Green cosmetics made from organic ingredients are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmentally friendly nature. However, research on consumer behavior towards green cosmetics is rare, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Previous studies have primarily focused on female consumers, and little is known about the behavior of male consumers. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the behavior of both male and female consumers towards green cosmetic products and analyze the factors that affect their purchase behavior. This study employs a quantitative approach with deductive reasoning and collects data through a questionnaire from major cities in Pakistan. The study finds that eco-awareness, social influence, price-quality instructions, health consciousness, and the need for uniqueness significantly influence consumer purchase behavior when buying green cosmetics. Interestingly, price sensitivity does not significantly affect consumer purchase behavior as consumers are willing to pay for high-quality green cosmetics. Based on the findings, the study recommends promoting eco-awareness and health consciousness among consumers through educational campaigns and workshops launched by the government and the private sector. Future research can explore factors such as age, gender, and specific generations like millennials and Generation Z, as well as packaging, branding, and product design to promote environmentally friendly and health-conscious products. Additionally, comparative studies between countries can identify universal and region-specific factors, and examining the overall impact of green cosmetic products on the environment can highlight areas for improvement in sustainability.

This study begins the conversation on the impact that applicant CSR orientation has on a major phase of workforce development—employer attractiveness. There is also virtually no research that investigates CSRO and workforce development. Meanwhile, this present research effort provides evidence that there is some basic relationship between CSRO and employer attractiveness. The data comes from 280 participants who are interested in joining the hospitality and tourism industries in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results showed that all four dimensions are significant predictors of employers‘ attractiveness. More specifically, the ethical aspect of CSR has a stronger impact on employers’ attractiveness, whereas discretionary behavior in CSR has the least impact. The implications for academicians, researchers, and managers in the hospitality industry are given in detail.

Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) has become a pivotal factor influencing consumers’ decisions, particularly in the context of hotel services. With the advent of social media, it provides individuals with powerful tools to share its experiences and opinions about hotels. In this digital age, customers increasingly rely on online reviews and recommendations from their peers when selecting accommodations. eWOM on social media platforms has a substantial impact on customers’ perceptions and decision-making processes. This study aims to better understand the influence of eWOM by social media platforms on purchase intention of hotel services. To understand the influence of eWOM, this study uses the information adoption model as the model has been widely used in previous eWOM studies. The information quantity construct has been added to strengthen the model. The online questionnaire was distributed to social media users by using Google forms via social media platforms and only 210 of them were responded. The SmartPLS 4.0 software is used to analyze the data as the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) is a method to confirm the structural equation models and to test the link between inert developments. Based on results, the information quantity and information quality of hotel services on eWOM positively influences the information usefulness and the information usefulness of hotel services on eWOM positively influences the purchase intention. The results lead to increase sales of hotel services and contribute to economic growth.

This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial inclusion in China, a country with a significant agricultural sector and an evolving digital landscape. The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital financial services, underscoring disparities in access. This study explores the pre- and post-pandemic scenarios of financial inclusion in China, evaluates the economic and social impacts of the pandemic, and assesses the role of digital transformation in the financial sector. It also investigates the changing roles of commercial banks and microfinance institutions, the integration of technology in finance, and the development of rural-urban economic linkages. The paper aims to propose strategies to enhance financial inclusion, ensuring it reaches the most vulnerable, and concludes with recommendations for creating a more equitable and robust economic system.

The development of the maize agribusiness system is highly dependent on the role of social capital in facilitating interaction among actors in the chain of activities ranging from the provision of farm supplies to marketing. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize the key elements of social capital specifically bonding, bridging, and linking, as well as to demonstrate their respective roles. Data were collected from farmers and non-farmers actors engaged in various activities in the maize agribusiness system. The data obtained were processed using ATLAS Ti, applying open, axial, and selective coding techniques. The results showed the roles played by bonding, bridging, and linking social capital in the interaction between farmers and multiple actors in activities such as providing farm supplies, farming production, harvesting, post-harvest, and marketing. The combination of these social capital forms acted as the glue and wires that facilitated access to resources, collective decision-making, and reduced transaction costs. These results have theoretical implications, suggesting that bonding, bridging, and linking should be combined with the appropriate role composition for each activity in the agribusiness system.