International Journal of Social Science Research Praxis (IJSSRP)

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness: A Study of Organizational Settings

Dr. Nazneen Shagufta — 2026-03-22

Emotional intelligence has emerged as a critical determinant of effective leadership in contemporary organizational environments characterized by complexity, diversity, and rapid change. Leaders are increasingly required to manage interpersonal relationships, regulate emotions, and foster collaborative climates to achieve organizational objectives. This study investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness in organizational settings, examining the mediating roles of transformational leadership behavior and employee job satisfaction. Drawing upon Emotional Intelligence Theory and Transformational Leadership Theory, the research develops a structural framework to explain how leaders’ emotional competencies influence leadership outcomes. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 380 employees working in public and private sector organizations through a structured questionnaire. Emotional intelligence was measured using dimensions of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Leadership effectiveness was assessed through employee perceptions of performance, team cohesion, and goal achievement. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS 4. Reliability and validity of constructs were confirmed through Cronbach alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted values. Structural model results indicate that emotional intelligence significantly predicts transformational leadership and job satisfaction. Transformational leadership and job satisfaction positively influence leadership effectiveness. The model explains 66 percent of the variance in leadership effectiveness. The findings contribute to leadership literature by empirically validating emotional intelligence as a foundational capability that enhances leadership performance through relational and motivational pathways. Practical implications suggest that organizations should integrate emotional intelligence assessment and training into leadership development programs to strengthen managerial effectiveness and organizational outcomes.

Financial Inclusion and Poverty Reduction: Empirical Evidence from South Asia

Seema Shehzad — 2026-03-22

Financial inclusion has emerged as a central development strategy aimed at reducing poverty and promoting inclusive economic growth in South Asia. Access to affordable financial services including savings accounts, credit facilities, insurance, and digital payments enables households to smooth consumption, invest in productive activities, and manage risks. Despite rapid expansion of banking infrastructure and digital finance initiatives across South Asian countries, poverty levels remain persistent in several regions, raising questions about the effectiveness of financial inclusion policies. This study examines the structural relationship between financial inclusion and poverty reduction, incorporating the mediating roles of financial literacy and microenterprise development. Grounded in Financial Intermediation Theory and Capability Approach, the study adopts a quantitative research design using cross sectional survey data collected from 520 low-income households across selected South Asian countries. Financial inclusion is measured through access, usage, and quality of financial services. Poverty reduction is assessed using income improvement, asset accumulation, and consumption stability indicators. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS 4 to test reliability, validity, and structural relationships. Results reveal that financial inclusion significantly contributes to poverty reduction both directly and indirectly. Financial literacy and microenterprise development partially mediate the relationship, strengthening the impact of financial access on household welfare. The model explains 69 percent of the variance in poverty reduction outcomes, indicating strong explanatory power. The findings provide empirical support for inclusive finance policies and highlight the importance of complementary interventions such as financial education and entrepreneurial support programs. The study contributes to development economics literature by offering a comprehensive structural framework explaining how financial inclusion translates into measurable poverty reduction in South Asia

Influencer Marketing Effectiveness and Consumer Purchase Intention: The Role of Trust and Perceived Authenticity

Muhammad Nawaz Khan — 2026-03-22

Influencer marketing has emerged as one of the most influential digital marketing strategies in contemporary business environments. Social media influencers shape consumer attitudes, brand perceptions, and purchase decisions through personalized content and perceived relatability. Despite its rapid growth, scholarly understanding of how influencer marketing effectiveness translates into consumer purchase intention remains fragmented, particularly regarding the mediating roles of trust and perceived authenticity. This study examines the structural relationships among influencer marketing effectiveness, perceived authenticity, consumer trust, and purchase intention using a quantitative approach grounded in Source Credibility Theory and Signaling Theory. Data were collected from 420 active social media users through a structured questionnaire employing validated measurement scales. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was applied to test measurement and structural models. Results demonstrate that influencer marketing effectiveness significantly influences perceived authenticity and consumer trust. Perceived authenticity positively affects trust and directly impacts purchase intention. Trust emerges as a strong predictor of purchase intention and partially mediates the relationship between authenticity and purchase intention. The findings highlight the strategic importance of credible, transparent, and authentic influencer partnerships in enhancing marketing outcomes. The study contributes to digital marketing literature by integrating authenticity and trust into a unified structural framework and offers practical implications for brand managers seeking to optimize influencer campaigns. Future research directions include cross cultural comparisons and longitudinal analyses to assess evolving consumer perceptions

Governance Quality, Corruption, and Public Service Delivery Outcomes

Hanif Quraishi — 2026-03-22

Governance quality and corruption remain central concerns in public administration and development policy, particularly in emerging economies where institutional weaknesses often undermine public service performance. Effective governance structures are expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency, thereby improving public service delivery outcomes in sectors such as health, education, and municipal services. Conversely, corruption distorts resource allocation, reduces institutional trust, and weakens service provision. This study investigates the structural relationships among governance quality, perceived corruption, and public service delivery outcomes using an empirical model grounded in Institutional Theory and Principal Agent Theory. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 410 citizens and public sector employees through a structured questionnaire. Governance quality was measured through indicators of accountability, rule of law, transparency, and regulatory effectiveness. Corruption was assessed through perceptions of bribery, misuse of public office, and favoritism. Public service delivery outcomes were evaluated through accessibility, quality, timeliness, and citizen satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with. Reliability and validity were established through Cronbach alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Structural results indicate that governance quality significantly reduces corruption and directly improves public service delivery outcomes. Corruption negatively affects service delivery and partially mediates the relationship between governance quality and service outcomes. The model explains 62 percent of the variance in public service delivery outcomes. The findings contribute to governance literature by providing empirical evidence of the mechanisms linking institutional quality to citizen centered service performance. Policy implications highlight the importance of strengthening transparency and accountability frameworks to minimize corruption and enhance service delivery effectiveness.

Social Media Use and Youth Political Participation: Implications for Democratic Engagement

Tammana Batool — 2026-03-22

The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has significantly transformed patterns of political communication and civic engagement, particularly among youth. Young citizens increasingly rely on digital networks for political information, discussion, mobilization, and activism. While social media is often celebrated as a democratizing tool that amplifies youth voices, concerns persist regarding misinformation, polarization, and superficial engagement. This study investigates the relationship between social media use and youth political participation, examining the mediating roles of political efficacy and online political expression in fostering democratic engagement. Grounded in Uses and Gratifications Theory and Civic Voluntarism Model, the study adopts a quantitative research design. Data were collected from 450 university students through a structured questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was applied using SmartPLS 4 to test measurement reliability, validity, and hypothesized structural relationships. Findings reveal that social media use significantly predicts online political expression and internal political efficacy. Political efficacy positively influences both online and offline political participation. Online political expression also serves as a significant predictor of offline political engagement. The model explains 64 percent of the variance in youth political participation, indicating substantial explanatory power. The study contributes to democratic engagement literature by providing empirical evidence on psychological and behavioral mechanisms linking digital activity to civic participation. The findings suggest that social media can strengthen democratic engagement when it enhances efficacy and meaningful expression rather than passive consumption. Policy implications highlight the need for digital literacy programs and responsible platform governance to maximize democratic benefits.