International Research and Academic scholar society

IRASS Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Issue-5(May), Volume-3 2026

1. LEADERSHIP STYLES OF UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS AND THEIR IMPACT ON STU...
7

Kingsley Kumi Yeboah*, Joyce Asantewaa Yeboah, Ivy Marian Mensah, Nancy Ayongo Odoi Opong & Linda Brago Bonsu
Presbyterian University, Ghana. P. O. Box 59. Abetifi Kwahu
1-10
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20047430

Leadership within Ghana’s Private Universities has a significant influence on the Institutional Climate, Good Governance and the Relationship Between Administrators, Academic Staff and Students. In addition to being competitive, with limited resources and extensive regulation, Leadership Strategies Utilized by University Administrators will have an Impact on Student/Staff Relationships, Motivation and Engagement of Staff, Job Satisfaction and Educational Achievement. The purpose of this Paper was to Examine the Effect of the Leadership Styles of the Administrative Staff of Ghana's Private Universities on Student/Staff Relationships, Organizational Culture, Job Satisfaction and Overall Performance of the Institution. This Review Relied Upon Recent Empirical Research and Theoretical Advances of 2023-2026. Transformational, Democratic, Situational, and Autocratic Leadership Styles were Identified as the Main Types of Leadership Styles with Unique Implications for Relations. It Was Found That Participatory and Transformational Leadership Styles Were Capable of Building Trust, Communication and Positive Relational Climates. Conversely, Rigid and Authoritative Approaches to Leadership Can Have Negative Consequences for Engagement and Collaboration.

2. TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP, MENTORING, AND STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOP...
2

Kingsley Kumi Yeboah*, Joyce Asantewaa Yeboah, Ivy Marian Mensah, Nancy Ayongo Odoi Opong & Linda Brago Bonsu
Presbyterian University, Ghana. P. O. Box 59. Abetifi Kwahu
11-18
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20047558

The paper focuses on the correlation between the transformational leadership practice demonstrated by the educational administrators at the Ghana private universities and the success of the mentorship and professional development programs. The study is thus a qualitativeresearch that examines how the major aspects of a transformational leader, which are vision articulation, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration, influence the mentoring structures and the production of professional growth among the academic and administrative personnel. Semi-structured interviews with university administrators, mentoring coordinators, and staff in the selected private universities provided the data, which was triangulated with institutional documents and other related literature published in 2022-2025. The results show that transformational leadership has a positive impact on the growth of mentoring engagement, staff motivation, professional competence, and development of collaborative and learning oriented institutional culture. The researchers highlight that the issue of effectiveness in institutional performance and sustainability depend on organized mentoring systems, leadership development programmes, and continuing capacity-building instruments.

3. Resource Scarcity and Insecurity: Barriers to Livestock Productivity a...
5

Ekiru Francis Anno*
Unicaf University (UUM), School of Doctoral Studies, Lilongwe, Malawi
19-28
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20155864

Resource scarcity and insecurity in most pastoral and arid regions is a reality. The lack of strategies, particularly those that leverage community relations and intergovernmental commitments to regional peace, stability, economic development, and diplomacy, forces herders and traders to incur substantial costs to access production and market resources and maintain harmonious coexistence. The research conducted in the border regions of Turkana, Kenya, adjacent to Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, was founded on three strategic objectives: (i) to identify the triggers of resource-based conflicts and insecurity among local and cross-border pastoralist communities, (ii) to analyse the impact of these triggers on livestock production and the performance of livestock markets, and (iii) to ascertain critical strategies for managing livestock production and trade in conflict-affected and insecure areas of the eastern African region. Of the 180 sampled study participants, 167 responded to the study, comprising 30 percent women and 43 percent youths. The study prioritised low cash economy, poverty, cattle rustling, retaliatory practices, and marginalisation as the primary triggers of resource scarcity and insecurity in the study area. Nevertheless, the analysis identified market cartels, corruption, and territorial protection as minor triggers. This outcome is ascribed to the vigorous involvement of governments in cross-border livestock production and marketing activities through rules designed to safeguard herders and traders, while imposing penalties and sanctions on exploiters. The predominant impacts of resource scarcity and insecurity on pastoral economies and markets encompass competitive rivalry, livestock losses due to mortality and theft, exploitation of the principally illiterate herders and traders, market dysfunction, restricted equity, and intimidation in livestock production zones and markets. The primary solutions to alleviate the impacts of these triggers are unconditional access to livestock production resources, timely recovery of stolen animals, market functionality, competitiveness and profitability, as well as equitable trade in both domestic and cross-border livestock and commodity markets. Future study areas encompass the management of cross-border trade dynamics, climate resilience for pastoralists in arid regions, and the digitalisation of banking in rural areas.

4. PRAGMATICS OF SILENCE IN THE MEDIA: A STUDY OF NIGERIAN MEDIA 2023 ELE...
6

Enyinnaya, Ikedieze Charles & Dr. Dennis Omeonu*
Abia State University,uturu , Abia State , Nigeria
29-36
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20174145

This study investigates the pragmatics of silence in media discourse, focusing on Nigerian newspaper coverage of the 2023 general elections. Moving beyond the traditional view of silence as the mere absence of speech, the study conceptualizes silence as a strategic communicative resource through which meaning is constructed, negotiated, and interpreted. Drawing on Speech Act Theory, Grice’s Cooperative Principle, and the Spiral of Silence Theory, it examines how silence operates within media texts and political interviews to shape narratives and influence audience perception. Adopting a qualitative descriptive research design, the study employs discourse analysis of selected reports and analytically reconstructed political interview scenarios derived from reportage patterns in The Punch, The Guardian Nigeria, and Vanguard Newspaper. Data are analyzed in relation to five research questions, with particular attention to identified ―areas of silence,‖ including omission of critical information, evasive responses, absence of counter-narratives, strategic pauses, justificatory silence, and selective reporting. Findings reveal that silence is systematically embedded in media discourse and functions pragmatically as a tool for evasion, face-saving, ideological framing, and agenda-setting. In political interviews, silence manifests through indirect responses, topic shifts, and pauses that enable political actors to avoid accountability while maintaining public image. In news reporting, silence appears through omission and selective emphasis, shaping audience interpretation by influencing what is perceived as important or irrelevant. The study concludes that silence is an active and strategic communicative element that significantly influences public perception, media credibility, and democratic engagement, highlighting the need for greater transparency, ethical responsibility, and media literacy.

5. DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON APPLIED LINGUISTICS AND INTERDISCIPLINARY CO...
5

Etienne Mupemba Kabwe Kantanda, PhD*
Associate Professor at Université Pédagogique Nationale, DRC
37-41
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20290176

It is true that applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary discipline. All disciplines are interdisciplinary in one way or another. The problem that this paper attempts to solve is the confusion noticed in what Applied Linguistics is, and what it is not or what it should not be. This confusion is due to applied linguistics interdisciplinarity. The aim of this paper is to make those who are interested in Applied Linguistics aware of the confusion that is noticed in many papers so as to avoid it.

6. PRICING STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE OF TOURISTS’ SITES IN DELTA STATE,...
2

Iseh, Gloria Ndidi*
Department of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa, Delta State, Nigeria
42-51
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20290924

The study investigated the relationship between pricing strategies and performance of selected tourists‟ sites in Delta State, Nigeria. Pricing strategies were the independent variables while performance was the dependent variables. The dimensions of pricing strategy covered in this study include discount, competitive and customer-based, whereas the dimensions of performance were customer satisfaction, patronage, and positive band image. The hypotheses formulated for the study were subjected to statistical test using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. This statistical technique was used to determine the strength of association of independent and dependent variables. The findings are the following: Tourist sites‟ competitive pricing strategy has significant relationship with customer satisfaction. Tourists‟ sites‟ competitive pricing strategy significant has relationship with patronage. Tourists‟ sites pricing strategy significantly influence positive brand image. There is significant relationship between customer-based pricing strategy of tourists‟ sites and customer satisfaction. Based on the findings of the study it was concluded that pricing of products and services of tourists‟ sites has become the cardinal attraction among tourists, and in some cases determines whether or not a tourist will repurchase a particular tourists‟ site or not. Based on the findings and Conclusion, it could be recommended that tourists‟ sites should always be flexible in price decision and embrace the rule of elasticity of demand which has it that when more demand are going for a product, price increases but when products are everywhere with few demands, they reduce price of the product or service. In effect, the researcher advises tourists‟ sites to consider using demand oriented (customer-based) pricing strategy for increasing repurchase. There should be employee training programme at regular intervals to sharpen their skill for implementing pricing strategies of their tourists‟ site and thereby be service-oriented to drive up positive brand image.

7. Desktop vs. Palm: A Comparative Study of Computer-Assisted and Mobile-...
0

Dr. Kota Sai Krishna*, Sankar Babu Nuka & Prof Pranati Das
Central University of Karnataka
52-57
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20327939

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into language education has introduced a paradigm shift from traditional computer-based tools to sophisticated, adaptive environments. This study investigates the relative efficacy of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) versus Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), specifically focusing on their impact on standardized testing outcomes for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Utilizing a randomized pretest-posttest experimental design, 120 participants were divided into three groups: an AI-integrated CALL group using desktop computers, an AI-integrated MALL group using smartphones (palm devices), and a traditional teacher-led control group. The intervention employed an AI-driven platform featuring diagnostic testing, score predictions, and personalized learning pathways. Over a full academic semester, the study measured performance gains in the TOEIC Listening and Reading tests. Statistical analysis via paired samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA revealed that while all groups demonstrated significant score increases, the AI CALL group significantly outperformed the control group in both sections and surpassed the AI MALL group specifically in reading comprehension. These findings suggest that while the portability of "palm" devices supports learner autonomy, the technical affordances of "desktop" computers such as larger screen size and interface stability—provide a superior environment for complex literacy tasks. The study concludes with pedagogical recommendations for integrating AI across different hardware to optimize standardized test preparation.

8. Admission Standards as Pathways to Examination Malpractice: A Critical...
1

Joseph Manasseh Opong, Nancy Ayongo Odoi Opong, Michael Ezra Otoo & Abigail Naa Koshie Odarley Mensah
Presbyterian University, Ghana, P.O. Box 59. Abetifi-Kwahu
58-66
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20372699

The purpose of the study was to explore how university entrance requirements relate to test fraud. Research has thoroughly studied test fraud, its reasons, and the implications. However, there has been relatively little research into how admission irregularities affect later dishonest behaviour in the form of test fraud. Utilising an analysis of 96 studies of test fraud in sub-Saharan Africa, combined with data collected from other universities worldwide, we developed a conceptual model illustrating the ways that admission irregularities can cause dishonesty to occur at examinations. The conceptual model includes four mediating variables: (a) academic underpreparedness (i.e., when students enter college using fake or inflated credentials, they do not have the needed knowledge to pass courses; therefore, they feel pressure to commit test fraud); (b) moral disengagement (i.e., once students commit fraudulent acts to gain college admission, they will likely rationalize committing future fraudulent acts as acceptable); (c) institutional capture (i.e., if colleges profit financially from fraudulent admissions, then institutional interests become aligned against upholding academic integrity); (d) social norms or peer expectancy effects (i.e., the existence of peers who entered college via fraudulent means creates an environment where it becomes socially acceptable to engage in similar behaviour). The authors synthesised evidence regarding admission irregularities in several different countries (Nigeria, India, Ghana, Kenya, and the UK) and analysed the processes that lead to environments in which students experience high levels of support for their dishonest behaviour at examinations. The results indicated that the integrity of the admission process determines whether students will be honest during exams. Therefore, the authors concluded with suggestions for developing procedures to verify applicant information for admission purposes, developing strategies to assist academically under-prepared students, and revising disciplinary policies to prevent both the admission- malpractice connection and other forms of dishonesty

9. Examination Malpractice in Ghana’s Private Universities: Causes, Conse...
2

Joseph Manasseh Opong, Nancy Ayongo Odoi Opong, Kingsley Kumi Yeboah, Michael Ezra Otoo & Enoch Kwablah Teye
Presbyterian University, Ghana, P.O. Box 59. Abetifi-Kwahu
67-77
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20372777

The purpose of this study was to examine how cheating during exams threatens the legitimacy of university degrees awarded by privately-owned institutions in Ghana. The study also examined why many students cheat on exams, what happens to them after they are caught, and what can be done to prevent cheating from occurring. There have been numerous calls for action to reduce cheating at the University level in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there continues to be a significant lack of understanding regarding the extent of cheating at the University level. This report used a systematic literature review methodology. A total of 96 studies were reviewed. These studies spanned the period from 2012 to 2023. As well, the authors of the current report conducted over ten years of empirical research into the topic of academic integrity within higher education in Ghana. The report will explore several different areas. First, an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of cheating will be discussed. Data collected empirically on the frequency and kinds of cheating behaviours experienced by students at privately owned universities in Ghana will follow this report. Afterwards, a variety of causes of cheating behaviour will be examined. The causes identified in this study included societal pressures to obtain a university degree for job prospects or social status; inadequate supervision; various forms of technology that make it easier for students to cheat; and several institutional vulnerabilities. In addition to examining the causes of cheating behaviours, this study will identify and explore the effects of such behaviours. Identified effects of cheating behaviours include severe academic penalties (e.g., cancellation of exam results; suspension or expulsion); psychological harm (e.g., anxiety, shame, stigma); potential career jeopardy (e.g., damaged job prospects; certification/ licensure barriers); and reputational harm to the institution (e.g., loss of reputation with accrediting agencies; loss of public trust). Additionally, some factors that may contribute to higher rates of cheating among students enrolled in private universities compared to those enrolled in state-owned universities will be highlighted. Factors cited in this regard included increased economic pressure experienced by students due to high tuition costs; the competitive nature of private universities; less stringent supervisory oversight; and an overall system-wide lack of accountability regarding the admission process.

10. Local Governance and Decentralisation in Sierra Leone: Examining Admin...
1

Andrew Lokorma Karim*, Ibrahim Munu & Morrison K. Lahai
MPhil candidate, School of post-graduate studies, Njala University, Sierra Leone, West Africa
78-85
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20392102

Local government institutions serve as the primary conduit through which public services are delivered to people in local communities. In the decentralisation programme in Sierra Leone, local government institutions operate at the district, chiefdom, and city levels. At district and city levels, local governments are managed by elected council members who are referred to as local councils. The three main local government units in the country are the District, City and Chiefdom Councils. An examination of the relationship that exists among them reveals an interesting understanding of how decentralisation works in Sierra Leone. Decentralisation as a governance approach and a public administration mechanism to bring services to the doorstep of local communities is a relational process, which ensures healthy communication exists among the local institutions that are involved in service delivery for sustainable service delivery. This paper examines how the District Council, City Council and Chiefdom Council officially interact among themselves in the decentralisation programme in Sierra Leone.

11. THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN BRINGING ABOUT SOCIAL CHANGE
2

Rev. Fr. Dr. Humphrey Chinedu Anameje*
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Department of Religion and Human Relations
86-90
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20457756

Religion has remained one of the most influential forces in shaping human society and directing patterns of social behavior. There have been diverse opinions and arguments regarding the role religion play in the lives of people and on societies at large. Whereas some believe that religion is one of the key drivers of social transformation, others are of the opinion that it stifles development and progress. The method applied in this paper is historical and analytical approach. This paper examines the role of religion in bringing about social change by analyzing the relationship between religious beliefs, cultural values, and societal transformation. It begins by exploring the concepts of religion and social change through the perspectives of notable scholars such as Edward Tylor, Immanuel Kant, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber. It investigates the close connection between religion and culture, arguing that religious values often become embedded within social systems and consequently influence ethical conduct, communal relationships, and institutional structures. The study finds out that key factors determine the extent to which religion can influence social change, namely: epistemic orientation, communalism, spirituality, rationality, self-definition, and the perception of time and material reality. The paper, thus, concludes that religion possesses the capacity to inspire both positive and negative social change depending on the worldview and social values it promotes. Ultimately, religion remains a significant ideological force capable of shaping human development, social institutions, and cultural transformation.

12. Youth Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Job Creation in Zimbabwe: Empow...
1

Blazio M. Manobo*
Strategist and a Visiting lecturer at the Catholic University of Zimbabwe and the Midlands State University
91-102
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20458309

Youth unemployment in Zimbabwe has reached critical levels, with approximately 90% of young people engaged in informal employment or completely unemployed, challenging the nation's economic recovery and development goals. This study examines the relationship between youth entrepreneurship initiatives, empowerment frameworks, and sustainable job creation outcomes in Zimbabwe's unique post-dollarization economic context. Using a mixedmethods approach combining quantitative analysis of longitudinal data from 412 youth-led enterprises across Harare, Bulawayo, and rural districts, and qualitative case studies of 28 entrepreneurship support programs, we investigate how different empowerment mechanisms— including access to finance, skills development, mentorship networks, and policy support— influence both direct and indirect job creation patterns within Zimbabwe's constrained economic environment. Our findings reveal that youth entrepreneurs who participate in comprehensive empowerment programs create an average of 4.2 jobs within their first three years of operation, compared to 1.5 jobs among non-supported counterparts. More significantly, we identify a positive employment multiplier effect whereby every job created directly by youth-led enterprises generates an additional 0.9 jobs in related supply chains and local economies, particularly in the agriculture, technology, and retail sectors. The study also uncovers critical barriers unique to Zimbabwe's context, including currency volatility, limited access to formal credit, and policy implementation gaps, while revealing that female youth entrepreneurs demonstrate higher business survival rates despite facing gender-specific challenges in accessing resources. We propose a theoretical framework linking youth empowerment dimensions to job creation pathways in fragile economic environments and offer policy recommendations for the Zimbabwean government and development partners seeking to design integrated support systems that maximize employment outcomes. These findings contribute to literature on youth economic inclusion in post-crisis economies and provide empirical evidence for stakeholders implementing the National Youth Policy and Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).





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