The aim of this study is to determine how bank diversification affects bank stability. To this end, it examines data of 136 commercial banks operating in 14 MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries observed from 2005 to 2021, using the System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) panel data regression analysis. The selected countries are Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. The main results point to the enhancing effect of income diversification on bank stability. Our results underline the “Bright Side” of banking income diversification in the MENA region. However, this stabilizing income diversification effect is not always maintainable. The results also point to a non-linear relationship between interest/non-interest income and financial stability, suggesting that higher diversification reduces risk. We use a dynamic panel threshold model to determine income diversification thresholds that stabilize banks in the MENA region.

Manyanda tradition, a tradition of taking over social roles after death, in addition to successfully maintaining social continuity in the family structure, is also a potential capital in strengthening social cohesion. However, this context has not been discussed comprehensively in previous studies so it is very important to explain. In addition to responding to the shortcomings of previous studies, this study also aims to explain the mechanisms, factors and implications of the practice of this tradition as a reflection of social cohesion based on customary and religious values. By using a qualitative descriptive case study approach, this study shows three important findings. First, the spontaneity of the community and traditional leaders when hearing the news of death and social activities forty days afterwards. Second, the dominance of spiritual and cultural factors in addition to social and structural factors that encourage the community to preserve this tradition. Third, the Manyanda tradition has implications for strengthening the community’s commitment and belief in the meaning of death, the importance of a replacement figure who takes over social roles and strengthens the tribal identity of the Nagari (local village) community. This study recommends the importance of this tradition to be preserved as the root of social cohesion.

This study investigates the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) dimensions and employees’ satisfaction and retention for sustainability in banks.  Four components (economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic) are analyzed CSR activities and their effects on employee’s satisfaction and retention in the company. Purposive and convenient sampling method was used to get the information from 221 participants. The entire form of the dataset is utilized to execute regression and correlation analysis using SPSS. In order to find out the relationship between economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic factors and employee’s satisfaction and retention, regression beta coefficient and correlation were used to analyze. This study also examines the relationship between job satisfaction and intentions to retain with an organization. The findings demonstrate that the CSR aspects of ethical and philanthropic have a considerable and favorable influence on employee’s satisfaction. The outcome also demonstrates a good and prominent influence of legal CSR on the satisfaction of employee’s to retain with the firm. Moreover, this study demonstrates that economic aspect of CSR has no significant impact on employee’s retention and satisfaction. Correlation analysis depicts that economic CSR is positively and significantly connected with employee’s retention and satisfaction. This research came to the conclusion that enhancing employees view regarding CSR activities such as economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic will increase employee’s satisfaction. Therefore, executives and managers in the banks should take steps to influence how employees see CSR areas in order to raise employee’s satisfaction and retention in the banks for sustainability.

Electric cars are manufactured to address environmental problems, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and nullify climate change. Their production aligns with sustainability objectives by encouraging cleaner transportation options, promoting energy efficiency, and contributing to a transition towards eco-friendly mobility in an answer to global environmental challenges. In Jordan, similar to any international market, car dealers and traders import electric cars. However, the prevailing perceptions and attitudes of Jordanian consumers need strong consideration. Nevertheless, there is still uncertainty and a need for more trust in electric vehicles among Jordanian consumers. Therefore, this research aims to ascertain whether electric cars have a lasting positive perception among Jordanians through an inductive research approach. Employing thematic qualitative analysis, this research is supported by the diffusion of innovation theory. Notably, the research findings provided robust insights, further leading to reinforcing the idea about the pervasive attitudes of Jordanian consumers. Thus, this research concludes that there still needs to be more confidence regarding electric vehicles among most consumers in Jordan. Furthermore, this research offers practical and theoretical contributions to Jordan’s policymakers and electric vehicle companies.

This paper aims to shed light on community-based disaster mitigation and the challenges encountered by using the Pangandaran coast as a case study, one of Indonesia’s disaster-prone areas. Observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies were used to collect data. The findings of this study indicate that community-based disaster mitigation is well realized, as evidenced by community early preparedness forums collaborating with the government to provide socialization and education to the community. However, disaster preparedness still faces challenges, including; since some of the mitigation objects are tourists, mitigation efforts need to be carried out sustainably while not following the budget they have; mitigation support devices and facilities such as damaged or missing signs for evacuation routes, temporary shelters, assembly point locations, and Early Warning System (EWS) devices whose number is still not optimal; lack of participation of hotels or restaurants in disaster mitigation, especially in engaging in preventive actions to minimize disaster risk. This situation is a challenge in itself for disaster mitigation management, moreover, Pangandaran Village must maintain its status as a “Tsunami Ready” village.