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This study focuses on the effects of fear factor due to COVID-19 on stress and well-being of college students in India. The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey among 625 Indian students across various Indian universities and structural equation modeling (SEM) has been performed for analyzing the data. The findings of the study show a positive effect of fear of COVID-19 on stress with β = .27, p < 0.05, and a negative effect on well-being (β = −.13, p < 0.05). The results also depicted the mediating role of stress between fear of COVID-19 and well-being. Therefore, it is suggested that measures must be taken by individuals, society, and policy makers to include mental health maintenance in the pandemic response activities. Further longitudinal studies in different geographical regions and demographics can provide a more generalized understanding of the relationship between the pandemic and mental health. The limitations, policy implications, and suggestions are discussed.Keywords The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has raised numerous concerns in public health (Heymann & Shindo, 2020) in recent times. Besides fear of infection, mental health concerns among the public have also increased all over the world (Holmes et al., 2020). The COVID-19 scenario has resulted in an increased level of psychiatric issues such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, denial, anger, fear and, in the worst case, suicide (Torales et al., 2020).

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to review and analyse different glass ceiling studies conducted in different Asian countries during the three decades after the introduction of the metaphor. It also describes the antecedents and the consequences of the glass ceiling. Design/methodology/approach The method chosen for the study was a computerised search of available materials using the keywords relating to glass ceiling in Asia and latest reports from international organisations. Findings The perception of glass ceiling existence in Asian countries has been sorted out region-wise. Different factors for glass ceiling have been categorised under different theories. Research limitations/implications The study includes a multiregional aspect of glass ceiling, which will be useful for further studies in this area. The limitation of the study is that it did not assess the awareness and influence of glass ceiling in each industry. Practical implications Since the study showed glass ceiling practices in different countries in Asia, it might help policy makers for making proper decisions for breaking of glass ceiling. Social implications The study may be a part of empowering women as it analyses areas of inequality and finds out antecedents. Originality/value This paper is the first to shed light on glass ceiling on a multicultural and multiregional aspect.

Purpose This study aims to review and analyze sustainable business practices prevailing in different emerging countries in Asia. It also identifies the challenges faced by these countries in the implementation of sustainable practices. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the objectives of the study and answer the key research questions, systematic literature review method was chosen. A total of 75 papers were chosen and reviewed for this study. Findings Organizations in many emerging Asian countries are concerned about environmental aspects and have started investing in sustainable business practices. Yet they face many challenges during the implementation, which vary across countries. Research limitations/implications This study helps in understanding the sustainable practices that are currently being used in Asia and this understanding would help organizations and policy makers formulate new practices or improve upon existing ones for better outcomes. As the study was limited to a few representative countries in Asia, and a limited number of sectors, future research may build upon it by including more countries and sectors and perform empirical tests for comprehensive understanding of the topic under discussion. Practical implications With an idea of what works in various Asian countries, as garnered from this paper, organizations can adopt sustainable practices suited to them, while also training employees and all stakeholders on the implementation of these practices. Social implications A knowledge of the challenges in each country to sustainable practice implementation, identified from this paper, can help policymakers frame and implement policies that can overcome the shortcomings of the existing systems. Originality/value This paper is a pioneer in the area of sustainable business practices in Asia and is a one-stop source to understand current trends and challenges in the Asian context.

The aim of the study is to examine the relationship of fear of COVID-19 with well-being and life satisfaction through psychological distress among the college students in India. The study was conducted in two waves of the pandemic—during first and second waves of the COVID-19 among college students. A survey was conducted among 768 and 884 students in first and second waves of COVID-19 respectively for this purpose. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The study found out that the fear of COVID-19 positively related to psychological distress and negatively to well-being and life satisfaction and the effects were stronger in second wave. Also, the psychological distress mediates the relationship between fear of COVID-19 with well-being and life satisfaction, and the relationships were stronger during second wave. Proper coping strategies and mechanisms can be helpful to overcome the difficulties of such situation.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between glass ceiling beliefs, work engagement, and burnout. Design/methodology/approach A research model was developed based on the constructs from the Career Path Survey (CPS) and a literature review of research related to work engagement and burnout. Data from a cross-sectional study of 467 female employees from banks in India were collated and empirically tested, using structural equation modeling. Findings Denial and resilience were positively related to work engagement and negatively to burnout. Resignation and acceptance had a positive relationship with burnout and a negative relationship with work engagement. Research limitations/implications Further longitudinal studies focusing on different occupational sectors and career aspects can be considered for a more accurate and generalized insight into this concept. Practical implications Glass ceiling survey can be considered as an input for human resource functions for effectiveness of the organization. Originality/value This paper is the first to analyze the connection between the beliefs that women have about the glass ceiling and burnout and its components.

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the psychometric properties of different versions of Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) in the Indian context in terms of factorial validity, scale reliability, descriptive statistics and construct validity. Design/methodology/approach The data collected through a cross-sectional survey among 467 women employees from banking sector in India and structural equation modeling has been performed for the analysis. Findings Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a better fit for the three-factor model of UWES-9 than the other versions. Work engagement is positively related to in-role performance and negatively related to turnover intention. Research limitations/implications The study recommends further longitudinal studies in this area. Practical implications More studies and practical investigations can be conducted in organizations, academics and societies since the current study explored the appropriate version of UWES in the Indian context. Originality/value This is a key study which analyses psychometric properties of UWES in Indian banking sector by considering all its versions.