Huma Maqsood

Szabist Islamabad, Social Sciences, Faculty Member

Followers

Following

Co-authors

Public Views

I am an accomplished academic, researcher, and educator with a PhD in Economics and postgraduate qualifications in Development Studies and English Literature. With over two decades of experience in academia, she brings a rich interdisciplinary perspective and a strong commitment to academic excellence. My research interests include gender and development, labor markets, development economics, gender economics, behavioral economics, environmental sustainability, media studies, global perspectives, policy analysis, and language and literature. I have extensive publications in international journals and serve as an editorial board member, journal reviewer, speechwriter, and communication specialist. I bring a global academic perspective and strong competencies in blended learning, aligned with the higher education quality standards. My contributions extend to curriculum design, academic writing, editing and proofreading, content development, teaching and training, research and development, and institutional advancement. I am genuinely passionate about community service, as well as social, environmental, and economic growth.
Address: Islamabad

less

InterestsView All (33)

Uploads

Papers by Huma Maqsood

Labor Migration, Human Resource Management, and Economic Development: Evidence from Pakistan

Asian Journal of Development Studies, 2025

This study examines labor migration as a predictor of economic development through human resource... more This study examines labor migration as a predictor of economic development through human resource management (HRM) practices. It analyzes labor migration through three variables: talent retention, migrants' return, and diaspora engagement to learn their impact on economic development. Primary data collected through a cross-sectional quantitative survey reveal that retention policies can significantly reduce labor migration, preventing brain drain. While return migration and Diaspora networks are beneficial, they serve as supplementary sources of support. The findings reveal the significance of HRM practices in influencing labor migration practices and their outcomes, contributing to the existing literature on migration by providing a fresh perspective beyond traditional macroeconomic interpretations. Moreover, this research brings novelty to the literature by highlighting the intersection of migration and economic development in developing economies, mediated through HRM policies and practices.

Download

Fintech Payment Services Adoption among Women: The Impact of Personality, Financial Services Knowledge, and Artificial Intelligence

International Journal of Accounting & Information Management. , 2025

Purpose: This research explores the adoption of Fintech payment services among women. It assesses... more Purpose: This research explores the adoption of Fintech payment services among women. It assesses the phenomenon through the impact of personality traits, financial services knowledge, and investigates the moderated mediation role of the artificial intelligence. Methodology: Adopting the Technology Acceptance Model, the study implied a quantitative survey to collect data from the women (N = 220). The relationship among the variables were assessed through Hayes' PROCESS moderation-mediation model, with a robustness check through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) that substantiates the study's findings. Findings: The results showed that the women with high agreeableness and openness are inclined to use Fintech payment services. Moreover, high-level banking services and Fintech usage knowledge positively correlated to the usage of Fintech payment services. In addition, artificial intelligence positively influences the use of Fintech payment services among women. Practical implications: The study offers policymakers a roadmap to make Fintech payment services more accessible among women through financial services knowledge and the use of artificial intelligence. This will advance the progress toward United Nations' SDGs on gender equality and innovation. Social implications: This study reinforces the prospect of women's empowerment through Fintech, paving way to explore the prospective mechanism for a complete shift to digitalization of economy to promote economic transparency. Originality: This is amongst the first studies that investigates the role of Big-five personality traits and artificial intelligence in enhancing the usage of Fintech payment services among women. The innovative nature of this study promotes financial inclusion among the female population and opens new research avenues to promote Fintech adoption.

Download

Women's economic underdevelopment in Pakistan: The intersection of gender and female labour force participation

Human Systems Management, 2024

BACKGROUND: Women's low economic participation in Pakistan and even lower in the formal sector is... more BACKGROUND: Women's low economic participation in Pakistan and even lower in the formal sector is a perpetual phenomenon leading to their underdevelopment, which has microeconomic and macroeconomic implications. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of women's work and the intersection of their non-market and market activities at micro, meso, and macro levels which influences women's chances and choices of decent economic participation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the interdependence of women's market and non-market work to explore how gender intersects with their economic autonomy. METHODS: Using qualitative approach, in-depth interviews of 30 purposely selected respondents from the informal sector were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Results indicated that the interdependence of women's non-market and market work is the outcome of the gendered dichotomy that creates work-life conflict to create women's economic dependence and male hegemony. Moreover, although a common phenomenon, women from underprivileged backgrounds are more likely to bear the brunt of systemic deprivation leading to economic underdevelopment. CONCLUSIONS: Pakistan's inherently masculinised society and economy mutually benefit from women's unpaid and informal work. Facilitated through gender norms, the patriarchal social ideology and the capitalist economic system collaborate to exploit women and their work in both domains.

Download

Information shocks, market returns and volatility: a comparative analysis of developed equity markets in Asia

SN Business and Economics, 2023

This research explores the function of information shocks in equity returns and integrated volati... more This research explores the function of information shocks in equity returns and integrated volatility of emerging Asian markets using Swap Variance (SwV) approach on the period of 20 years (Feb 2001-Feb 2020). It compares average monthly returns and volatility of shock periods with non-shock periods after separating negative and positive shocks. Findings reveal frequent occurrence of information shocks in all Asian developed equity markets with positive shocks than that of negative shocks. Moreover, highly volatile Asian developed markets earn higher returns during shocks periods, while markets with higher volatility and lower continuous returns are adversely affected during shocks periods. The ratio of total realized volatility and the average ratio of shocks volatility establish that shocks account for a considerable amount of volatility, and integrated volatility is higher during negative shocks phases. The study has implications for all stakeholders of financial markets for rational investment decisions.

Download

Psychological triggers in online shopping: The influence of scarcity, urgency, and personalization on consumer buying behavior

The Critical Review of Social Sciences Studies, 2025

The proliferation of e-commerce has rendered the psychology of online shopping an intriguing area... more The proliferation of e-commerce has rendered the psychology of online shopping an intriguing area of investigation. Online shopping is significantly influenced by several psychological triggers, involving cognitive and emotive processes in purchasing decision-making in the digital marketplace. This study examines three aspects—scarcity, urgency, and personalization—to determine the impact of these variables on consumers' online buying behavior as these triggers substantially impact e-commerce, necessitating an understanding of the customer psyche. The study used a quantitative design to collect data from 400 adult online buyers aged 18 to 50. The data are analyzed through ANOVA and regression analysis. The findings indicate that consumers react differently to psychological triggers, and urgency and scarcity produce more powerful purchase intent effects than personalization strategies. Moreover, findings suggest that customers retired of personalized techniques due to ethical issues. This study has implications for marketers, brand strategists, user experience (UX) designers, and consumer psychologists. Marketers may customize their strategies and win customer trust; brand strategists may connect with consumers ethically and increase brand loyalty, and UX designers may improve user engagement and satisfaction by integrating these triggers into digital interfaces. Likewise, consumer psychologists may better understand how emotional and cognitive reactions affect online shopping behavior, enabling future research and therapy.

Download

Taxation and Investor Behavior: Analyzing Portfolio Adjustments, Risk Preferences, and Capital Market Reactions to Fiscal Policy Changes

Journal of Business and Management Research, 2025

This study aims to analyze the impact of taxation on investor behavior, including their responses... more This study aims to analyze the impact of taxation on investor behavior, including their responses to portfolio rebalancing, risk management, and overall market reactions to changes in fiscal policy. Changes in tax policy, such as the rates of capital gains tax, dividend tax, and income tax, significantly affect investors' portfolios and investment decisions. Thus, the impact of tax changes can be expressed in terms of a shift in investment portfolios, changes in risk profiles, and shifts in overall market risk assessments. Thus, the study primarily focuses on investors' attitudes toward fiscal policy changes, adjustments in their investment patterns, and their approach to assessing these changes. It fills the gap in the literature by linking taxation, behavioral finance, and capital markets, providing meaningful insights for policymakers, financial planners, and investors in understanding the profound impacts of tax changes on stock market activity. The study also reviews the immediate reactions and long-run adaptations to taxation and examines the consequences for market efficiency, asset pricing, and investors' confidence.

Download

The Role of Central Banks in Managing Inflation and Financial Crises: Strategies, Challenges, and Global Case Perspectives

by Huma Maqsood and Muhammad Ali

ACADEMIA International Journal for Social Sciences,, 2025

The central banking system is vital in controlling inflation and managing financial crises within... more The central banking system is vital in controlling inflation and managing financial crises within any economy. This research uses a mixed-method approach to examine the measures, working experience, and international examples of the Central Bank Independence (CBI). The quantitative part process focuses on the historical variation in inflation rates, rates of interest, and other measures implemented by central banking institutions across various economies. Econometric modeling and time series analysis are used to determine the effects of monetary policies on inflation, GDP growth, and financial stability. The study also examines the effects of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and COVID-19 on various firms through qualitative case studies. By analyzing policy papers, committee proceedings, central banking reports, and expert interviews, the research offers valuable insights into innovative strategies, behavioural patterns, regulatory actions, and the potential downsides of monetary policy operations. Moreover, key monetary instruments, including interest rate cuts, Quantitative Easing (QE), and liquidity injections, are evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in mitigating recessions. The findings suggest that central banking institutions' proactive stance on inflation stabilization, combined with analytical measures can address challenges such as policy lags, market unpredictability, and geopolitical instability. From a methodological perspective, the research highlights the need for central banks (CBs) to base their decision-making on empirical evidence, with coordinated national and/or supranational monetary policies to address shocks and adapt to unpredictable changes. Thus, using empirical data and policy relevance, this study comprehensively analyzes central banking strategies and offers policy recommendations for development practitioners, economists, and financial institutions.

Download

Optimizing Remote Workforce Performance and Career Growth: Strategies for Effective Management, Development, and Employee Engagement in A Digital-First Era

by Huma Maqsood, Hasan Arif Siddiqui, and Rizwan Hanif

Research Journal for Social Affairs, 2025

The COVID-19 outbreak changed the workplace dynamics with work-from-home practices that transform... more The COVID-19 outbreak changed the workplace dynamics with work-from-home practices that transformed organizational practices around performance management, learning and development, and employee engagement. This study investigates the impact of leadership support and access to digital learning tools on employee engagement, performance, and career growth in remote and hybrid work settings. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data on the perceived link of leadership support to employee promotion prospects as well as learning accessibility and engagement. Responses from 310 remote workers across different sectors were statistically analyzed through multiple regression analysis tests and ANOVA, which established the significance of the variables on remote career outcomes. The study also discusses the issues of proximity bias and lack of a structured model for remote work. Moreover, it advances theory by synthesizing current knowledge on digital leadership, remote work, and organizational learning, and recommends practices for building effective, inclusive remote teams in today's dynamic workplace.

Download

THE RISE OF LIVE-STREAMING E-COMMERCE: ANALYZING CONSUMER PURCHASE BEHAVIOR AND BRAND TRUST IN REAL-TIME SHOPPING EVENTS

by Huma Maqsood and Qaisar Janjua

Journal of Management & Social Science, 2025

With the evolution of online buying behavior, live-streaming e-commerce (LSE) has emerged as a di... more With the evolution of online buying behavior, live-streaming e-commerce (LSE) has emerged as a disruptive innovation, merging entertainment, real-time interaction, and digital shopping into a single, immersive experience. Despite its growing popularity, limited research has explored the psychological and social mechanisms driving consumer behavior in these dynamic environments. This study investigates the psychological and
social factors influencing consumer purchase behavior and brand trust during live shopping events. It specifically examines the effects of real-time engagement features—such as live chats, Q&A sessions, and limited-time offers—on consumer decisions to explore how para-social relationships with streamers and perceived authenticity shape
consumer responses. Three key propositions are tested: (1) real-time engagement boosts impulse buying; (2) stronger interactions with streamers enhance brand trust; and (3) authenticity moderates the effect of engagement on purchase intentions. A quantitative approach was employed, using regression analysis, correlation, and structural equation
modeling (SEM) on data collected from 400 participants with prior live shopping experience. The findings reveal that emotional stimulation through authentic, real-time interactions creates a sense of urgency and social connection, leading to heightened consumer engagement and increased purchase behavior. This research contributes to existing literature by highlighting the role of emotional involvement in live commerce and provides actionable insights for digital marketers. In discussing approaches to managing cognitive overload and privacy risks, the study recommends future research on cross-cultural consumer behavior and the integration of artificial intelligence in live shopping experiences.

Download

Sustainable Finance and Traditional Investment Models: Analyzing Investors' Growing Focus on ESG Factors

by Huma Maqsood and Asad Khan JZ ELE BATCH 45

The Critical Review of Social Sciences Studies, 2025

This study analyzes the growing influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) consider... more This study analyzes the growing influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in reformulating investment strategies by institutional investors in Punjab - Pakistan. It used a quantitative research design and a sample size of 220 respondents. The modestly positive link between awareness of ESG and ESG integration (r = 0.346, p = 0.000) revealed by correlation analysis shows that high awareness generates more integration of ESG factors in investing strategies. Moreover, a low but considerable correlation was established between financial performance and ESG integration (r = 0.174, p = 0.010), where ESG factors may be able to help manage risk but not necessarily bring in profits in the short run. Nonetheless, the regression indicated that ESG-oriented investment performance does not determine overall financial performance and risk management (R² = 0.000, p = 0.876), pointing towards the difficulty of measuring ESG advantages in developing markets. This stresses the demand for uniform ESG models, enhanced investor vigilance, and long-term investments to drive the adoption of ESG. Future studies need to investigate industry-level ESG effects and long-term returns on finance to gain more meaningful insights into sustainable finance.

Download

Information shocks, market returns and volatility: a comparative analysis of developed equity markets in Asia

SN Business & Economics

Download

Effects of social media motivations on women’s psychological well-being in Pakistan

First Monday, 2020

Social media use has been increasing apace regardless of geographical and economic boundaries. In... more Social media use has been increasing apace regardless of geographical and economic boundaries. In particular, its penetration has occurred more rapidly in developing and low-income countries with abounding health and psychological disadvantages. Given the understanding that women are more prone to psychological disorders than men, the current research is an effort to examine social media motives and subsequent effects on the psychological well-being of women social media users in Pakistan. The study is based on an online survey conducted to ascertain as to what extent social media use contributes to women’s psychological well-being or otherwise. The survey recorded responses of 240 women selected through purposive sampling technique. SEM-PLS analysis of the collected data revealed that social media usage plays a meaningful role in women’s psychological health. However, results exposed that Pakistani women, under the traditional patriarchal social pressure, not only have to observe c...

Virtual Manifestations of Patriarchy: Digital Experience of Pakistani Women

Asian Women, 2020

Women’s social media needs and online social capital: Bonding and bridging social capital in Pakistan

Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2020

ABSTRACT This article studied women’s online social capital in the low-income and traditionally p... more ABSTRACT This article studied women’s online social capital in the low-income and traditionally patriarchal society of Pakistan. The research focused on two objectives: to identify the needs of social media among Pakistani women; and to measure the impact of social media needs on their social capital, especially with respect to establishing and bridging social capital. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 240 women. A measurement model was developed, and path analysis was performed using Smart-PLS. Results revealed a significant correlation between social media needs and social capital. Furthermore, it was found that Pakistani women’s social media needs positively correlate with bonding social capital; however, a significant relationship was also observed for bridging social capital as well. Quantitative analysis produced results contrary to widely held notions regarding women and social capital, which suggests a need for additional quantitative analysis as well as further qualitative research to explore the nuances of women’s online social capital in developing and traditional societies.

Huma Maqsood

Uploads

Papers by Huma Maqsood

Log In