Bhutan Journal of Business and Management
The Bhutan Journal of Business and Management (BJBM), ISSN-L 2079-7680 (Print) and 2663-1784 (Online) is published by Gedu College of Business Studies under the Royal University of Bhutan. It is a double-blinded, peer-reviewed, diamond open access scholarly journal and welcomes work relevant to Bhutan, the Himalayan region, South Asia, and comparable international contexts, while remaining open to research of wider regional or global significance. BJBM publishes contextually meaningful research in business, management, economics, finance, policy, governance, entrepreneurship, technology, and related interdisciplinary fields through research articles, review papers, methodological and analytical studies, qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research, policy and practice papers, case studies, book reviews, and invited editorials or commentaries. BJBM upholds editorial independence, double-blind peer review for scholarly submissions, transparent publication standards, conflict-of-interest management, research integrity, and responsible open access publishing. Through these commitments, BJBM seeks to become a trusted forum for high-quality scholarship that connects local relevance with regional and global significance.
Gedu College of Business Studies, Royal University of Bhutan
Assessing the Relationship between Capital Structure and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Bhutan
This study examines the relationship between capital structure and the financial performance of Bhutan’s five commercial banks - Bank of Bhutan Limited (BOBL), Bhutan national Bank Limited (BNBL), Bhutan Developmental Bank Limited (BDBL), Druk Punjab Bank Limited (DPBL) and T Bank Limited from 2014 to 2023. Using audited annual reports, the study applied descriptive statistics and regression analysis to evaluate how debt ratio, equity ratio, and debt-to-equity ratio influence bank profitability measured through Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). Results show that debt financing and debt-to0equity mix have a statistically significant negative effect on ROA, while equity ratio demonstrates a statistically significant positive effect on ROA. In contrast, none of the capital structure variables exhibit a significant impact on ROE, suggesting that capital structure decisions affect asset efficiency more than shareholder returns for Bhutanese banks. The study concludes that reducing reliance on debt and improving equity-based financing may enhance asset profitability. Future research should incorporate boarder financial indicators and panel regression techniques to deepen understanding of capital structure dynamics within Bhutan’s financial sector.
Capital Structure, Financial Performance, Commercial Banks, Debt Ratio, Equity Ratio, Debt-to-Equity Ratio, Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE)
Copyright (c) 2026 Rinchen Lhaden, Pema Tshering , Pema Yangdon, Samten Norbu, Sonam Chokey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adoption of Green Finance in Bhutanese Commercial Banks: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies
This study examines the institutional challenges, emerging opportunities, and strategic solutions related to the adoption of green finance in three Bhutanese commercial banks. Despite Bhutan’s strong environmental policies and the introduction of the Green Finance Roadmap (2020) by the Royal Monetary Authority, the uptake of green finance within commercial banking remains limited. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key banking professionals engaged in green finance operations. Thematic analysis identified four central themes: institutional and regulatory shortcomings, financial and market-based constraints, potential growth areas for green finance, and the need for coordinated strategic support.Major barriers include the absence of binding green finance policies, limited technical expertise, high perceived risks, and insufficient market incentives. However, the study also highlights significant opportunities in sectors such as mini-hydropower, solar energy, electric mobility, and sustainable housing, particularly when supported through blended finance models and international donor partnerships.The study offers practical recommendations, including the development of a national green taxonomy, implementation of concessional financing tools, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. These findings aim to support both academic research and evidence-based policymaking by offering actionable insights into how Bhutanese commercial banks can accelerate the integration of green finance and contribute to national sustainability objectives.
Green Finance, Sustainability, Bhutanese Commercial Banks, Green Finance Challenges, Green Finance Opportunities, Green Finance Roadmap
Copyright (c) 2026 Nigam Samal, Kinga Wangmo, Kinley Dorji, Lekzang Pema Seldon, Chencho Wangchuk https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
E-commerce Impact on Retail Sector in Thimphu: Assessing Challenges, Willingness and Readiness for E-commerce
Despite the global surge in e-commerce, traditional brick-and-mortar retail continues to be the major part of Bhutan’s economy. This qualitative study investigates the growth of online platforms from the perspective of physical retailers in Thimphu, their obstacles, and their readiness and willingness to accept the digital sales channels. The study applied an exploratory design based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, 1989) and among the various qualitative methods used, thirty (30) semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted during the month of May 2025 with a purposely chosen sample of 19 purely physical and 11 hybrid retailers in Thimphu. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by Braun and Clarke ‘s (2006) six-phase reflexive thematic analysis through both manual coding and NVivo 14 software. According to the statements made by the respondents, four key challenges were identified: decline in customer footfall (cited by 28 out of 30), the aggressive strategy of online lowering prices (26/30), and the constant burden of high fixed costs including rent and salaries (24/30), and lastly, the lack of a digital infrastructure together with low digital skills (21/30 and 19/30 respectively). Notwithstanding these obstacles, 22 respondents showed moderate to high willingness for the adoption of e-commerce, provided that they would receive training and financial assistance. The two main concepts of TAM, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use, were repeatedly mentioned as the most important factors, while external support (government training, subsidies, and fair taxation policy) came up as a significant moderator of adoption intention. The research supports the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by revealing how crucial the cultural and infrastructural moderators are in small and developing economies. Recommendations for practice include nationwide digital literacy programs, subsidized payment gateways, and fair tax treatment between.
Physical retail Store, E-commerce adaptation, Online competition, Retailer perceptions, Sustainable business practices, Business model changes
Copyright (c) 2026 Dorji Yuden, Namgay Wangmo, Karma Sherab Lhamo, Younten Lhamo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors Influencing Consumer Purchase Intention on Products Communicated through TikTok Live Streaming among GCBS Students
This study investigates the factors influencing consumer purchase intentions during TikTok live streaming among students at Gedu College of Business Studies in Bhutan. As TikTok rapidly gains popularity as a digital marketing platform, understanding the dynamics of live streaming commerce becomes crucial for businesses. Employing a quantitative approach, the research utilizes structured surveys to gather data from 300 respondents, focusing on five key variables: Customer Trust in Seller, Information Quality, Ease of Use, Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM), and Streamer Attractiveness. The analysis reveals that Customer Trust is the most significant predictor of purchase intention, followed by Information Quality and Streamer Attractiveness. Although Ease of Use and eWOM showed positive correlations with purchase intention, they did not emerge as significant predictors in the regression analysis. The findings underscore the importance of establishing trust, delivering high-quality information, and leveraging streamer attractiveness in enhancing consumer engagement and driving sales. This research provides actionable insights for digital marketers and entrepreneurs in Bhutan, highlighting strategies for optimizing TikTok live streaming practices. By fostering authenticity, ensuring clarity in product information, and enhancing the appeal of streamers, businesses can effectively influence purchasing behavior in this evolving digital landscape. The study lays the groundwork for future research on digital marketing trends in Bhutan, contributing to the broader understanding of consumer behavior in live-streaming environments.
TikTok Live Streaming, Consumer Purchase Intention, Customer Trust, Information Quality, Ease of Use, Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM), Streamer Attractiveness
Copyright (c) 2025 Pingola Acharya, Sangay Choden, Pema Yangki , Samira Gurung, Sangay Nima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Individual Work Plan (IWP) in Royal University of Bhutan: Challenges Faced by the Supervisors and Academics
Individual Work Performance (IWP) enhances accountability by aligning individual goals with organizational objectives. Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) adapted the IWP as a core element of its Performance Management System, with the aim of promoting professionalism, supporting evidence-based management, and ensuring a comprehensive measure of individual performance. This study attempted to assess the challenges faced by both academic staff and immediate supervisors regarding the IWP across eight constituent colleges under RUB. The data were analyzed using regression analysis, ANOVA, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results indicate that, from the perspective of academic staff, factors such as Objectivity in Performance Appraisal (OPA), Fairness of Assessment (FOA), and time-consuming (TC) factors have a significant influence on IWP. Whereas, from the perspective of supervisors, the main challenge is the personnel relationship with the faculty members. The study concludes that the IWP system faces significant structural and perceptual hurdles. The study suggests a revision of the IWP on a regular basis to capture and reflect on users’ feedback.
Fairness of Assessment (FOA), Time-consuming (TC), Individual Work Performance (IWP), Objectivity in Performance Appraisal (OPA),
Copyright (c) 2025 Yeshi Pelden,Sonam Dema,Purnendu Basu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Indian Cultural Values in Advertising: A Comprehensive Review
Culture significantly shapes individuals' daily lives by influencing the consumption decision. This, in turn, affects the communication strategies of brand marketing. In order to grab consumer attention, brand marketers usually incorporate various cultural elements of their target audience. This paper focuses on understanding how Indian culture is integrated into advertising practices. However, very few works are available in the public domain addressing this subject matter. This scarcity limits the understanding of how cultural elements can be used effectively in brand communication strategies and potentially limits marketers' ability to connect with target audiences effectively. Consequently, this study reviewed only eighteen research works focussed on the use of cultural values in advertisements. Besides, most studies focus on television commercials only. Cross-cultural studies using Indian culture as one of the cultural resources have also been observed in this regard. Additionally, content analysis is a major method that is employed to understand how culture-related aspects are used in advertisements. In addition to that, there has been no standard definition for culture and values so far as shown by this study. Similarly, a model based on Indian cultural values has not yet been established either. In extant literature, this study examines various aspects of the cultural content in advertisements and identifies possible areas for further investigation, such as exploring diverse cultural elements like language, symbols, customs, and rituals. Additionally, research should focus on newer media forms, such as digital and influencer marketing, and the integration of culture to address gaps in modern marketing communication.
Indian culture, Cultural values, Advertising, Marketing communication, Content analysis
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Empirical Study on the Capital Budgeting Practices: Evidences from RSEBL Listed And DHI Owned Companies
Long-term investment decisions are one of the most complicated financial decisions and the need for investigation of its practices has become very crucial in Bhutan. It is evident from the total sample size of 29 RSEBL (Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan) listed companies and DHI (Druk Holding and Investments) owned companies that they mostly prefer PI (Profitability Index) in capital budgeting decision-making in Bhutan. The findings from this study also reveals that, the project risk assessment tools such as scenario analysis and real options are the dominant approaches among RSEBL listed and DHI owned companies.
Capital Budgeting, Profitability Index, RSEBL, DHI, risk assessment
Copyright (c) 2024 Hita Nath Dhakal, Budha Raj Kafley, Ankit Bhujel, Bhim Bahdur Subba, Jamayang Chetsho https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analysis of Liquidity, Credit and Operational Risk on Financial Performance of Banks in Bhutan (BOBL, BNBL, & DPNBL)
This research has been conducted to provide insight on how liquidity risk, credit risk, and operation risk affect the bank’s financial performance in three different banks (BOBL, BNBL, and DPNBL) in Bhutan measured by Return on Asset and Return Equity. This study is based on an exploratory and quantitative approach seeking to explain the impacts of risk components on banks’ performance. For this, liquidity risk, credit risk, and operation risk were employed as the independent variables whereas ROA and ROE were used as the dependent variable. The liquidity risk is measured by quick ratio and cash ratio, while credit risk is measured by non-performing loan and capital adequacy ratio, and the operational risk is measured by efficiency ratio and cost to income. Secondary datasets were extracted from the audit annual reports of the selected banks for 10 years (2013- 2022). The finding of the study reveals that the operational risk and credit risk has a statistically significant impact on the ROA however, the liquid risk has no significant impact on ROA. In case of ROE, the operational risk has a statistically significant impact but the liquidity risk and credit risk do not have a statistically significant impact.
Liquidity risk, Credit risk, Operational risk, Return on Asset, Return on Equity.
Copyright (c) 2024 Devindra Neopaney, Doot Kumar Ghalley, Karma Choden, Dechen Wangmo, Ganesh Rasaily https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Digital Banking Platforms among the Customers of BoBL in Thimphu Dzongkhag
This research study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of digital banking platforms among Bank of Bhutan Limited (BoBL) customers, specifically in Thimphu Dzongkhag of Bhutan. The study has employed the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework to assess how each independent variables influence the dependent variable toward the adoption of BoBL’s digital banking platform. For this study, data from 408 valid respondents were collected for the analysis. The respondents for the study include only the users’ of BoBL’s digital banking platform residing in Thimphu Dzongkhag. The study found five factors affecting adoption: perceived security and digital trust, digital financial literacy, perceived ease of use, transaction speed and timesaving, and perceived usefulness. Three of these - perceived security and digital trust, digital financial literacy, and perceived usefulness – significantly influenced adoption, with digital financial literacy being the most important factor. Interestingly, the mobile app (mBoB) was used by 84% of respondents, while the BoBNET Retail platform had almost no users. Overall, 61% of respondents reported using BoBL’s digital platforms for daily transactions.
Digital banking, Adoption, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Bank of Bhutan Limited (BoBL), Thimphu Dzongkhag, mBoB, goBoB, BoBNET Retails
Copyright (c) 2024 Karma Yangchen, Kezang Wangchuk, Kinley Pelden, Pema Yangden, Pema Yangdon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of Teaching Faculty’s Financial Literacy on Investment Decisions: A Case Study of Gedu
This study examined the influence of financial literacy (FL) on the investment decisions (ID) of teaching faculty at Gedu College of Business Studies (GCBS) and Gedu Higher Secondary School in Bhutan (GHSS). This research sought to ascertain the level of FL and measure the influence of FL, specifically considering financial attitude (FA), financial behavior (FB), financial skills (FS), and financial experience (FE) on the ID made by the respondents. A quantitative, cross- sectional research design was employed. Out of the total population of 94 teaching faculty, only 77 completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire measured five variables: FA, FB, FS, FE, and ID. Descriptive analysis was used to measure the FL, correlation analysis was used to see the relationship, and regression analysis was used to see the influence of FL on ID. The findings indicated moderate levels of FL among the teaching faculty. There was a positive and moderate correlation between income level and ID. Additionally, the results showed that FL significantly influenced the ID of the teaching faculty. This suggested the importance of enhancing FL, especially among teachers, to enable them to make sound ID. Improving the FL of teachers can have a ripple effect, empowering them to make wise ID and impart essential money management skills to the next generation. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions to develop targeted financial education initiatives.
Financial Literacy, Investment Decisions, Income Level
Factors Affecting the Performances in Accountancy in BHSEC 2021
The current study was designed to examine the underlying causes behind low performance in accountancy in BHSEC 2021 by covering the perception of teachers and students. The sample size of 273 students (137 girls and 136 boys) from different schools and 68 teachers (16 females and 52 males) were chosen by using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire in the google form. The data collected was tabulated and results were interpreted through mean values, frequencies, standard deviations and percentages. The study revealed different question patterns and more of competency-based question (CBQ) as the major cause of low achievement in accountancy by the perception of students and teachers. This study revealed that Bhutan Council for School Assessment and Examination (BCSEA) and Department of Curriculum and Professional Development (DCPD) have not oriented teachers on change of question pattern.
Accountancy, Performance, Teacher Experiences, Examination, New School Curriculum.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Decision-making is primarily a mental activity of the decision-maker even when the decision-maker is confronted with the decision environment of data and context. This aspect of the psychological process is delineated into the intra- individual sub-systems of cognition, affect, motivation and personality traits. The sub-systems influence the decision-making process in interactive and integrative ways thereby the choice of the decision-maker become an outcome of cognition, affect and personality traits wherein it becomes interacting and intervening variables of significance. The mechanisms of cognition in the form of information- processing and knowledge structures, affect in the ways of the emotional processes of the decision-maker, motivation in the form of the pursuit of goals and personality traits in its constellation.
Decision-making, Cognition, Affect, Motivation, Personality traits
Modeling and Predicting Stock Market Volatility using ARCH Model: Evidence from Bhutanese Stock Market
The stock market is widely known for its high degree of volatility, making it more challenging for individuals to accurately model and predict it in real-time. In an attempt to forecast the stock price and its volatility, investors, stock market analysts and academicians have been developing models for quite some time. One such model, the Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (ARCH) model, developed by Engle (1982), has found wider applications in time series analysis where the central issue lies with the volatility clustering phenomenon. This paper employs the ARCH model as an econometric model to forecast volatility of the share price of three companies listed on the 2Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan, namely Sherza Ventures Limited (SVL), Bhutan Insurance Limited (BIL), and Bhutan National Bank Limited (BNB). For this study, we statistically tested the time series share price return data from January 2019 to December 2022 for stationarity using Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test and for conditional heteroscedasticity effect using the ARCH Lagrange Multiplier test before modelling the ARCH model. To model the ARCH model, we selected the optimal order of the model, q, using the partial autocorrelation function of the squared residuals. The ARCH (1) model provided the best fit, resulting in accurate forecasts of the volatility of the stock price return. Overall, our ARCH (1) model performed very well with a mean absolute error and root mean squared error of 0.02628 and 0.03139, respectively, for the volatility of SVL return, 0.01523 and 0.01943 for BIL return, and 0.01395 and 0.01666 for BNB return. The study is expected to benefit stock market investors for making a sound investment decision thorough their knowledge about the volatility of return. Also, it would enable the stock market regulators to develop effective regulations and policies to promote market efficiency and investor confidence. Additionally, the study may shed light to future researcher and academicians for potential future research on applications of the ARCH model beyond stock market.
ARCH, Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, ARCH-LM test, Volatility of Return, Modeling, Forecasting, Bhutan
Financial Performance Analysis of Telecom Industry of Bhutan: A Study on Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL)
Telecommunication industries are the boosters of any economic growth. In Bhutan, Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL) plays a significant role in providing quality network services. The study aims to assess the financial performance of the company from 2011 to 2021 and also identify the factors affecting its profitability. This study is based on hypothesis testing of the research design and tries to identify the best model to explain the performance of the company using regression analysis. The study considered the Return on Equity (ROE) as the dependent variable and Current Ratio (CR), Working capital to sales (WCS), Return on sales (ROS), and Debt-to-equity Ratio as independent variables. The test stated that DER, WCS, and ROS have a significant impact on the profitability. However, CR has no significant impact on the profitability. The finding portrays that the company’s profitability has increased continuously from 2019-2021, despite the interruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bhutan Telecom Limited, Financial Performance, Covid-19 Pandemic, Regression Analysis
A Qualitative Analysis of HR Managers’ Role in the Health Care Sector of Oman
This study aims to explore the role of HR managers in Omani hospitals through a qualitative analysis. The research involved in-depth interviews with HR managers and healthcare professionals in various Omani hospitals. The study found that HR managers play a vital role in developing the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals through training, mentoring, and providing opportunities for professional development. However, several challenges, such as a lack of resources and limited budgets, hinder the effective implementation of HR strategies in healthcare organizations. Further, it was identified that most of the healthcare organizations do not have a dedicated HR department, and the HR activities are performed by the senior officials or medical doctors. The study recommends that every established health care system should have a dedicated HR department where the HR managers can collaborate with healthcare professionals to identify their learning needs and prioritize training and development programs to enhance their skills and knowledge.
HR Manager, Professional Development, Health Care Professionals, Performance, Training
HRM-Firm Performance Linkage: Unpacking the Black-Box
The objective of the study is to bring out the linkages between HRM practices and organizational performance that continue to enthuse the researchers and practitioners as there are mediating and interacting variables in this relationship of distal nature. The black- box model approach was adopted to keep the options open for the researchers to unpack the box with intervening variables. In evaluating the extant literature, the methodology of the study, and intervening variables that link the relationship are derived from the organizational behavioural processes of individual, group, managerial and organizational structures and functions. The structural and functional integration suggested bridging the gap between HRM practices and performance.
HRM-performance, HRM practices, OB processes, Strategic HRM, Black-Box Model
Copyright (c) 2022 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Outreach, Sustainability and Efficiency of Microfinance Institutions in Nepal
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) provide financial services to those who have no access to finance and are hence considered a tool for poverty alleviation. However, the clear relationship between the depth of the MFIs and their sustainability is still lacking as there is an ongoing debate on whether the two components complement each other or whether there exists a tradeoff. This study applied the panel regression analysis to the data from 44 MFIs of Nepal from 1999 to 2019 and explored the inter-relationship between depth and sustainability of MFI in the Nepalese context. In addition to the two variables of interest, this study further analyses the interaction effect of operational efficiency. The findings show a significant tradeoff relationship between outreach and sustainability at a 99% confidence interval, further moderated by operational efficiency. As a result of increased operational efficiency, MFIs can have better outreach and sustainability. These findings can thus provide a better policy prescription that promotes operational efficiency and ultimately improve both the outreach and sustainability of MFIs.
microfinance institutions, depth of outreach, financial sustainability, operational efficiency, Nepal
Validation of Wagner’s Law in the context of the Bhutanese Economy
Over the years, the public spending, along with the GDP has been rising in Bhutan. For instance, the public expenditure in Bhutan rose to Nu. 56331.357 million in the Fiscal Year 2018/19 from Nu. 49,966.611 million in the previous year (AFS 2017-18). This paper attempts to validate Wagner’s law against the Keynesian hypothesis in the context of the Bhutanese economy from 1991 to 2019. Wagner’s law of government expenditure and real income is opposite to the Keynesian hypothesis. In Wagner’s postulation, the causal relationship runs from real income to real government expenditure and it is reversed in the case of the Keynesian hypothesis. The two-way granger causality test result indicated that Wagner’s law does not hold and the evidence supports the Keynesian proposition. This is because Bhutan is more of a public-led welfare state and with its sluggish private sector growth, the economy requires the substantial support of the government. To assess the association of government expenditure with other macroeconomic variables such as inflation and unemployment, correlation and regression tests was conducted. The result showed that both consumption and capital expenditure positively influence inflation. The rising consumption expenditure has a positive relationship with unemployment; however, the capital expenditure can reduce unemployment.
expenditure, Wagner’s law, unemployment, inflation
Does Qualification count for Managing Financial Products and Services? A Study of identified Blocks in Bhutan
This paper explores managing financial products and services by Bhutanese in some of the identified blocks (Gewogs) in Bhutan. It investigates various skills of managing financial products and services primarily on four financial management dimensions namely, Perception of General Financial Knowledge (PGFK), Perception of Savings and Borrowings (PSB), Perception of Insurance Planning (PIP) and Perception of Making Investment (PMI). The research is based on the baseline data collected from the respondents. Data were collected with the help of structured schedule. A total of 537 respondents were included from two blocks of Chukha district (rural) Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan (urban). The data were analysed and interpreted based on qualifications of the respondents. Mean and standard deviation were used to describe the characteristics of the data. In addition, ANOVA was used to test the research hypotheses. The inferences of the study reveal current scenario of managing financial products and services among the Bhutanese. It portrays cases that people with higher education level obtained higher financial skills in almost all the dimensions (except that of PMI). The post-hoc tests, however, do not support research hypotheses in the study. The study is purely based on primary data and is expected to have some positive bearing on the key stakeholders of the country including that of policy framing agencies. Besides, the study may be taken as a case teaching material and may act as significant supplementary reference in the classroom teaching.
perception, financial skills, financial products and services, qualification, Bhutan
Performance of Common Stock Market and Relationship between Common Stock Return and Inflation: A Bhutanese Case Study
The stock exchange of Bhutan is considered one of the smallest stock markets in the world with market capitalization of BTN 49 billion1. Since the inception of the stock exchange in 1993 to facilitate trading of both equity and debt securities, the performance of stock market with respect to the macroeconomic variables have not been studied by academicians and researchers in Bhutan. Similar to the asset-inflation relationship studies conducted in different countries, the objective of this research is in providing insights on the hedging features of the common stock returns against inflation as per the classical Fisher hypothesis postulated by Irving Fisher in 1930s. For this study, we selected nine different companies listed on the stock exchange and grouped them into banks, insurance and industry sectors. The data on the monthly consumer price index inflation rates is retrieved from the website of the National Statistics Bureau of Bhutan, and daily market closing price from website of the Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan. To test the hypothesis, we used bivariate regression analysis for different groups of sectors. Other relevant information on the descriptive statistics of the nominal common stock returns and its variability with respect to the inflation is also discussed. Our result shows that the nominal common stock return does not act as a hedge against inflation. In addition, our study indicates a weak inverse relationship between the nominal common stock return and inflation, though the result is not statistically significant to support the negative relationship between the two.
common stock return, inflation, Fisher hypothesis, bivariate regression
Salesmanship Qualities of Retailers: Customer Perception in the Context of Thimphu, Bhutan
This study aimed to assess the salesmanship qualities of retail enterprises based on the customer's perception. In this survey-based perceptual study, 383 customers participated giving their views on the salesmanship qualities of the retail enterprises in Thimphu. Four qualities of salesmanship were evaluated: sales personality, knowledge of the goods, knowledge of the customers and their buying motives and services. The results indicated that 47.14% of the customers felt that the salespersons of the retail enterprises in Thimphu lack the most competent salesmanship qualities. There is a need for developing training centres and offering tailor-made courses to the salespersons focusing on their ethical practices and qualities that a competent salesperson is expected to possess.
Bhutan, business, retail enterprises, salesmanship
Copyright (c) 2021 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Organizational Politics on Employee Satisfaction: A Case of GCBS
The study examined the impact of organizational politics on employee satisfaction. Data was collected from 99 employees through a survey questionnaire with Gedu College of Business Studies as the case. Employees in general perceived significant the prevalence of organizational politics. However, employees older than 50 years of age had a significantly lower perception of prevalence of organizational politics. A significant positive correlation between organizational politics and employee satisfaction was found. Thus, it is recommended that the management take up some interventive measures like providing higher degree of autonomy while simultaneously ensuring clear rules and procedures are in place. Another important strategy for mitigating the negative impact of organizational politics on employee satisfaction is through fostering an organizational environment of trust and social support both from the leaders and the co-workers.
Organizational politics, organizational environment, employees, satisfaction, autonomy
Copyright (c) 2021 Tshering Lhamo, Kinley Wangchuk, Ugyen Choden, Suman Biswa, Tashi Lhamo, Tshering Wangchuk, Yangdon Yangdon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Entrepreneurial Characteristics amongst University Students (RUB) in Comparison with Established Entrepreneurs of Bhutan
Entrepreneurs' characteristics have a major impact on their inclination towards new start- ups/entrepreneurship. This study attempted to assess the impact of entrepreneurial characteristics on entrepreneurial inclination and if students and existing entrepreneurs differ in terms of their characteristics. Six entrepreneurial characteristics were examined by researchers: the need for achievement, locus of control, propensity to take risks, tolerance for ambiguity, innovativeness, and self-confidence. A total of 352 students from the colleges of Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) and 35 established Bhutanese entrepreneurs participated in the study using an online structured questionnaire through Google Form with a quantitative research design. The results were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and an independent sample t-test. The results showed that all six characteristics are positively correlated with entrepreneurial inclination in both students and established entrepreneurs, and these characteristics (predictors) also had a statistically significant effect on entrepreneurial inclination shown by regression analysis. The results also showed that there is a significant difference in mean values between the two study groups, i.e. established entrepreneurs and students, on Tolerance for Ambiguity, innovativeness, and Self-Confidence, where established entrepreneurs have higher of these characteristics compared to students. The key recommendations of the study are capacity building of the students and guidance from the educators in the area of entrepreneurial characteristics in which students are lacking by introducing Business incubation centers on the campus.
Entrepreneurial characteristics, inclination, established entrepreneurs, students
Employees’ Perception about Female Leadership in Government and Corporate Sectors: A Contextual Study of Bhutan
This paper aims at studying the perception of employees on the identified attributes associated with female leadership in government and corporate sectors in Bhutan. It was assessed with the help of variables which are closely associated with the attributes of female leadership such as affection, efficiency and collaboration. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the research data and to find the perception difference between male and female employees about female leadership respectively. The research results indicate employees’ perception about female leaders to be slightly more affectionate and efficient. However, they are perceived to be less collaborative across both government and corporate sectors. When compared to males, female employees rated female leadership significantly higher across all three attributes. A higher degree of perception is observed if the immediate supervisor whom employees report to is a female, and vice versa. The inferences drawn from the study may not be generalized to the whole nation as the data was collected only from government and corporate organizations. Also, given the nature of the study, the instances of social desirability bias may have occurred and the honest response might have been compromised. The outcome of this study demands educational interventions and awareness programs across organizations to eliminate the glass ceiling effect so that more females take part in leadership positions. This study could provide some key insights to the female leaders, both in-the-system and aspiring, to understand their stand and challenges in their pursuit to take up leadership roles both in and across the country. This research adds to the limited number of gender-based leadership studies in the country and therefore it could also be useful for concerned researchers, academicians and policy makers as an information input in their respective disciplines.
Leadership, gender, employees, perception, affection, efficiency, collaboration
Competency Evaluation for Training Needs Identification of Faculty at Gedu College of Business Studies
Every organization prefers highly productive human resources which are directly revealed through performance and behaviour at work. Competency is the inner characteristics that control performance and behaviour. This study is aimed at analysing the right set of competencies of faculty, followed by evaluation and gap analyses. The evaluation and gap analyses are used for training needs identification followed by recommendations of the right sets of training and development programmes. The data is collected from 46 teachers of GCBS using a self-designed questionnaire following a census survey. SPSS 21 is used for data analysis. The results revealed that the level of GCBS faculty in each factor of behavioural competency is reported above average while the highest mean is reported in communication and interpersonal skills. In functional competency, the highest level is reported for punctuality and time management followed by teaching-learning effectiveness while the above-average score is reported for factors – quality awareness, academic administration, student development and information technology leverage. The level for research and publication, and industry interaction is reported below average. The College Research Committee is suggested to organize workshop/seminar/webinar on research and publication for different subjects and or specialization of faculty. The college recommended providing access to online research papers from international level publishers. In addition, it is suggested to improve the industry interaction of faculty along with students on a regular interval of time to ensure active participation and involve faculty in consultancy projects.
Competency, competence, functional, behavioural, faculty, training needs identification
An Assessment of Faculty’s Happiness in Terms of Time Use at Work Place
Employees are deemed to be happy when there is job satisfaction, job security and work- life balance. This study used quantitative approach. The foremost aims of the study were to assess the employees’ happiness in terms of time use in business colleges of Bhutan and to find out the difference between employees’ happiness in terms of time use for public and private business colleges of Bhutan. This study has adopted the time use dimension from GNH of Business which consists of working hours, work pressure, flexi-time, work-life balance, adequate break and sleeping hours. Using census survey method, all 141 academics from GCBS and RTC were enumerated. The study found that overall employee’s happiness in terms of time use is 67.34% where employees of GCBS are happier (73.52%) than employees of RTC (60.82%).
Assessment, happiness, time use, work place, GNH
A Study of Identified Factors for Motivation of Entrepreneurship in the Business Colleges
Students’ motivation for entrepreneurship has various factors. This research intends to rank the factors among the attitudes towards entrepreneurship: subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurship education that motivate students to become an entrepreneur. Data for this quantitative study were collected from the students of Gedu College of Business Studies (GCBS) and Royal Thimphu College (RTC). Descriptive statistical tool such as frequency, percentage, mean score and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that attitudes towards entrepreneurship are contributing more towards motivating students to become an entrepreneur followed by entrepreneurship education and subjective norms. Perceived behavior control is found to be the least motivating factor to become an entrepreneur.
Motivation, Entrepreneurship, Attitude, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavior Control
Copyright (c) 2020 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Higher Education: A Case Study of Leadership at the Royal University of Bhutan
Effective leadership is key to any organisational success including higher education institutions. This paper assesses the different aspects of leadership in the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) using Bryman’s 13 Key Behaviors of Effective Leaders. Secondary data from Organisational Behaviour Survey 2015 was used. It covered 548 respondents from eight colleges and Office of the Vice Chancellor. A simple aggregate analysis was used to draw inferences. Findings show that employees have generally rated high in the way they communicate broader direction - vision and mission, treatment of staff in a fair manner, being approachable, and building harmonious relationship with colleagues. However, ratings are lower on engagement of staff in planning processes, providing constructive feedback, delegating decision-making authority and ensuring coordinated approach to planning and implementation. Based on the assessment, the paper offers suggestions for a system of rigorous leadership training that will continue to nurture the strength of existing leadership.
Leadership, Higher Education Leadership; Royal University of Bhutan; Academic Leadership.
Implementation of RGoB Procurement Rules and Regulations (2009): The Challenges of RUB Colleges
This study presents the challenges of Tender Committees of the colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in implementing the Royal Government of Bhutan’s Public Procurement Rules and Regulations (RGoB PRR 2009), hereafter referred to as the manual. The challenges of the manual have been extensively deliberated in the parliament, Royal Audit Authority, Anti- Corruption Commission and media in the country. However, there is lack of consideration to address the matters due to rapidly growing challenges among the procuring agencies in the country with no exception to colleges of RUB. The key variables examined in the study are the level of knowledge, the procedure compliance and enforcement of the manual. A total of 36 committee members participated in the study through survey questionnaires and personal interviews. The descriptive statistics was used to analyse and present the findings. The findings showed the need for all colleges to address the challenges and ensure uniformity in the implementation of the manual in the process of procurement. The capacity building programme for the tender committees is one of the key recommendations.
Public Procurement, Tender Committee Members, Procurement Manual, Procurement Process, RUB College
Organizational Architecture of Human Resources
In the human resource-based view of an organisation, resource heterogeneity of the firm provides sustainable competitive advantage. The two core variables that define the resource heterogeneity are the content capital (human capital) and the contextual capital (organisational and managerial processes) of the firm. Using the architectural designs that specify the gradient of organisational performance, this paper suggests the organisational architecture of human resources, delineating the mechanisms of content capital and contextual capital formations. The general model of architecture explains the key variables that architect the content capital and contextual capital. The interactive architectural designs specify the patterns of interaction between the contextual capital processes like leadership, decision-making, communication, motivational strategies, control systems, innovation processes and organisational culture that interact with the content capital of weak and strong patterns producing varying organizational performance outcomes.
Human Resources, Architecture, Architecture of Human Resources, Organizational Architecture of Human Resources