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This dissertation contains three studies relating to executive compensation clawback policies. In the first study (Chapter 3), I investigate the relation between voluntary clawback adoption and shareholder satisfaction. I find that various measures of shareholder dissatisfaction are associated with an increased likelihood of initial clawback adoption and, for firms that already have one in place, an increased likelihood of clawback enhancement. When investigating the impact of clawbacks on shareholder dissatisfaction, measured with say-on-pay (SOP) voting dissent, I find voting dissent is reduced when clawbacks include a reporting-focused trigger. I also find partial evidence that clawbacks reduce SOP voting dissent associated with abnormal CEO compensation, suggesting that shareholders assign greater value to the clawback policy as the value of abnormal compensation increases. In Chapter 4, I examine the relation between earnings quality and variations in the features of clawback policies: the types of trigger events, the executives covered, the amount of compensation subject to clawback, and board discretion in clawback enforcement. The results suggest that earnings quality increases when clawbacks contain reporting-focused triggers and that more automatic clawbacks improve perceptions of reporting quality. In Chapter 5, I examine the relation between mandatory clawbacks, which are required for firms participating in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), and both observed earnings quality and perceptions of earnings quality. The findings suggest that mandatory clawbacks are associated with improvements in auditor’s perceptions of reporting quality. However, they are also associated with a greater likelihood of financial restatement, indicating that government mandated clawbacks may reduce the quality of earnings. The results of these studies may be of interest to regulators as they work towards the final rules governing mandatory clawbacks under Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. / Business Administration/Accounting

In this dissertation, my focus is on understanding distribution channel conflict, its relationship with efficient channel governance and its impact on channel performance. In particular, I will study (1) how the channel conflict can be defined and interpreted, (2) how channel conflict can affect channel governance, (3) what would be the performance outcomes of channel conflict, and (4) how channel conflict can be managed. My theoretical frameworks borrow mainly from transaction cost economics theory (TCE), and strategic marketing. On the empirical side, I employ several methods including meta-analysis (Two-Stage SEM) as well as different econometrics techniques such as Conditional Mixed-Process (CMP) regression estimation. My data comes from diverse sources and are mainly hand collected and created from archival sources. For the meta-analysis study, I extract empirical results of more than 100 studies on channel conflict since the 1960s. For the other empirical efforts, the data comes from various sources. The major data collection undertakings include extracting and integrating data from: (1) Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) of more than 1000 franchise firms, (2) firms records, and (3) specific franchise rankings such as Entrepreneur and Franchise Times’ rankings spanning from 2004 to 2015. The dissertation comprises following broad inter-related chapters (excluding Introduction and Conclusion chapters): (1) Managing Channel Conflict: Insights from the Current Literature, (2) Conflict and Performance in Channels: A Meta-Analysis, (3) Channel Conflict: Bad for Business?, (4) Adapting to Channel Conflict: An Empirical Study?, and (5) Two Views on Channel Conflict. Chapter 1 is a compendium on channel conflict that not only provides a comprehensive literature review on channel conflict (since the 1960s) but also identifies gaps and provides some managerial perspectives on channel conflict. One of the identified gaps in Chapter 1 revolves around the role of channel conflict and its relationship with other inter-firm constructs. In Chapter 2, I build on this identified gap by conducting a comprehensive meta-analysis study using Two-Stage SEM (TSSEM) method to aggregate the previous findings on channel conflict and its relationship with other inter-firm constructs particularly channel performance. I also investigate the potential moderators of the conflict-performance link. Chapters 1 and 2 set the stage for the next empirical work. One of the enduring debates in the channel domain is about the functionality and dysfunctionality of channel conflict. In Chapter 3, I address this directly by exploring the non-linear (inverted U-shaped) relationship between channel conflict and performance. While Chapter 3 explores the empirical relation between conflict and performance, another understudied but important research question is about how firms react to channel conflict. Such reactions can span the range from relying on relational norms to more explicit adjustment in channel governance. In Chapter 4, I address this by examining the effect of manifest channel conflict on channel governance, controlling for relational norms. In particular, I study how firms adapt their channel governance following litigation. Finally, Chapter 5 is a reflection on the body of knowledge that I have investigated above. This chapter will provide two views on channel conflict by comparing two different channel conflict conceptualizations. I illustrate the differences between these two views by comparing them based on firms’ objectives, conflict characteristics, and managerial approaches toward channel conflict, providing real-world examples of how firms approach and manage channel conflict. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / In this dissertation, my focus is on understanding distribution channel conflict, its relationship with efficient channel governance and its impact on channel performance. Channel conflict is an endemic phenomenon. The advent of new technologies (such as Internet-of-Things enabled monitoring systems) and the emergence of the Internet as a primary medium of business transactions have brought big changes to channel management. Use of multiple channels to reach consumers and exchange value with business partners have become much more common with these changes. While channel conflict has always been an important business concern, these have rekindled the interest and attention of researchers and managers to the phenomena. In this dissertation, I investigate the phenomenon of channel conflict and its effect on channel governance and business performance by conducting several independent studies spanning different research methods. The research findings will address gaps in the extant research literature as well as offer both theoretical and practical insights for researchers and practitioners interested in distribution channels strategy and management.

The rivers and tributaries of our planet carry water through Mother Earth, like veins carry blood, and for many Indigenous Peoples, the Great Lakes are the heart of Mother Earth sustaining her life blood - water. However, centuries of water colonialism have led to the disenfranchisement of Indigenous Peoples’ water citizenship, which is connected to the evolution of Indigenous water governance in the Great Lakes. Indigenous water governance includes the intergenerational and adaptive institutions and processes by which Indigenous Peoples and Nations protect the water through decision-making, treaty relations, and resurgent kinship. Indigenous water governance is grounded in the principle of Indigenous survivence – the capacity of an Indigenous Nation or community to survive stressors to water governance through resilience building that allows for sustainability and protection of water for future generations. Understanding the roles of Indigenous Nations as rightsholders in a given social-ecological-system is necessary for understanding the institutions, policies, and processes shaping collaborative water governance in transboundary basins. The failures in equity of participation, decision-making authority, and government-to-government consultation for Indigenous Nations in the shared protection of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin (GLSLRB) represent governance crises for water security. Adaptive water governance is grounded in Indigenous inclusion as rightsholders and knowledge co-production for shared agenda setting and equitable decision-making in the face of uncertainty. This dissertation empirically investigates the norms, dynamics and mechanisms that underlie the management structure, composition, and politics of Indigenous water governance in the Great Lakes. Chapter 1 introduces the literature and background necessary for positioning the four studies of the dissertation presented in Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5. Chapter 2 presents the history of water colonialism in the region and the transferability of Indigenous water institutions to manage the complex multilevel governance waterscape of the Great Lakes. Chapter 3 examines Indigenous attitudes towards Great Lakes protection in public opinion polls and the cross-national differences among Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents of the Great Lakes basin. Chapter 4 contains a case study of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Areas of Concern, their impacts on Indigenous Nations, and the water injustices that result when Indigenous worldviews are not valued. Chapter 5 explores the reawakening of sleepy water knowledges through the Water Walks and presents the path forward set by the water walkers for rebuilding water diplomacy through Indigenous water citizenship for Great Lakes governance. Taken together, these studies help us to conceptualize Indigenous water governance within the Great Lakes and provide best practices for Indigenous leaders globally working to protect the water and enacting Indigenous water governance. / Thesis / Candidate in Philosophy / The rivers and tributaries of our planet carry water through Mother Earth like veins carry blood, and for many Indigenous Peoples, the Great Lakes are the heart of Mother Earth sustaining her life blood - water. However, centuries of water colonialism have led to the disenfranchisement of Indigenous Peoples’ water citizenship, which is connected to the evolution of Indigenous water governance in the Great Lakes. This doctoral dissertation investigates the history of water colonialism in the region and the transferability of Indigenous water institutions to manage the complex multilevel governance waterscape; Indigenous Peoples perceptions of Great Lakes well-being; water injustices that result when Indigenous worldviews are not valued; and the path forward for rebuilding water diplomacy through Indigenous water citizenship for Great Lakes governance. Great Lakes Indigenous Nations’ reawakening of sleepy water knowledges are lessons for Indigenous Nations around the world fighting to protect the water on how to reclaim their water sovereignty for Indigenous water governance.

Many consumers seem to be uncomfortable or unwilling in making online transactions. This lack of trust stems in part from the online exchange process itself where consumers are deprived of many traditional cues that they would use to evaluate this process. This research focuses on consumer perceptions of regulatory governance in online exchanges and how signals of governance might act to increase consumer trust in online transac-tions. An experimental methodology was used to examine the effects of different types of structures on consumer perceptions and to provide direction for public policy makers as well as online businesses and private regulatory entities. / Ph. D.

A 2023 cybersecurity research study highlighted the risk of increased technology investment not being matched by a proportional investment in cybersecurity, exposing organizations to greater cyber identity compromise vulnerabilities and risk. The result is that a survey of security professionals found that 240\% expected growth in digital identities, 68\% were concerned about insider threats from employee layoffs and churn, 99\% expect identity compromise due to financial cutbacks, geopolitical factors, cloud adoption and hybrid work, while 74\% were concerned about confidential data loss through employees, ex-employees and third party vendors. In the light of continuing growth of this type of criminal activity, those responsible for keeping such risks under control have no alternative than to use continually more defensive measures to prevent them from happening and causing unnecessary businesses losses. This research project explores a real-life case study: an Artificial Intelligence (AI) information systems solution implemented in a mid-size organization facing significant cybersecurity threats. A holistic approach was taken, where AI was complemented with key non-technical elements such as organizational structures, business processes, standard operating documentation and training - oriented towards driving behaviours conducive to a strong cybersecurity posture for the organization. Using Design Science Research (DSR) guidelines, the process for conceptualizing, designing, planning and implementing the AI project was richly described from both a technical and information systems perspective. In alignment with DSR, key artifacts are documented in this research, such as a model for AI implementation that can create significant value for practitioners. The research results illustrate how an iterative, data-driven approach to development and operations is essential, with explainability and interpretability taking centre stage in driving adoption and trust. This case study highlighted how critical communication, training and cost-containment strategies can be to the success of an AI project in a mid-size organization. / Thesis / Doctor of Science (PhD) / Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now pervasive in our lives, intertwined with myriad other technology elements in the fabric of society and organizations. Instant translations, complex fraud detection and AI assistants are not the fodder of science fiction any longer. However, realizing its bene fits in an organization can be challenging. Current AI implementations are different from traditional information systems development. AI models need to be trained with large amounts of data, iteratively focusing on outcomes rather than business requirements. AI projects may require an atypical set of skills and significant financial resources, while creating risks such as bias, security, interpretability, and privacy. The research explores a real-life case study in a mid-size organization using Generative AI to improve its cybersecurity posture. A model for successful AI implementations is proposed, including the non-technical elements that practitioners should consider when pursuing AI in their organizations.

Yes / For developing countries involved in enhancing communication between citizens and public administration and minimizing corruption, it is imperative to exploit information technology. However, certain factors surrounding the context of e-government adoption can either facilitate or hinder the achievement of this objective. In this paper we develop a conceptual framework that aims to enable more successful e-government adoption and aim to expose the factors hindering implementation. Most empirical research and theories on the implementation of e-government in developing countries remain at the macro-level and fail to highlight contextual complexities of deployment and the role of the gap between the citizens and the government. Therefore, this research offers an empirical model differentiating between the electronic context and the electronic system and shed a light over a new gap, government-citizen gap, in the adoption of e-government.

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The purpose of this study was to appraise the meaning and challenges of the principal’s school governance role in the Gert Sibande Region of the Mpumalanga Province. This was premised on the inherent challenges of the principal’s role as prescribed in the South African Schools Act, which locates the principal in the school governing body (SGB) as a member who promotes the best interests of the school; as well as an ex officio member who represents and promotes the interests of the employer – the Department of Education. It was found, through the literature review, that the challenges of the principal’s school governance role were largely symptoms of different emphases on the various functions of the SGB as listed in the South African Schools Act. As such, the concept of school governance was contextualised into an understanding of the essence of the school governance mandate as concerned with three main roles of the SGB, namely, providing the school with a strategic direction, the SGB being critical friend to the school and holding the school to account. Through qualitative interviews of purposely selected school principals, educator-governors and parent-governors, it was found that the principal’s role was influenced by, among others, challenges pertaining to the principals’ ex officio role, parent governors’ low education level, parent governors perceptions about being in the SGB, the perceptions about the principals’ role in the SGB by other members and miscellaneous challenges pertaining to perceptions and structural factors about the school governance role. This was found to be a result of the listed nature of the Schools Act’s governance roles and responsibilities and pointed to the need for giving context to them through an approach that focuses on the meaning and implications of the school governance mandate. For that reason, this study proposes a Three-step Approach to school governance. The Three step-Approach to school governance takes the school governance mandate as a point of departure and models the school governance process from the intention to establish SGBs through elections of a new and incoming SGB while the outgoing SGB is in the final stages of its term of office; to training of SGB members over stages that focus on the relevant content and components of school governors; and culminates into the start of the process of functioning of the incoming SGB. The emphasis of this approach is on fostering a clear understanding of the school governance mandate; how it contextualises the listed functions in the Schools Act; and the need for the SGB to start functioning with members already trained and in full understanding of their roles as they relate to the school governance mandate of promoting the best interests of the schools through the provision of quality education for all learners at the school. / PhD (Education Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015.

The purpose of this study was to appraise the meaning and challenges of the principal’s school governance role in the Gert Sibande Region of the Mpumalanga Province. This was premised on the inherent challenges of the principal’s role as prescribed in the South African Schools Act, which locates the principal in the school governing body (SGB) as a member who promotes the best interests of the school; as well as an ex officio member who represents and promotes the interests of the employer – the Department of Education. It was found, through the literature review, that the challenges of the principal’s school governance role were largely symptoms of different emphases on the various functions of the SGB as listed in the South African Schools Act. As such, the concept of school governance was contextualised into an understanding of the essence of the school governance mandate as concerned with three main roles of the SGB, namely, providing the school with a strategic direction, the SGB being critical friend to the school and holding the school to account. Through qualitative interviews of purposely selected school principals, educator-governors and parent-governors, it was found that the principal’s role was influenced by, among others, challenges pertaining to the principals’ ex officio role, parent governors’ low education level, parent governors perceptions about being in the SGB, the perceptions about the principals’ role in the SGB by other members and miscellaneous challenges pertaining to perceptions and structural factors about the school governance role. This was found to be a result of the listed nature of the Schools Act’s governance roles and responsibilities and pointed to the need for giving context to them through an approach that focuses on the meaning and implications of the school governance mandate. For that reason, this study proposes a Three-step Approach to school governance. The Three step-Approach to school governance takes the school governance mandate as a point of departure and models the school governance process from the intention to establish SGBs through elections of a new and incoming SGB while the outgoing SGB is in the final stages of its term of office; to training of SGB members over stages that focus on the relevant content and components of school governors; and culminates into the start of the process of functioning of the incoming SGB. The emphasis of this approach is on fostering a clear understanding of the school governance mandate; how it contextualises the listed functions in the Schools Act; and the need for the SGB to start functioning with members already trained and in full understanding of their roles as they relate to the school governance mandate of promoting the best interests of the schools through the provision of quality education for all learners at the school. / PhD (Education Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015.