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An Integrative Framework for Board Effectiveness
Synopsis The note presents an integrative framework for board effectiveness, organized into four interdependent clusters: Composition, Process, Dynamics, and Impact. It argues that effective boards are not defined solely by who sits on them or by formal structures, but by the interplay of membership diversity, disciplined processes, interpersonal trust and…
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Disability and Inclusion in Pakistan: Prevalence, Policies, and Barriers
Abstract This note examines disability legislation and policy in Pakistan, highlighting federal and provincial frameworks, employment and education quotas, and their implementation. It reviews recent acts across ICT, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting variations from 2% to 5% in employment quotas and provisions for inclusive education. Census 2023…
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Transgender Inclusion at Work: Issues and Strategies in Pakistan and Beyond
Abstract This article explores the contemporary realities and structural barriers faced by transgender individuals in workplaces in Pakistan and globally. It draws on recent research, legal updates, and development initiatives. Although legal reforms have improved formal recognition of transgender individuals in Pakistan, persistent discrimination, economic exclusion, and limited institutional accountability…
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Race and Gender in U.S. Public Opinion on Iran and Israel: An Intersectional Analysis
Recent findings from the Economist/YouGov poll (June 15–18, 2025) offer a striking snapshot of how public opinion in the United States on the Israel-Iran conflict is deeply structured by race and gender. Far from being neutral assessments of foreign policy, these perceptions reflect entrenched and intersectional social hierarchies and identity-based…
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An Islamic Perspective on Green Leadership
Abstract This paper presents a normative and integrative model of green leadership from an Islamic perspective, proposing that Islamic ethical principles can meaningfully enrich contemporary sustainability leadership frameworks. Drawing on classical Islamic sources—including the Qur’an, Hadith, and Nahj al-Balagha—as well as modern leadership literature, the paper outlines five core principles…
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DEI Certification Program
3-Month (12-Week, 48 contact hours) Professional Certificate Format: Every Saturday – 4 hours per week (2 hours live online plus two hours self study with online support) Start Date: 12 July 2025 Are you an HR leader, manager, educator, or diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) advocate ready to drive real…
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The Qur’an and Science: Fact, Fiction, or Faith
The Qur’an, Islam’s sacred scripture revealed in the 7th century A.D., is regarded by Muslims as a source of wisdom, philosophy, and moral guidance for living a responsible life with accountability to the Creator. However, whether it should also be considered a book of science remains a subject of ongoing…
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Leading with Inclusion: A Practical Guide to Gender Sensitivity in Pakistani Workplaces
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This guide provides a comprehensive, research-based, and contextually relevant roadmap for promoting gender sensitivity in Pakistani workplaces. Targeted at top and middle managers across diverse industry sectors—the guide bridges global best practices with the socio-cultural and legal context of Pakistan. It underscores the business, ethical, and legal imperatives…
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Combating Gender-Based Violence in Pakistan: A Policy and Practice Guide
Executive Summary This guide provides an evidence-based framework for addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in Pakistan. Grounded in both global best practices and the sociocultural, legal, and organizational context of Pakistan, the guide serves as a strategic resource for policymakers, institutional leaders, and senior managers across public, private, and development sectors.…
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WLP 2025 – Post-Event Report and Feedback
We are delighted to share a reflective Post-Event Report and Feedback authored by one of our esteemed participants, Urva Tul Wusqa, following the South Asian Academy of Management’s (SAAM) Women Leadership Program (WLP), held in April 2025 in Lahore. Urva Tul Wusqa, Head of OD & Talent at Highnoon, offers…
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Highlights of Women Leadership Program (WLP 2025)
Here is a brief video highlighting the key moments of “Women Leadership Program (WLP 2025) – Breaking the Glass Ceiling”, held at Avari, Lahore on 17-18 April 2025. It was a pleasure for the South Asian Academy of Management (SAAM) to host this powerful two-day learning experience with an incredible…
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WLP 2025: Women’s Legal Rights in Pakistan
I recently had the privilege of training and engaging with a group of truly inspiring women leaders from across Pakistan at the Women Leadership Program (WLP): Breaking the Glass Ceiling, held at Avari Lahore on April 17-18, 2025 under the auspices of South Asian Academy of Management (SAAM). Participants came…
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Fundamentals of Design Thinking
This free video series offers a step-by-step introduction to Design Thinking for students, educators, and entrepreneurs in Pakistan and across South Asia. Delivered in Urdu with English subtitles, the series covers the foundational concepts and core stages (Empathy, Define, Ideation, Prototype, Testing), practical tools like the Business Model Canvas and…
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What CEOs Can Do to Advance Women in Leadership – Musadaq Zulqarnain
Event: “What Can CEOs Do to Foster Women’s Leadership and Drive Organizational Success?” – Webinar by South Asian Academy of Management (SAAM) – 22 January 2025 Speaker: Mr. Musadaq Zulqarnain, Chairman of Interloop Limited. Synopsis In this candid and thought-provoking talk, Mr. Musadaq Zulqarnain reflects on the structural and cultural barriers that…
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Book Review: Managing Diversity and Inclusion
Book Title: Managing Diversity and Inclusion: An International Perspective (Second Edition) Publisher: SAGEEditors: Jawad Syed and Mustafa Özbilgin Overview A wide range of social and economic factors have led to greater diversity in the workplace. This means that the book co-edited by Professor Jawad Syed and Mustafa Özbilgin is ultra-relevant…
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Extremism in Bangladesh is a Threat to Diversity
2016 Targeted killings in Bangladesh: Victims, culprits and countermeasures – Jawad Syed Since 2013, Bangladesh has been repeatedly in headline news across the world due to systematic and incessant targeted killings. In the mainstream media, both in South Asia and the West, the focus has been generally on high profile murders…
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Oscars So White: An Institutional Racism Perspective
Author: Jawad Syed; Courtesy: CounterPunch (2016) For a second year in a row, all of the 20 acting nominations for the Academy Awards went to white actors. Not unlike 2015, this has resulted in a heated debate about racial bias in the Oscars, and the opinions of film artists and activists…
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From Karachi to San Bernardino: In Quest of an Alternative Discourse on Terrorism
Author: Jawad Syed, Cross posted from The Huffington Post, 2015 In the aftermath of the Paris and San Bernardino attacks, the world can no longer afford apologist and politically correct discourses on terrorism. During my recent trip (2015) to Pakistan to attend an international educational and cultural conference in Karachi, I…
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Oscars Diversity Row – Interview with Radio Huddersfield
Prof Syed talk about the Oscars and how, for the second year in a row, all of the 20 acting nominations for the Academy Awards are for white actors. Interviewed by Nicole Reid of Music Radio Huddersfield on 16 Feb 2016. It is no secret that the Oscars have received…
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3% Rise in the National Minimum Wage in the UK
Jawad Syed’s interview with BBC Radio Kent on the 3% increase in the national minimum wage (12 March 2014 6pm) BBC Radio Kent: It is feared today’s announcement of a rise in the minimum wage could put small businesses in Kent under even more pressure. It’ll go up by 19p…
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Sexual Orientation Diversity and Islam
Guest Lecture by Professor Jawad Syed at the SexGen Seminar Date: 30 October 2015Venue: Quayside, University of Huddersfield British South Asian Issues of Gender and Sexuality foreground some of the challenges and opportunities facing British South Asians living in the UK today. These experiences are forged via the intersections of…
South Asian Academy of Management 