Browsing by Author "Perera, G.N.R."

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Beyond breathing exercises: rethinking mindfulness through a Buddhist lens to combat unethical decision-making in organizations
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2025) Perera, G.N.R.; Feranita, F.; Xavier, J.A.; B. Jaya Kumar, T.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the intersection of mindfulness practices and ethical decision-making within organisational leadership. Drawing from ancient Buddhist principles and contemporary neuroscience, this study aims to illuminate how mindfulness can enhance cognitive and emotional regulation, thereby fostering ethical behaviour and improved decision-making among leaders and employees. By examining the theoretical and practical implications of mindfulness in the context of organisational behaviour, this research seeks to contribute to the development of more compassionate, ethical and effective leadership practices, ultimately promoting a more mindful and sustainable business environment. Design/methodology/approach This concept paper explores the integration of mindfulness meditation practices with decision-making, particularly its influence on ethical choices, through a comparative study of modern techniques and the ancient teachings of the Tripitaka. Using a methodology that spans literature review in organisational behaviour and leadership, alongside in-depth analysis of the Tripitaka and contributions from scholars like Bhikkhu Bodhi, the paper examines the potential of mindfulness in enhancing ethical decision-making. It incorporates a range of sources, including peer-reviewed journals and seminal books across various disciplines, to underscore the transformative potential of mindfulness in addressing contemporary challenges and guiding leadership practices. Findings This discussion explores how mindfulness, rooted in ancient Buddhist philosophy and aligned with modern neuroscience, can significantly enhance managerial decision-making by fostering a balance between cognitive and emotional factors. It delves into the transformative potential of mindfulness in refining thought processes, promoting ethical decision-making and mitigating cognitive biases. By bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific insights, the analysis underscores mindfulness as an active, dynamic process crucial for personal growth and effective leadership in complex environments. Research limitations/implications One limitation of this research is its reliance on theoretical frameworks and literature reviews, which may not capture the full range of practical challenges in implementing mindfulness practices within organisations. Additionally, the diversity in mindfulness methodologies and the subjective nature of mindfulness experiences may affect the generalisability of the findings. Future research should include empirical studies to validate the proposed benefits of mindfulness in organisational settings and explore the most effective strategies for integrating mindfulness practices into leadership and decision-making processes. This would help in understanding how mindfulness can be tailored to suit different organisational cultures and individual preferences. Practical implications The practical implications of applying mindfulness in organisational settings include enhanced decision-making abilities, improved leadership effectiveness and increased employee well-being. Mindfulness training can equip leaders and employees with the skills to manage stress, navigate complex ethical decisions and maintain focus amidst distractions, leading to more thoughtful and responsible business practices. Organisations might see a reduction in conflict, enhanced creativity and better teamwork, contributing to a more harmonious and productive workplace. Implementing mindfulness programmes could also support talent retention and attraction by promoting a workplace culture that values mental health and ethical behaviour. Social implications The social implications of integrating mindfulness into organisational decision-making and leadership, as suggested by the document, include promoting ethical behaviour, enhancing emotional regulation and improving team dynamics. Mindfulness practices can lead to more informed and conscious decision-making, reducing cognitive biases and fostering a culture of ethical awareness within organisations. This shift towards mindful leadership could potentially transform organisational cultures, encouraging greater compassion, ethical responsibility and collective well-being, thereby contributing positively to broader societal values and norms. Originality/value The originality and value of this research lie in its novel integration of mindfulness concepts derived from ancient Buddhist teachings with contemporary neuroscience and organisational behaviour studies. By exploring the deep-rooted philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness and their applicability to modern ethical decision-making and leadership practices, this work offers a unique perspective that bridges historical wisdom with current scientific understanding. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the transformative potential of mindfulness in organisational settings, highlighting its capacity to foster ethical leadership, enhance decision-making processes and contribute to a more mindful, compassionate and sustainable business environment.
Consumer Perception and Purchasing Decision towards Dairy Product
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ishanka, H.G.; Perera, G.N.R.
At present there is a growing demand for set yoghurts in Sri Lanka. It is important for set yoghurt industry to understand and identify what are the consumer’s perception, needs and wants, what are the factors affecting on purchasing decision before and after launching the product in this competitive business environment. The purpose of the study is to identify factors determining consumer’s purchasing decision towards set yoghurt and to identify the relationship between Brand equity and consumer perception of 4P’s and purchasing decision towards the yoghurt in Sri Lanka. Target population for this study is yoghurt consumers/buyers in Western province, Sri Lanka. In this study collected data from 100 respondents and used Random sampling method. The primary data were obtained through a standard questionnaire which is distributed via Online and descriptive analysis and regression analysis are used as data analysis tools. This study provides useful framework for business organizations engaged in set yoghurt business to develop and promote marketing plans and strategies, and to give solutions to overcome the problem in applying 4 Ps in an appropriate and strategic manner in the long run.
Determinants of Switching Behavior of Mobile Service Users: With Reference to Students of the State Universities in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumarasiri, C.J.; Perera, G.N.R.
Mobile phones have evolved as important devises for human daily lives with many user friendly applications. The new era of the Smart Phones made telecommunication industry highly competitive. In Sri Lanka, Mobile telecommunication industry is one of the competitive industry consisting of five major service providers. In Sri Lanka, Mobile penetration has historically been relatively low compared with other more developed Asian markets but recently it has reached up with penetration level 105% by 2015 (Budde, Telecommunication research site,2015). Liberalization undoubtedly benefited the telecommunication market and since it’s reaching the mature stage, five service providers may face a bigger challenge in maintaining their profitability. This could be result in consolidation in mobile telecommunication market. Knowing about this uncertain future, all five operators are very much keen on sustaining their existing customers while acquiring new ones. The main objective of this research is to find the factors that influence the consumers in switching their service provider. The research will be descriptive research and will go with stratified probability sampling technique. For this study, researcher selected Sri Lankan state university students as the population. Out of 15 universities 3 have been selected using random sampling and data have been collected randomly from the selected three universities. Data collection was done through an online questionnaire. Questionnaire link was sent via mail and face book links to the selected sample. In case of not having mail or Facebook facility, members was given a printed questioner. Analysis of data, found that price, Inconvenience situations, Core service failure, Development of technology have significant impact on consumer switching behavior in mobile service Sector in Sri Lanka. And Switching cost also has an impact on switching behavior. Failed service encounter, competition and Response to failure service do not have an impact on consumer switching behavior.
Factors Affecting for Consumer Switching Behavior from Toilet Soap to Face Wash in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Senavirathna, W.S.M.S.; Perera, G.N.R.
The research problem in the study was to identify the boom in face wash market, to understand what factors have motivated the soap users to switch from soap to face wash in their cleansing purposes. Use of face wash for face cleansing purpose has become the current trend among female segment. The research problem was based on finding factors which have motivated consumers heavily in switching from soap to face wash. This study was focused on the problem of identifying the factors Influencing on customer switching behavior from soap to face wash in Sri Lanka with special reference to Gampaha District. 150 respondents between ages 18-40 were selected under convenience sampling method, who has switched from soap to face wash. Data were collected through well structured, detailed questionnaire alone with Likert scale questions. Four independent variables were identified according to the previous literature namely Advertising, Word of Mouth, Product related attributes and Celebrity endorsers. The data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Mean, mode, median, and standard deviation is used as descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation used as inferential statistics. Data analysis revealed that the celebrity endorser had the most impact on switching behavior from soap to face wash than the other factors. However, all four factors were found significant impact on switching behavior from soap to face wash.
The Factors Affecting on Formation Customer Favorable Attitudes on Mobile Banking: with Special Reference to National Development Bank Sri Lanka
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Thushani, P.M.; Perera, G.N.R.
Providing innovative services is an important factor for the competitiveness in banking sector. National Development Bank’s Mobile banking is such an innovative service. With this mobile banking facility, all National Development banking customers can make day to day banking activities more quickly than traditional banking. Mobile banking service provides mobility, convenience and speed service. The purpose of this research is study on factors influence on formation of customer favorable attitudes on Mobile Banking. In this study, Technology Acceptance Model has employed as the basic model by adding perceived credibility and perceived cost. To fulfill the research purpose, a survey was conducted to collect primary data by using a self-administered questionnaire. The sample size was 150 respondents through convenience sampling method in non- probability sampling. In order to analyze the data, correlation and multiple linear regression analysis was used. The findings reveals perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and perceived credibility have positive impact on customer favorable attitude formation while perceived cost not significant, when forming customer favorable attitudes on mobile banking.
Factors Impact on Buying Behavior towards Luxury Fashion Products among Millennial Generation.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Perera, K.R.T.; Perera, G.N.R.
With the increase of consumer confidence index between age groups of 25-30, 31-35, 35 above and also spending on their discretionary purchases is an arising situation in Sri Lanka, firmly Nielsen report has identified as millennial consumers’ second best spending category ‘buying new clothes/shoes’ In Sri Lankan luxury fashion products market, businesses need to identify different age groups’ behaviors and attitudes are different. Millennial generations’ buying evaluation is different to their age group. Therefore this research is to seek what extent how these different millennial generations’ consumer life style, status consumption, fashion involvement impact on luxury fashion products buying behavior. This research has focused on to find whether consumer life style, status consumption, fashion involvement of millennial consumers’ impact on purchase behavior towards luxury fashion goods. And to recommend marketing strategies to luxury goods retailers targeting millennial consumers with different age groups. Research has used Judgmental sampling method was used and 117 proper respondents were selected in university and working millennial group and data was collected via face book and email. Primary data was collected by using quantitative research method and secondary were previous journals, magazines, books, newspapers. Research has concluded with the idea of Gaining a better understanding of millennial consumers at different age groups would allow luxury product retailers to be more confident to meet the demands of customers in different age groups and secure the opportunity to enhance their chances of success in this market.
How far Marketing Strategies followed by the Supermarkets will Impact on a Consumer to be loyal for a specific Super Market chain in Sri Lanka
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Jayasinghe, B.D.; Perera, G.N.R.
The purpose of the research is to examine the effectiveness of marketing strategies of modern trade and their level of impact on customer loyalty towards supermarket chains in Sri Lanka. For the selected sample, which is from Colombo, Gampaha and Kelaniya areas, 100 questionnaires were distributed both in online and offline and the results gathered from responses were analysed in order to get a meaningful conclusion. To accomplish this, a conceptual framework was designed and relationships among its’ constructs (Above the line advertising, sales promotions, service quality and visual merchandizing) were hypothesized. The hypotheses were tested based on the identified marketing strategies which are above the line advertising, sales promotions, service quality and visual merchandizing in relation to the customer loyalty in supermarkets. Some of the variables are having moderate relationships while some are having strong relationships with customer loyalty. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling and subgroup correlation analysis in SPSS.
Impact of Entrepreneurial Networks on the Business Success of Small Enterprises
(Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies,University of Kelaniya, 2015) Perera, G.N.R.
Acquiring resources is a key problem for small business firms in Sri Lanka. Initially to be a viable they should have sufficient capital or be able to acquire the resources from outside environment. The main objective of this research is to find out the relationship between entrepreneurial networks and the success of small businesses. To carry out this research, network construct has been operationalized as network size, network trustworthiness, network support and network diversity, under these four constructs there are thirteen indicators to check entrepreneurial networks. This research has been conducted as a qualitative study. Nine entrepreneurs have been selected for the study and five entrepreneurs out of them are successful and other four entrepreneurs are bankrupted. Both of these entrepreneurs were interviewed by using In-Depth interview method. All the interviews were conducted in Sinhala and then translated into English. Data was analyzed by using content analysis and coding methods. Empirical results indicate that entrepreneurial networks have very clear impact on success of the small business. As well the importance of family and the acquaintances were prominent in findings. Majority of unsuccessful businesses were confirmed that their businesses were badly affected by the lack of organizational networks. Further this proved the importance of weak ties in order to get business information and develop the businesses. These research findings will be very important for the Sri Lankan small business enterprises as it reveals real experiences of successful small business entrepreneurs and the unsuccessful small business entrepreneurs.
The Impact of Innovation Management on the Business Success through Sustainable Productivity of Building Construction Industry: with reference to The International Construction Consortium (ICC – Sri Lanka
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Preethisinghe, G.S.M.; Perera, G.N.R.
Every commercialized company seeking profits while minimizing their costs. Most of organizations think that the way to maximize profit is only reducing costs. But the reality is reducing costs will occur unnecessary problems to the organization. So, there might be a way for profit maximization and business success. The key of successful business is called Sustainable productivity. In this research, researcher has chosen Building construction industry. Because, construction companies face many challenges due to the changed technical, economic and social conditions inside and outside the sector. In this research, researcher has shown how the six pillars of innovation management help to obtain sustainable productivity. Researcher has selected International Construction Consortium – ICC (Sri Lanka) as a reference and there was an in-depth interview among researcher and the respective persons from ICC about their Innovation management system.
The Impact of Sales Promotions on Consumer Buying Behavior - With Special Reference to the Mobile Telecommunication Industry in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Madushanka, W.A.I.; Perera, G.N.R.
Sri Lankan mobile telecommunication industry is poised for growth at the moment. With the growth in the industry, the head – on competition between service operators has also become intense. So in order to ensure that their customers are satisfied and catered better than competitors, telecommunication firms seek for different communication mix strategies in the market. One such tool executed by all of them is the sales promotion. This study mainly investigates different sales promotions carried out by companies and the impact those activities have on end consumer behavior. The main objective of this research is to identify the impact of sales promotions towards consumer buying behavior in the mobile telecommunication industry. It will specifically assess the practice of sales promotions, factors that affect the effectiveness of such promotions and their impact on consumer behavior. Data for the research was collected by disseminating a questionnaire among a sample of 100 respondents chosen randomly. The collected data was then analyzed using statistical models to identify the findings and to form an opinion regarding the research problem. The study revealed that sales promotion has an impact on consumer buying behavior. Bonus talk times, discounts, display items, appearance of sales persons, location of showrooms have a significant impact on consumer purchase decision. So sales promotions should be used aggressively by telecom service providers as a strategic tool to influence the purchase decision of the consumer.
The impact of Social Media Functions on building Brand Loyalty with special reference to High-End Fashion Retailer Brands in Sri Lanka
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Weerakoon, C.E.; Perera, G.N.R.
Building and maintaining Brand Loyalty is a very important topic that marketers are talking about for a long period, because having loyal customer base is essential to compete with emerging competitive markets. The new emerging trend is the social media as a marketing tool. Social media facilitate to the organizations to connect with the customers directly at low cost and it also exposes the organization in to a huge audience with prospective customers who can be converted into customers. When it comes to fashion the decisions are mostly based on the opinions and recommendations of others. The purpose of this study is to identify whether there is a relationship between the way customers use the social media functions such as Engagement, Sharing of Content, Accessibility, Sophistication and Credibility relating to the fashion retailer brands on customer brand loyalty and how organizations can use those functions to build customer loyalty toward their brands. As a result, the study concluded that the use of social media functions has a significant impact on brand loyalty of high-end fashion retailer brands in Sri Lanka.
Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand preference of Smartphones among Sri Lankan Youth
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Dilhani, K.N.; Perera, G.N.R.
The social media has unique features compared to traditional marketing tools and using social media has become very popular among youth. A smartphone also has become an essential part of the life among youth. Smartphone market also has become very competitive and building brand preference for a smartphone brand is not a very easy as leading brands are coming up with innovations frequently. This study evaluates the impact of social media marketing on brand preference of smartphone brands among Sri Lankan youth with special reference to Facebook. A research gap was identified and the objective was to evaluate the impact of social media marketing on brand preference of smartphone brands among Sri Lankan youth. Social media visibility, Social media engagement and Social influence from social media were selected as independent variables. Facebook was the selected social media network for the study for the convenience of studying. Brand preference was the dependent variable and the relationship between the brand preference and each independent variable was studied analyzing the collected data from 100 respondents using a structured questionnaire distributed online. Identifying the impact of above independent variables on brand preference of smartphones were the specific objectives of the study.
The Impact of Social Media use on building Brand Awareness with special reference to Sri Lankan Tourist Hotel Sector.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Ranwala, R.M.N.H.; Perera, G.N.R.
The tools and strategies for communicating with consumers have changed significantly since the emergence of Internet and with the world-wide penetration of social media. The internet and social media provides a platform for business community to deal with their customers. The purpose of this research study is to identify and critically evaluate the positive relationship between social media usage and the brand awareness with special reference to Sri Lankan Tourist Hotel sector. The researcher has undertaken the study concerning the different functionalities enabled by social media day by day. Both primary and secondary data was collected. The sampling method is convenience sampling and used structured online questionnaire. Collected data was critically analyzed and interpreted using SPSS analysis system. It is identified that the functionalities enabled for customers by social media can be used by organizations to build customer brand awareness towards brands, as the online appearance is much needed in modern marketing environment.
The Impact of Store Atmospherics on Purchasing Intention with Reference to Retail Fashion Outlet.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Madushani, J.; Perera, G.N.R.
Retailing in Sri Lanka is gaining attention like never before. Organized retailing especially has created euphoria amongst Sri Lanka consumers drawing them into malls and trade areas in huge number. Retailers are offering never service dimension to create unique shopping experiences for the customers. However, whether consumers are able to perceive newer service dimensions and getting affected foe store patronage in new store formats or not, remains to be found out. A customer purchasing intention is critical component in store choice and satisfaction. Perception about stores is driven substantially by tangible characteristics of stores. The main purpose of this study was to determine the impact of store atmospherics on purchasing intention on retail fashion outlet. 150 respondents were selected from Gampaha area, and across these dimensions: Background music, Layout and Design, Promotional signage and Lighting, the study also investigated differences in purchasing intention of retail fashion outlets in demographic variables: age, gender and monthly income. Analyses were dong using the SPSS and MS Excel. Primary data was gathered through research questionnaire given to respondents in Gampaha area. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods such as mean and correlation were used to analyze the data in this way. The overall purchasing intention of retail stores was “good”. Across the four dimensions of purchasing intention in retail fashion outlet, the respondent’s purchasing intention in terms of background music, promotional signage and lighting was good.
Impact of Visual Merchandising on Consumer Impulse Buying Behavior: With Special Reference to Modern Trade Sector in Sri Lanka
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Wijegunarathne, K.V.D.J.K.B.; Perera, G.N.R.
Modern trade has become a popular channel in Sri Lanka and it continuously calls for a growing market share in each year. Due to the fact that modern trade’s expanding dominance, marketers focus on improving sales in modern trade outlets. This situation has created modern trade channel a highly competitive one. Visual merchandising has become very popular in current modern trade marketing communication mix. Marketing text books refers impulse buying and visual merchandising has a strong relationship. According to previous research findings, it is identified that Visual Merchandising as one of the important factors which influence consumers impulse buying behavior. Therefore it is important to identify the relationship between visual merchandising factors and impulse buying behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of different selected visual merchandising techniques on consumer impulse buying behavior in modern trade. In order to enhance store atmosphere and attract customers in modern trade, they plan and execute different techniques and among them a key technique is visual merchandising. These techniques allow super markets to differentiate their offerings from competitors. Sample of this study were 200 modern trade customers in Sri Lanka. The research instrument was a set of questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to find frequency and percentage of personal profile. Then the data were tested using regression analysis and correlation analysis to find the impact of visual merchandising on consumer impulse buying in modern trade. The result of the study shows that there is an impact of visual merchandising on impulse buying behavior and two visual merchandising techniques are imperative: in-store product display and floor merchandising. This study gives insights to super markets as to which visual merchandising techniques can significantly influence on consumer impulse buying behavior.
Study on Customer Based Brand Equity of Munchee Lemon Puff Brand with Special Reference to Wattala Area.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Attanayake, N.I.; Perera, G.N.R.
Understanding the concept of Customer Based Brand Equity (CBBE) is critically important in order to stand out the brand from the competitive brands. When number of brands and flavors operating in the market it leads to create immense competition in the market place. This research paper focuses to identify the impact of brand awareness, brand association, perceived quality and brand loyalty on customer based brand equity of Munchee lemon puff brand by adopting the Aaker’s brand equity model. The study follows the deductive approach since it tries to analyze the hypothesis. Quantitative research analysis method is used as the research technique. All male and female youth and adults who lives in Wattala area were selected as the population. Convenience sampling technique has been used to extract 100 respondents as the sample since the limitation of time and resources. Survey method was used as the research strategy and a self-administered, structured questionnaire was distributed among the respondents to collect data for the study. Multiple regression analysis is used to test hypothesis to identify the factors which have the greatest impact on customer based brand equity. Results of the analysis showed that brand awareness, brand association and brand loyalty have significant and positive impact on customer based brand equity while perceived quality does not significantly and positively effect on customer based brand equity. Outcome of this study provides insights for both managerial and academic field.