RESEARCH ETHICS IN DISABILITY: INSIGHTS FROM QUALITATIVE VISUAL IMPAIRMENT STUDY Prativa Shrestha, Mahesh Nath Parajuli, Prakash C. Bhattarai New Trends in Qualitative Research, 2026 Researchers are responsible for ensuring that their studies adhere to established ethical standards. However, compliance with these standards can vary across participants and contexts. This is especially important when studying individuals with disabilities, who may be more sensitive and vulnerable compared to those without disabilities. Ethical considerations become critical in this context, as researchers must carefully navigate the complexities of working with such populations. Drawing from the researchers’ case study on inclusive education for students with visual impairments (partial, low vision, or total blindness), this paper highlights the ethical dilemmas that arise when studying people with disabilities. Key concerns include obtaining informed, voluntary consent, maintaining mindfulness throughout the research process, managing participants’ expectations, and building trusting relationships with them. Researchers must be especially attentive to these issues, given the vulnerabilities and specific needs of this group. To address these concerns, this paper suggests that researchers practice diplomacy, foster positive relationships, and respect diversity. Building trust with participants is essential, and communication plays a crucial role in this process. Researchers must be sensitive to participants’ unique challenges and socio-economic backgrounds to ensure respectful and inclusive interactions. In conclusion, while ethical approaches are generally consistent across research studies, additional care is required when studying individuals with visual impairments due to their physical limitations in seeing. Researchers and all stakeholders involved in the research process bear the responsibility to design disability studies that explicitly address these ethical concerns and incorporate appropriate strategies to mitigate them, thereby ensuring that the research remains both ethically sound and methodologically robust.
Exploring technical and vocational education and training and its relationship to employment in Nepal: a mixed methods study Prakash Kumar Paudel, Mahesh Nath Parajuli, Prakash C Bhattarai Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training, 2025 This study was conducted to explore the relationship between actors of education and employment systems in Nepali Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. The study measured the engagement of actors from both systems in the curriculum process: design, application, and feedback phases. Further, it explained why the actors of these systems have weak relationships in Nepal. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach. First, we collected the information with 124 TVET experts with at least five years of experience to calculate the linkage index score. Second, we interviewed 15 individuals who were the respondents in the first survey. The survey revealed that although the education and employment system has gradually increased collaboration in the last few years, particularly since 2018, education actors still have more power for decision-making across all three curriculum phases. The study revealed that employers’ lack of meaningful participation in the curriculum design phase impedes them from engaging in the curriculum application and excludes them in the feedback phase. This study contributes an essential insight to bridging a gap between actors of the education and employment system.
Ethical discourse on pro-environmental behavior: a systematic literature review using PRISMA Richan Shrestha, Rajna Knez, Tulasi Acharya, Prakash C. Bhattarai Discover Sustainability, 2025 The climate crisis has negative consequences for the environment and society, like pollution, climate crisis, and physical and mental health problems, while pro-environmental behavior (PEB) helps mitigate these crises. Among various factors, ethical values related to the environment play a pivotal role in influencing PEB. However, there are few studies on the influence of ethics on PEB, and even fewer that have consolidated the ethical discourse surrounding PEB. With this consideration, the dispersed ethical discourse on PEB was consolidated by using a systematic literature review, following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines for all 52 articles published between January 2010 and April 2024 and available in Scopus and Web of Science databases. The findings suggest that the frequency of studies on ethical discourse on PEB has increased since 2020, and most of the studies implement quantitative research design. Likewise, this paper suggests four major subject areas and several related subtopics: (1) morality (moral norms; moral licensing and cleansing effects; moral disengagement), (2) ethics (ethical leadership; environmental ethics; ethical literacy), (3) prosocial behavior/benefitting others (altruistic behavior; generativity; animal welfare), and (4) corporate social responsibility. The findings of this study will benefit business organizations in promoting ethical leadership, educational institutions in integrating ethical pedagogy, and the general public in their practices. Additionally, future researchers can use these findings to promote ethical leadership, integrate ethical pedagogy, and foster discourse on moral values, all of which contribute to promoting environmentally friendly behavior.
Unraveling Elevation-Driven Variations in Forest Structure and Composition in Western Nepal Sagar Acharya, Rajeev Joshi, Tek Narayan Maraseni, Prakash Bhattarai Diversity, 2025 Understanding how elevation influences forest structure and species composition is crucial for effective conservation in mountainous regions like Nepal, where ecosystems change dramatically over short distances. This study assessed forest dynamics along an elevational gradient (600–3200 m) in Nepal’s mid-hills, incorporating elevational zonation (Tropical, Subtropical, Lower Temperate, and Upper Temperate) and aspect-driven variations. We established 27 square plots (20 × 20 m) at 100 m elevation intervals along a trekking route from Tallo Dungeshwor near the Karnali River to Mahabu Lek, recording all tree species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm. Tree density across the elevational gradient ranged from 250 to 800 trees/ha. Basal area varied between 7.46 and 82.43 m2/ha, while mean tree height ranged from 6.89 to 16.62 m. Species diversity was assessed using the Shannon diversity index, and species dominance was evaluated through the Importance Value Index (IVI). Diversity peaked at mid-elevations, with Shorea robusta and Quercus semicarpifolia identified as dominant species. While minor variations occurred across topographic aspects, statistical analysis confirmed elevation as the dominant driver of forest structure and composition. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between elevation and Simpson’s diversity index (r = 0.45, p < 0.05), indicating increased dominance diversity at higher elevations. These findings highlight the critical role of elevation and aspect in shaping forest ecosystems and offer valuable baseline data for climate-resilient management. We recommend conservation planning that is sensitive to topographic gradients, integrates long-term, climate-adaptive monitoring, and engages local communities to anticipate ecological shifts and address mounting anthropogenic pressures in vulnerable montane zones.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND BEHAVIOUR OF POLISH AND NEPALI STUDENTS TOWARDS THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY Igor Olech, Iwona Szczepaniak, Richan Shrestha, Prakash C. Bhattarai Economics and Environment, 2025 The framework of circular economy (CE) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to a waste-generating linear economy. To achieve this goal long term, it is important to educate youth. The levels of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour (KAB) among developed countries and developing countries differ. However, there are limited comparative studies. Our study investigates the KAB of university students of two countries – Poland and Nepal – to assess possible differences between developed and developing countries. The survey data were analyzed by applying descriptive statistics, t-statistics, and multiple regression models, with total sample of 166 participants. According to the survey, students in both countries possess knowledge, positive attitudes, and positive CE behaviour, with the knowledge level of Nepali students significantly higher compared to Polish students. In addition, the behaviours of students are correlated with knowledge and attitude. The findings also suggest that knowledge and attitude predict CE behaviour among students and students’ KAB differs across their place of origin (rural and urban). The findings of this study may be useful for policymakers, students, and academic institutions.
Paradigm of dialectical pluralism for in-depth understanding: insights from investigating ethical leadership in schools through convergent mixed methods research Prakash C. Bhattarai Frontiers in Education, 2025 This article shows how the paradigm of dialectical pluralism can be applied for a deeper understanding of a research issue by abstracting insights from post-positivist and constructivist paradigms and bringing their interaction for additional meaning-making. As an example, a mixed methods study on ethical leadership is presented. On the study, the qualitative and quantitative strands had similar findings that ethical leadership was rooted in schools in the form of care, justice, and critique. However, contradictions were observed to their extent, which were answered by dialoguing between the strands, and the process of dialogue generated additional meaning. This article contributes to the mixed methods research in education by presenting evidence that dialectical pluralism provides additional meaning in the process of integrating the strands.
Prospect of ethical decision-making practices in community schools YC Neupane, PC Bhattarai, CL Lowery International Journal of Leadership in Education 29 (2), 371-387 , 2026 2026 Citations: 13
In a quest of exploring predictors of knowledge management in universities KP Paudel, M Chalise, PC Bhattarai VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems 56 (2), 349-368 , 2026 2026
Developing the assessment tool for TVET institutional accreditation: A modified Delphi method SM Neupane, B Pandit, PB Acharya, PC Bhattarai Frontiers in Education 11, 1810509 , 2026 2026
Health Literacy About Coronavirus Disease and its Association Among Teachers of Community Schools: A Case of Nepal JC Ojha, PC Bhattarai, B Devkota Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 10105395261420366 , 2026 2026
Factors affecting adolescent and youth girls’ empowerment: a survey of selected areas of Rupandehi District S Pande, PC Bhattarai, S Gautam International Journal of Adolescence and Youth 30 (1), 2474038 , 2025 2025
Influence of religion on pro-environmental behavior: A systematic literature review R Shrestha, PC Bhattarai, P Pant Journal of religion and health 64 (5), 3699-3715 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Multifaceted Dimensions of Chhath Festival: A Case of Terai, Nepal BB Khadka, PC Bhattarai, R Thakur Janabhawana Research Journal 4 (1), 39-54 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Challenges of Sustainable Business Organization: Case Study of Young Craft Business Owner in Nepal R Shrestha, Y Upadhyaya, P Dangol, S Tamang, FG Sherpa, PC Bhattarai Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Disaster Resilience and … , 2025 2025
Ethical discourse on pro-environmental behavior: A systematic literature review using PRISMA R Shrestha, R Knez, T Acharya, PC Bhattarai Discover Sustainability 6 (1), 461 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Personality traits in describing entrepreneurial intentions: a sequential mixed methods study SM Neupane, PC Bhattarai, CL Lowery Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 14 (1), 50 , 2025 2025 Citations: 25
Course of becoming: Experiences of micro and small entrepreneurs in Nepal KB Rai, PC Bhattarai, BK Shrestha, A Takhar Journal of Small Business Strategy 35 (2), 96-110 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Equifinality PC Bhattarai, D Basyal Public Administration and Organization Theory, 99-105 , 2025 2025
Work Design: Realistic Job Previews and Retention PC Bhattarai Public Administration and Organization Theory, 75-81 , 2025 2025
Exploring technical and vocational education and training and its relationship to employment in Nepal: a mixed methods study PK Paudel, MN Parajuli, P C Bhattarai Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training 17 (1), 3 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Assessing Functional Health Literacy about Coronavirus Disease and its Association with Socio-demography of Community School Teachers in Gandaki Province of Nepal JC Ojha, PC Bhattarai, B Devkota Nepal Journal of Public Health 2 (2), 27-33 , 2025 2025
GUIDELINES FOR PRESENTING POLICY CASE STUDY PC Bhattarai, LB Pun, P Nepali 2025
Farmers’ Challenges in Securing Agricultural Credit in Nepal YL Bhoosal, BK Shrestha, PC Bhattarai, K Paudel Journal of Management and Development Studies 34 (1), 1-18 , 2025 2025
Paradigm of Dialectical Pluralism for In-depth Understanding: Insights from Investigating Ethical Leadership in Schools by Convergent Mixed Methods Research PC Bhattarai Frontiers in Education 10, 1666931 , 2025 2025
Road to Accreditation: Findings from the TVET Schools Survey Prior to the Accreditation Process Launch B Pérez-Viana Martinez, P McDonald, U Renold, P C Bhattarai, S Gautam, ... ceSoed Reports 2 , 2025 2025
Education-Work Transition: Skills Gap in the Construction Industry PC Bhattarai, S Gautam, PK Paudel, A Bhurtel, A Sharma Frontiers in Built Environment 11, 1623609 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Factors Contributing to Teachers' Self-Efficacy: A Case of Nepal DB Shah, PC Bhattarai Education Sciences 13 (1) , 2023 2023 Citations: 52
Contribution of Job Satisfaction to Organizational Citizenship Behavior: A Survey of the School Teachers of Nepal M Shrestha, PC Bhattarai Journal of School Administration Research and Development 7 (1), 36-49 , 2022 2022 Citations: 52
Application of Case Study Methodology in the Exploration of Inclusion in Education P Shrestha, PC Bhattarai American Journal of Qualitative Research 6 (1), 73-84 , 2022 2022 Citations: 44
Prevalence of Early Marriage and Its Underlying Causes in Nepal: A Mixed Methods Study PC Bhattarai, DR Paudel, T Poudel, S Gautam, PK Paudel, M Shrestha Social Sciences 11 (4), 177 , 2022 2022 Citations: 39
Civil servants’ integrity in public sector: The case of Nepal R Khanal, AK Gupta, PC Bhattarai Heliyon 8 (12) , 2022 2022 Citations: 36
Integrity triad as doubled edged sword for head-teachers’ integrity: a case from Nepal BB Khadka, PC Bhattarai International Journal for Educational Integrity 17 (1), 27 , 2021 2021 Citations: 32
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET): What Next? PC Bhattarai International Journal of Multidisciplinary Perspectives in Higher Education … , 2020 2020 Citations: 28
Ethical leadership in Nepali technical and vocational education and training schools: A convergent mixed methods study PC Bhattarai Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel , 2015 2015 Citations: 28
Ethical decision making among women education leaders: A case of Nepal PC Bhattarai, J Maharjan 2016 Citations: 27
Personality traits in describing entrepreneurial intentions: a sequential mixed methods study SM Neupane, PC Bhattarai, CL Lowery Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 14 (1), 50 , 2025 2025 Citations: 25
Interdependencies between knowledge management and academic performance in higher educational institutions KP Paudel, PC Bhattarai, M Chalise VINE journal of information and knowledge management systems 53 (4), 748-765 , 2023 2023 Citations: 24
The quest for leadership qualities in cooperative societies: An exploratory analysis NR Simkhada, PC Bhattarai Heliyon 9 (9) , 2023 2023 Citations: 22
Determinants of adolescents’ pro-sustainable behavior: a systematic literature review using PRISMA PC Bhattarai, R Shrestha, S Ray, R Knez Discover Sustainability 5 (1), 112 , 2024 2024 Citations: 19
Countering corruption: Globally or locally PC Bhattarai Nepalese Journal of Public Policy and Governance 24 (1), 89-98 , 2009 2009 Citations: 19
Environmental Factors Affecting Training Transfer Among the Instructors A Bhurtel, PC Bhattarai Vocations and Learning , 2023 2023 Citations: 17
The ethics of educational administrators: Are they uniform or contextual? P Bhattarai Journal of Ethical Educational Leadership 2 (4) , 2015 2015 Citations: 17
Ethical practices of educational administrators: A Nepalese experience PC Bhattarai Journal of Educational Leadership in Action 2 (1), 1 , 2013 2013 Citations: 17
Constructing the scale to measure entrepreneurial traits by using the modified delphi method SM Neupane, PC Bhattarai Heliyon 10 (7) , 2024 2024 Citations: 15
Reform in public service delivery in Nepal: Demand or supply driven PC Bhattarai OCED Global Anti-corruption and Integrity Forum, Paris, France. , 2017 2017 Citations: 15
Bribing for public service: What drives the service users? PC Bhattarai, AK Gupta International Journal of Public Administration 46 (11), 773-782 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
