Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Impact of Fuel Price Hikes on the Economic Sustainability of Msmes in Benue State: The Moderating Role of Energy-Efficient Technology

Victor Ijirshar — 2025-10-31

This study examines the impact of fuel price hikes on the economic sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Benue State, Nigeria, and assesses the moderating role of energy-efficient technologies. Conducted across the three senatorial districts of Benue State, the study utilized a survey research design with a sample of 400 MSME owners and operators, and data collected through structured questionnaires. For data analysis, the study employed descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to explore relationships among variables and test the proposed hypotheses. The findings reveal that fuel price hikes have a significant negative effect on the economic sustainability of MSMEs. Furthermore, energy-efficient technologies were found to positively influence MSME sustainability. However, these technologies did not significantly moderate the negative impact of fuel price hikes. Based on these findings, several policy recommendations were proposed: the establishment of a Fuel Cost Stabilization Fund for MSMEs by the Federal Government; the launch of a State-Level Energy Efficiency Initiative in Benue State; the development of green finance products for MSMEs by financial institutions; the enhancement of technical and managerial capacity among MSMEs for effective technology adoption; and the promotion of context-specific energy innovation through university-industry partnerships.

Proactive Personality as a Moderator between Servant Leadership and Job Engagement: A Conservation of Resources (COR) Perspective

Sayed Sami Muzafary — 2025-10-31

Employee job engagement has been recognized as a crucial determinant of organizational effectiveness and performance, yet the mechanisms and boundary conditions influencing this construct remain insufficiently understood. The primary aim of this study is to examine how servant leadership influences employee job engagement and to determine whether proactive personality moderates this relationship. Drawing on the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the research explores how leadership behaviors and individual personality traits jointly shape engagement levels among academic staff in higher education institutions in Afghanistan. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected through standardized self-report questionnaires administered to 178 faculty members across four public universities in Kabul. The research instrument underwent translation and back-translation procedures to ensure linguistic and cultural validity. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the study established the construct reliability and validity of the measures. Subsequently, hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test the hypothesized moderation model. The empirical results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between servant leadership and job engagement. Furthermore, proactive personality was found to moderate this relationship, such that the positive impact of servant leadership on engagement was stronger among employees with higher levels of proactivity. These findings extend the theoretical understanding of servant leadership by integrating individual personality differences within the COR framework. Practically, the study highlights the importance of fostering servant leadership behaviors and creating work environments that support proactive employees, thereby enhancing faculty engagement and organizational performance in resource-constrained and post-conflict higher education institutions.

Investigating Research Anxiety Among Undergraduate English Major Students at Kabul University

Qyamudin Ziar — 2025-10-31

Research has a crucial role in developing the academic achievements of undergraduate students. However, majority experience extreme stress and anxiety while they are conducting their academic research. This study examines the factors contributing to research anxiety among undergraduate English major students at Kabul University. Although global studies have broadly explored academic stress, limited attention has been paid to the specific phenomenon of research anxiety within Afghan higher education, which this study aims to address. This investigation is conducted through a quantitative research design. Seventy-two students participated in this study. The findings revealed that most participants reported moderate to high levels of anxiety during conducting their research. It attributed to a variety of factors. The primary cause of this anxiety is a lack of experience or training. Additionally, fear of failure and inadequate academic support are significant contributing factors. Generally, senior students exhibited lower levels of anxiety than the lower level students. It is reflecting their growing familiarity with the research process. In result, it highlighted the urgent need for academic institutions and universities to address this anxiety. The study recommends integrating research training, mentorship programs, and enhanced access to investigation resources to reduce anxiety among students. Furthermore, addressing this type of anxiety will enhance the academic quality of research.

Prevalence, Predictors, and Psychological Correlations of Internet Addiction Among Afghan Students Studying in Iranian Universities

Mohammad Hassan Yusufi — 2025-10-31

In the era of information technology, internet use is inevitable for mankind. Internet use shows its negative impact when it becomes excessive. The present study intended to determine the prevalence, predictors and psychological correlates of internet addiction (IA) among Afghan students studying in Iranian universities. This study aimed to synthesize findings by assessing the prevalence of IA, psychological correlates of IA and predictors of IA in a sample of the Afghan students studying in Iranian universities. The current research was a descriptive correlational study that was conducted in the academic year of 2022-2023. A total of 268 people (159 boys, 109 girls), from Afghan students studying in Iranian universities, who were selected by stratified random sampling. Internet Addiction Test, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Barratt Impulsivity Scale were employed to collect related data. These measures were significantly higher in the IAD group compared to the N-IAD group. This study on a sample of Afghan students yielded a prevalence of 12.7% in Iranian universities. The measures of depression, anxiety and impulsivity are significantly correlated to IAD than N-IAD group. The study demonstrates the growing risk of excessive internet use and recommends early detection and preventive actions by mental health professionals

Examining the Relationship Between Organizational Socialization and Organizational Commitment in the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Authority

Khalil Rahman Sarwary — 2025-07-31

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between organizational socialization and organizational commitment among employees of the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Authority. This research is applied in nature and descriptive-correlational in terms of data collection methodology. The statistical population included all employees of the National Disaster Management Authority, totaling 207 individuals. Using simple random sampling and Morgan’s table, a sample of 133 employees was selected. Standard questionnaires were employed to collect data, including Taormina’s (1997) Organizational Socialization questionnaire and Allen and Meyer’s (1996) Organizational Commitment questionnaire. The validity of both questionnaires was assessed using the opinions of several experts in the field of management. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess the reliability of the questionnaires, yielding coefficients of 0.80 for organizational socialization and 0.85 for organizational commitment. Results of Pearson’s correlation test indicated a positive and significant relationship between organizational socialization and employees’ job commitment (r = 0.391, p = 0.000). For the first and second hypotheses, correlation coefficients of 0.379 and 0.370 respectively, with significance levels of 0.000, indicated a positive, moderate, and significant relationship between organizational socialization and affective commitment as well as continuance commitment. However, for the third hypothesis, the correlation coefficient of 0.152 with a significance level of 0.081 indicated a weak and non-significant relationship between organizational socialization and normative commitment of employees. The findings suggest that when organizational socialization is appropriately implemented, it increases organizational commitment, which in turn enhances efficiency and effectiveness within the organization.

Teacher–Student Rapport and Its Influence on English Language Learning Outcomes: Perceptions of Laghman University English Majors

Abdul Salam Abid — 2025-10-31

The teacher–student relationship is a vital component of students’ academic success and overall learning experience, fostering a safe and supportive classroom environment. Despite extensive international evidence on the benefits of teacher–student rapport, there is a lack of research on how this rapport specifically affects English language learning outcomes at Laghman University within the Afghan cultural context. This study aims to explore the impacts of teacher–student rapport on English language learning outcomes at the English Department of Laghman University, Afghanistan. A quantitative research design was employed to collect and analyze data. Data were gathered through a 35-item questionnaire distributed to 172 students, of whom 119 responded. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were calculated using SPSS version 26, and regression and correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship and impact of rapport on English language learning outcomes. The findings revealed that positive teacher–student rapport significantly enhanced English language learning outcomes, with key improvements such as increased motivation, greater classroom engagement, reduced anxiety, and enhanced self-confidence. The study adds to the literature on educational psychology and teaching methodology within Afghan higher education and offers practical suggestions for teachers, educators, and institutions to foster positive relationships and create a safer, more supportive learning environment.

Exploring the Influencing Factors of Rural-to-Urban Migration in Kandahar from 2001 to 2021

Nisar Ahmad Arghandwal — 2025-10-31

Rural-to-urban migration is the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of improved living conditions, employment opportunities, education, healthcare, and other services. The study draws on the push-pull migration theory and related literature to establish a conceptual framework for understanding population movements driven by structural challenges. This research starts with an introduction to the rural-to-urban migration in Afghanistan particularly the last two decades. Despite increased rural-to-urban migration in Kandahar between 2001 and 2021, there remains a significant research gap in understanding the specific socio-political, economic, and security-related factors that uniquely influenced this trend within the regional context. This quantitative research is based on primary information collected through a survey of 449 families in 15 districts of Kandahar City who urbanized from 2001 to 2021. The study is conducted in a quantitative research format and the data analysis is performed through SPSS software. Following this, the analysis demonstrates how the rapid rural migration to urban centers in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan is attributed to several factors, particularly conflict (42.00%) unemployment (34.90%), and drought (10.2%). More than half of the respondents preferred to settle permanently in Kandahar City instead of moving back to their villages. So, the findings imply that sustainable urban planning and targeted rural development policies are essential to address the long-term needs of displaced populations in Kandahar, as migration is increasingly driven by chronic structural challenges rather than temporary conflict.

Teachers’ Beliefs of Code-Switching in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Classes at Kabul Education University

Ali Mohammad Hekmat — 2025-10-31

This study investigates the beliefs and perceptions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers at Kabul Education University regarding the use of code-switching in their classrooms. Employing a qualitative research design, the study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of teachers' viewpoints and experiences with code-switching as a pedagogical tool. A purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 10 EFL teachers from the university's English Language Department, all of whom had a minimum of two years of teaching experience. The findings reveal that the majority of teachers recognize the practical functions of code-switching, such as clarifying difficult concepts, providing feedback, and enhancing student confidence, particularly among lower-proficiency learners. However, some teachers raised concerns that excessive reliance on the first language (L1) could hinder English language acquisition by limiting exposure to the target language (L2). Despite these differing perspectives, most teachers acknowledged the value of code-switching as an instructional strategy when employed strategically. The study underscores the importance of a balanced approach to code-switching, ensuring that it supports students' language development while maintaining opportunities for immersion in English.

EFL Learners’ Attitudes Towards the Use of L1 in EFL Classrooms

Abdul Bari Rahmany — 2025-10-31

The role of the first language in foreign language classrooms remains a contested issue in language pedagogy. While theoretical frameworks often discourage L1 use, growing empirical evidence points to its potential instructional value. This study explores Afghan English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ attitudes toward the use of L1 in English language instruction at Kandahar University. A quantitative research design was employed, involving a questionnaire administered to 208 undergraduate EFL students. The results indicate that students generally hold favorable attitudes toward the strategic use of L1 in the classroom. They perceive it as particularly helpful in facilitating the understanding of complex grammatical structures, unfamiliar vocabulary, and abstract concepts. Nonetheless, students also acknowledge that excessive reliance on L1 may hinder target language learning. Furthermore, the findings highlight that L1 use contributes to reducing students’ anxiety and fosters a more supportive learning environment, especially for lower proficiency students. Interestingly, the study found a declining preference for L1 use as students improve through academic levels from freshman to junior year. The one-way ANOVA results confirm significant differences among these groups, suggesting that as proficiency develops, students gradually shift toward English-only policy. These findings offer valuable insights for language instructors, curriculum designers, and higher education policymakers. They emphasize the importance of adopting balanced, context sensitive pedagogical strategies that integrate L1 judiciously to enhance comprehension while maintaining adequate exposure to the target language.

Exploring Identity Styles and their Impact on Mental Health among Law and Political Sciences Students

Abdul Khabir Abed — 2025-10-31

This study explores the relationship between identity styles and mental health among students of the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Kabul University. A total of 196 participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Berzonsky’s Identity Styles Questionnaire, and analyzed using Pearson correlation to examine the associations between variables. Findings reveal a statistically significant negative correlation between informational identity style and GHQ-28 scores (r = -0.203, p = 0.004) and between normative identity style and GHQ-28 scores (r = -0.196, p = 0.006). Since higher GHQ-28 scores indicate greater psychological distress, these negative correlations suggest that students with higher informational or normative identity style scores tend to experience better mental health. Commitment identity style also showed a significant negative relationship with GHQ-28 scores (r = -0.268, p < 0.001), while the diffused/avoidant style had no significant association (r = 0.076, p = 0.29). implying that this style may lack a stable influence on psychological outcomes. These results indicate that adopting an informational or normative identity style may contribute to improved mental health among university students. The results suggest that promoting informational and normative identity styles could be a valuable strategy for enhancing mental health support programs for university students in Afghanistan.

The Influence of Student–Teacher Rapport on Master’s Degree Classroom Dynamics

Mostafa Hamkar — 2025-10-31

This study investigates the influence of student–teacher rapport on master’s classrooms, emphasizing its role in fostering engagement, participation, and academic development. The research problem addresses the limited scholarly attention given to student–teacher rapport in postgraduate education, despite its recognized importance at other academic levels. Employing a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three professors from Kabul Education University and eight master’s students from Kabul Education University and Kabul University. Thematic analysis was used to interpret participants’ experiences and perceptions of rapport. The findings suggest that strong student–teacher relationships may contribute to a more interactive and psychologically supportive learning environment, potentially enhancing students’ motivation and reducing academic stress. Furthermore, the study identifies several strategies for developing and sustaining rapport, including personalized feedback, active listening, and encouraging student participation. Although the small sample size (N = 11) limits the generalizability of the findings, this is consistent with phenomenological research, which emphasizes depth of understanding over breadth. Additionally, as data were collected only from face-to-face classrooms, hybrid and online interactions were not examined. Nevertheless, the results provide valuable insights into the significance of student–teacher rapport in graduate education and offer practical guidance for creating inclusive and engaging learning environments.

The Significance of Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions of Afghanistan: Challenges, Solutions, and Strategies for Enhancement (2022-2024)

Rohullah Samim — 2025-10-31

Scientific research is a fundamental pillar of higher education institutions (HEIs), driving knowledge production, innovation, and national development. This study explores the significance of scientific research within Afghanistan’s HEIs, identifies key challenges that impede its development, and proposes strategies to enhance it. Employing a qualitative, descriptive-analytical design, the research uses content analysis of data gathered through semi-structured interviews and a comprehensive literature review. A total of 30 participants were selected based on expertise, experience, and academic background, in line with the principle of theoretical saturation. The findings highlight the crucial role of scientific research in improving education quality, fostering researcher expertise, generating new knowledge, and strengthening academic recognition in Afghanistan. However, significant barriers hinder progress, including insufficient funding, outdated infrastructure, limited research tools, limited global collaboration, bureaucratic inefficiencies, a shortage of qualified researchers, and the commercialization of private universities. To address these obstacles, the study recommends comprehensive policy reforms such as capacity-building programs, improved access to up-to-date academic resources, the establishment of institutional research committees and peer-reviewed journals, enhanced financial support, and a strategic cultural shift to prioritize research within HEIs.

The Effectiveness of Using Translation as a Learning Strategy in the Afghan EFL Context

Atiqullah Mashal — 2025-10-31

The usefulness of translation as a learning strategy in the EFL context remains a subject of ongoing academic debate, particularly in relation to meaningful learning and language proficiency. There are two opposing ideas: some practitioners reject its use because it negatively affects English skills, while others insist on using translation because it is efficient for comprehension and for a better understanding of EFL content. In most foreign contexts, students have been found to use it extensively for comprehension. However, little research attention has been paid to the EFL context of Afghanistan to examine the effects of using this strategy. This study explores the attitudes and perceptions of English major students to determine the effectiveness of translation as a learning strategy. A quantitative research design was employed to assess the efficiency of this strategy. A 5-point Likert-scale survey was used to collect data. A total of 132 Afghan undergraduate students majoring in English literature at Kandahar University participated in the study. For statistical analysis, IBM SPSS Statistics 2027 was used to obtain accurate results. Findings identified translation as a supportive strategy for addressing students’ needs, reducing cognitive load, enhancing comprehension, aiding language skills, and promoting meaningful learning. These insights highlight the importance of translation but suggest caution in its use, as overuse limits learners' ability to build their language proficiency. Future researchers are encouraged to explore the pedagogical implications of translation as a learning strategy across diverse EFL contexts, considering variables such as cultural backgrounds, proficiency levels, and instructional strategies for its practical use.

The Role of Organizational Communication in Enhancing Organizational Efficiency

Mohammad Zahid Bahand — 2025-10-31

Effective organizational communication is a fundamental pillar of any organization's success and plays a vital role in ensuring coordination, increasing motivation, and improving the performance of the organization's personnel. This research aimed to investigate the role of organizational communication in enhancing organizational efficiency by using a qualitative method involving semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The theoretical foundations of this research are based on empowerment theory. The study's statistical population included 21 heads of organizations, professors, and managers, selected from public and private departments and universities in Mazar-e Sharif. Individuals were sampled purposively based on their experience in organizational communications. The findings showed that organizational communication, especially formal, two-way, trust-based communication with regular feedback, plays a key role in improving organizational efficiency. Based on the findings, in organizations with a transparent, interactive communication structure, increased responsibility, intra-organizational coordination, work motivation, and personnel innovation are more evident. In contrast, in organizations where communication is limited, one-way, or authoritarian, organizational efficiency declines. Additionally, the lack of a regular feedback system, weak trust across organizational levels, unequal access to information, and the absence of an open communication culture constitute the main obstacles to organizational efficiency. The findings of this research can help public and private organizations and universities in Mazar-e-Sharif improve their internal communication systems, strengthen personnel motivation, and enhance overall organizational performance. Future research should examine these communication strategies in diverse organizational and cultural contexts and generalize the findings to all Afghan organizations.

Assessing the Relationship Between Public Trust and Ethical Reporting of Afghanistan International TV

Yahya Yaqubi — 2025-10-31

This study examines the perceptions of Afghan journalists and political analysts regarding Afghanistan International TV’s adherence to journalistic ethical standards in its coverage of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). The research aims to evaluate the channel’s performance in terms of impartiality, accuracy, fairness, independence, and potential bias. A structured online questionnaire was distributed to 122 respondents, both inside and outside Afghanistan. The collected data indicate that ownership influence and editorial bias remain key concerns for most viewers, despite frequent channel changes. Respondents identified persistent ethical deficiencies, including limited transparency, weak confidentiality practices, and a lack of respect for individual privacy, all of which undermine public trust. Many participants also noted that the channel’s content often reflects promotional narratives that appear to encourage the liveliness and rhetoric of the Islamic Emirate members. Furthermore, while more than half of the respondents reported that the channel’s coverage has little direct impact on their professional reporting, they acknowledged its broader influence on public perception. Overall, the findings highlight widespread skepticism toward media credibility in Afghanistan and underscore the urgent need for stronger ethical standards and more balanced reporting practices across Afghan media outlets.

The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on the Change in the Balance of Power in the International System

Abdul Farooq Bahadari — 2025-11-01

From a historical perspective, it can be seen that the balance of power has been one of the most important issues in the international system. Maintaining or changing the balance of power has always been done by a great power or a group of great powers, which has been the reason for an important international event. In this regard, the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has also caused a global confrontation at the level of the international system, shows one of the most important geopolitical developments of the 21st century. Except for the literature that has been able to predict the change, there is no such thing. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between the war in Ukraine and the change in the balance of power in the international system. This study, with a causal approach, combines library data and empirical observations and has reached the conclusion that: Russia and China and their allies on one side and Europe and America on the other have strengthened their alliances and moved towards a bipolar or multipolar system. While it is evident that the unipolar system is eroding, it is not yet clear whether the system being formed will be bipolar or multipolar. Since changes in the international system affect the capabilities of states in the international system, the importance and effectiveness of this research lies in the fact that it can provide a basis for effective policymaking in the foreign policy of countries in a situation where the world is transitioning from unipolar to multipolar.