategy clarification and coordination leadership individually exert a positive and noteworthy influence on organizational performance. These results carry strong message for leaders to adopt and apply these functional leadership dimensions to improve the overall performance of the organization. The findings strongly support the notion that implementing effective functional leadership dimensions of situation clarification, strategy clarification and coordination leadership can significantly enhance organizational performance. The outcomes robustly affirm the idea that the efficacy that these dimensions of functional leadership are pivotal in augmenting organizational performance

Relationship of Nucleated Red Blood Cells with Severity of Perinatal Asphyxia and its Short-Term Outcome

Objective: To compare the nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) counts of healthy and asphyxiated newborns as a key clinical indicator of the severity of birth asphyxia and short-term outcome. Methodology: This case control study was conducted at the department of neonatology of Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital Muzaffargarh from June 2020 to November 2020. Study A total of 112 term newborns, including 56 cases (with birth asphyxia) and 56 controls (normal babies) aged <24 hours, were included. After obtaining informed consent, blood samples were taken immediately after birth for the measurement of the NRBC count. All the enrolled cases were admitted to the NICU as per indication and observed for the severity of birth asphyxia. The relationship between the cord blood NRBC count and the severity of birth asphyxia was assessed. All the information was recorded using a self-structured study proforma, and SPSS version 26 was used for the purpose of data analysis. Results: The overall average age of the neonates was 6.18+2.66 hours. Mean age, birth weight, and gestational age were statistically insignificant in accordance to cases and controls. Males were in the majority (75.0%), and females were 25.0% of the case group. The mean NRBCs in the cases were 16.62 + 17.10, which was significantly higher than the controls at 1.69 + 2.42 (p- 0.0001). The neonatal NRBs average was statistically insignificant according to gender in both cases and controls, while it was significantly associated with the severity of perinatal hypoxia (p 0.0001). The average NRBC count was also significantly higher in cases of cardiomegaly, those having ventilation needs and respiratory distress. Conclusion: The mean NRBC was observed to be significantly higher in cases compared to controls. The NRBC was considered to be a non-invasive, simple prognostic marker for neonatal asphyxia, may indicate substantial severity of perinatal hypoxia and its related complications

From Younger to Older Workers: Goals, Tenure and the Psychological Contract

The study explains the goals’ based formation of relational PC (objective-1) differently for younger and older workers at shorter and longer tenures (objective-2). Hypotheses were developed lensing through SPF and PC theories. Moderated moderation of tenure by age on association between workers’ goals and relational contract were tested using multiple regression, on a sample of 538 employees from agriculture universities of Pakistan. The study found that older workers develop relational contract in pursuance to goals of comfort, stimulation and status, while younger to achieve comfort and stimulation only (objective-1). Further, based on goals of comfort and stimulation, the relational contract of younger workers remains strongest at shorter tenure, while the older workers’ remains strongest at longer tenure (objective-2). Finally, the older workers also develop stronger relational contract at longer tenure to achieve goal of status (objective-2). Based on findings, the study suggests some practical implications for employers that can be considered while devising HR policies (objective-3)

Diversity Management and Organizational Performance in Pakistan

Purpose The main purpose of research is to examine the relationships between diversity management and organizational performance along with the fostering role of leadership dimensions. Methodology Diversity management practices have been measured using the EPDMP scale on a sample of 514 employees from organizations across Pakistan and data were collected from employees of universities. The PLS-SEM was used as the main technique for data analysis. Findings Results show that higher workforce diversity does not automatically produce inclusive climate-specific diversity inclusive leadership dimensions are required to support diversity environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. Further, the results confirm that the diversity-inclusive leadership dimensions moderate the relationship between diversity management and organizational performance. Conclusions The study concluded that diversity management has a positive and significant direct impact on organizational performance. Therefore, policymakers need to devise human resource statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and practices that promote a heterogeneous workforce in organizations and offer equal opportunities to all employees unrestricted by individual employee identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, education, religion, function, and abilities. Practical implications The findings are very helpful for HR managers for effective diversity management to enhance their organizational performance. Originality/value: The study explains the association of diversity management practices and organizational performance and moderating role of diversity leadership dimensions

Prevalence of internal parasites in sheep/goats and effective economic de-worming plan at upland Balochistan, Pakistan

Experiments were conducted on sheep and goats during 2006 to 2007 to investigate the prevalence, control and efficacy of anthelmintics against internal parasites at two sites (Loralai and Qila Saifullah) in Balochistan, Pakistan. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of 10 to 20% animals from each flock before the administration of anthelmintics. About 87 to 93% sheep/goats were infested with 10 types of internal parasites. These were Dictyocaulus, Moniezia benideni, Moniezia expensa, Fasciola hepatica, Strongyloides, Nematodirus, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia, Trichuris ovis and Bunostomum. The level of parasitic infestation was mostly between 500 to 2000 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. Prior to execution of experiment, more than 80% animals showed high parasitic infectivity (>1000 EPG). Drenching of different anthelmintics such as Nilzan, Ivermectin, Zodec, Bendex, Oxadec and Albensil in infested animals with different durations lowered the internal parasitic level (300 EPG) and also eliminated most of the internal parasites except Dictyocaulus. Albensil was found more effective and economical against internal parasites of sheep and goats. It is concluded that 3 to 4 months interval de-worming with suitable anthelmintics enhance the small ruminants’ productivity.Keywords: Small ruminants, internal parasites, anthelmintics and economic parasitic contro

Evaluating the Frequency of Sciatica on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Lower Back Pain

Sciatica refers to pain affecting the back, hip, and outer side of the leg, caused by compression of a spinal nerve root in the lower back often owing to degeneration of an intervertebral disc. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of sciatica in patients with lower back pain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data was collected by filling the predesign questionnaire. Information for filling the questionnaire was taken by reports of MRI scan for backache. Patients were presented with multiple symptoms out of which 4 (5.6%) patients presented with history of trauma. 37 (59.7%) patients represented with the history pain radiating to one or both legs. 27 (43.50%) patients showed disc bulge. 40 (64.50%) patients showed stenosis in nerve root (L4-S1) and 40 (64.50%) patients were diagnosed with sciatica. Careful assessment of risk factors in patients with lower back pain using MRI could help in prevention of several spinal diseases. Being an important diagnostic tool in diagnosis of sciatica MRI may provide significant prognostic information of the disease. Keywords: Stenosis, Disc Bulge. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/80-03 Publication date:September 30th 202

Ultrasound Evaluation of Liver in Patients Who Had History of Hepatitis C

Background: Hepatitis is an infection of liver. The disorder can be self-limiting or lead to fibrosis(scarring), cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Both acute infection and chronic sequelae, such as hepatitis C, cause significance morbidity and mortality in the hum of population. Hepatitis can be very high in general population. Our study evaluate the liver parenchyma in patients with history of Hepatitis C and provide descriptive to prevent future liver pathologies.The primary goal of our research is to delay or perhaps stop the progression of liver fibrosis, as well as to prevent liver disease.Grey scale ultrasonography has been reported to detect Ultrasonographic features of chronic disease resulting in decreased liver function and ultimately, liver failure and to help the patients with cured hepatitis C to check out the parenchymal damage and to give healthy lifestyle. Objective: To evaluate the ultrasonographic features of the liver in the patients who had history of hepatitis C. Study design: ur study design was retro prospective. Material and method: The retro prospective study was conducted in which data of 56 patients were taken. The data was collected from the radiology department of al-Razi health care and Jinnah hospital. After informed consent, data was collected through ultrasound machine. Out of 56 patients 27 were females and 29 were males. study duration was 4 months. Inclusion criteria includes patients with history of liver hepatitis C. Exclusion criteria was patients with other causes of liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, metabolic liver disease and liver transplant recipients except hepatitis C. Result: 56 patients were included in our study out of which 27 were females and 29 were males. The ultrasonographic findings of the patients having liver hepatitis C shows the cirrhosis in 44.6%, change in liver contour in 37.5%, nodularity in 42.9% and vascular changes in 58.9%. Conclusion: Some extent of hepatitis C diseases cannot be seen on CT or MRI but can be seen on grey scale ultrasonography due to its high resolution .so, it can be concluded that the grey scale ultrasonography is more efficient and authentic diagnostic equipment in assessing the liver hepatitis C as compared to the CT. Keywords: hepatitis C, cirrhosis, liver abnormalities, ultrasound. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/91-08 Publication date:July 31st 202

Development of a twenty-first century skills scale for agri varsities

A new twenty-first century skills framework and a 19-item scale was developed to bridge the gap between science and practice. A self-reporting 19-item scale was developed to measure twenty-first century skills of faculty and non-faculty staff of agri varsities. A total of 49 items were generated using deduction approach for four skills: communication and collaboration, leadership and responsibility, problem-solving and decision-making, and creativity and innovation. Two content validity techniques were used that reduced the number of items to 29. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted in Mplus and items with poor loadings and cross-loadings were removed in each round. After five rounds of EFA, a promising 19-item scale was identified that fit the data well based on multiple model fit indices. Confirmatory factor analysis further confirmed the construct validity of the items and a four construct scale was identified where creativity was the only skill that failed to load. The reliability of the scale was measured using Cronbach’s alpha which was above 0.70 for all the factors. Convergent and discriminant validity was analyzed using AVE, shared variance, and factor loadings. The implication and limitations of the scale were discussed

A Resource Perspective on Abusive Supervision and Extra-Role Behaviors: The Role of Subordinates' Psychological Capital

Abusive supervision (perceived enduring hostile verbal and nonverbal behavior) results in a host of detrimental consequences for the individual subordinate and for the organization. In the current research, we tested whether abusive supervision relates negatively to beneficial extra-role behaviors of subordinates (individual-directed and organization-directed citizenship behaviors; OCBI and OCBO) and positively to deviant extra-role behaviors of subordinates (individual-directed and organization-directed counterproductive work behavior; CWBI and CWBO). Moreover, reasoning from a resource perspective, we examined whether subordinates' psychological capital (PsyCap: hope, resilience, self-efficacy, and optimism) mediates these relations. PsyCap is a resource variable that is amenable to situational influences such as leadership. This makes PsyCap align with a theoretically viable, but previously not explicitly tested, mechanism underlying the effects of abusive supervision. We conducted a time-lagged, multisource study among 408 university faculty members. Abusive supervision and PsyCap were measured at Time 1 from focal participants. At Time 2, data for OCBs were collected from their supervisors and data for CWBs were collected from their peers. Results indicate that PsyCap mediated the relations between abusive supervision and OCBI, OCBO, CWBI, and CWBO. Shedding light on this process helps researchers and practitioners develop ways in which to mitigate the consequences of abusive supervision, for example, by seeking to develop PsyCap using different resources