The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for employment and government accountability: evidence from an emerging market

IF 3.2 Q1 BUSINESS, FINANCE Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies Pub Date : 2023-09-04 DOI:10.1108/jaee-09-2022-0266
Ahmed Diab
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Abstract

PurposeThis study analyses the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on government accountability regarding the employment of both national and migrant workforces by bringing evidence from an emerging market. In doing so, this study addresses if/how the government discharged its accountability to the public during this recent global health crisis, which started in late 2019, with its effects still being felt today.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a close reading of the relevant news media (local and international), published research and official reports, as well as ten conversations with business managers to analyse the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on government accountability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study draws on insights from public choice theory in trying to understand why some governments take an economic perspective while exercising accountability to their population during the pandemic.FindingsIt was found that COVID-19 led the government to pursue plans for the localization of the professions and increase employment rates among nationals vs. foreigners or migrant workers. The crisis was exploited by the government to achieve macro socio-political and economic goals, demonstrating its accountability to citizens, rather than foreign workers. This shift shows that difficult and exceptional circumstances can present opportunities for policymakers in emerging markets to achieve national policy and political aims.Originality/valueThis study enhances the author’s understanding of accountability during crises (i.e. crises-induced accountability) in emerging markets. The analyses presented enrich the crisis management literature by highlighting the implicit actions of national leaders that affect the lives and well-being of their constituents, especially vulnerable groups.
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新冠肺炎疫情对就业和政府问责制的影响:来自新兴市场的证据
目的本研究通过从新兴市场获得证据,分析了新冠肺炎对政府在本国和移民劳动力就业方面的问责制的社会经济影响。在这样做的过程中,这项研究探讨了政府是否/如何在最近的这场始于2019年底的全球卫生危机中履行对公众的责任,其影响至今仍能感受到。设计/方法/方法本研究基于对相关新闻媒体(当地和国际)、已发表的研究和官方报告的仔细阅读,以及与企业经理的十次对话,以分析新冠肺炎对沙特阿拉伯王国(KSA)政府问责的社会经济影响。这项研究借鉴了公共选择理论的见解,试图理解为什么一些政府在疫情期间对民众负责时会从经济角度出发。调查结果发现,新冠肺炎导致政府推行职业本地化计划,并提高国民与外国人或移民工人的就业率。政府利用这场危机来实现宏观社会政治和经济目标,表明政府对公民而非外国工人负责。这种转变表明,困难和特殊的情况可以为新兴市场的决策者提供实现国家政策和政治目标的机会。独创性/价值这项研究增强了作者对新兴市场危机期间问责制(即危机引发的问责制)的理解。所提供的分析通过强调国家领导人影响其选民,特别是弱势群体的生活和福祉的隐性行动,丰富了危机管理文献。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
5.80
自引率
13.00%
发文量
38
期刊最新文献
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