Abstract: This study tries to establish the microfinance and financial inclusion nexus in Nigeria from 1981 to 2017. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, co-integration test and Error Correction Model (ECM), as well as diagnostics and stability test were employed in the analysis. The research findings revealed that microfinance has positive significant effect on financial inclusion in Nigeria in the short–run and long–run. This finding is in line CBN objectives for the establishment of microfinance banks. The effect of (...) lending interest rate has a positive but has no significant with financial inclusion in the model one while it is statistically significant with poverty in Nigeria in the mode two. The positive lending interest rate has a statistically significant effect on the level of financial inclusion and national poverty index used as a proxy for poverty rate in the long run in the models. Also, the research also found that microfinance has really a tool to fight against poverty in Nigeria in the short-run, while it’s not really a tool to fight against poverty in the long-run in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that Government agency and regulatory authority policies and practices need to play a key role in making micro-credit available to the economically-active poor people who are not being served by the formal financial sector. Also, apart from monitoring lending interest rates, the government needs to establish frameworks to prevent undercapitalization, fraudulent practices, and unwarranted interference from bank board members in Nigeria. (shrink)

Privation of exposure, women cluster of our society were ignored, their potentiality and credentials never note-of for productive utilization, thus, their qualities remains unveiled. The SHG movement of microfinance (mF),bring an exception and has able to reach all over the world for her easy factors of financing , where women occupied the major share, as such, the entrepreneurial and other potentialities of this neglected cluster, become a case of concern. Same instance is in the Gobardhana Block, where woman’s shows (...) their potentialities of excellence in various economic activities , especially in weaving and farming. But, to have desired result, women clients of mF are in need of due care and attention like training, management etc. as demand by the time. (shrink)

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are the financial services established for the specific target to enabling community, particularly poor people to access loans having lack of access to conventional banking and related services. Worldwide the sector started since 1770’s. In Tanzania, it kicked off in 1991 after the enactment of BFIA and SACCOS Act in 1991. This research was conducted in Singida District in 2018 comprising a sample size of 88 respondents from ten SACCOS. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. (...) The study employed case study method intended to assess the factors that affect the growth of Micro-finance Institutions in Tanzania. The study found that the growth of MFIs is affected by the following factors; Capacity in managing finances and loans and adhering to financial policies and guidelines. Others include competent personnel, appropriate training to key staff, loan follow up, corruption, and access of members to business training. Similarly, the availability of Technical support to SACCOS, Availability of sources of Business Capital, Level of knowledge on sustainability, Risk management, Training related to the members, challenges of business competition, Macroeconomic factors including inflation, Financial Sector Reforms and Development of Microfinance Policy, affect MFIs. Further the study found that the challenges affecting the performance of the growth of MFIs are within the capacity of the MFIs stakeholders. Henceforth, the study urges all stakeholders to play a pertinent role to enhance effective performance of MFIs. (shrink)

The study aimed to measure the effect of Crowdfunding financing on entrepreneurship aspirations in Arabic region. Population consists of members in (15) Crowdfunding Arabic platforms which are working with all models and online at (2018). Descriptive approach and a questionnaire used as a tool for this research. The results showed that Crowdfunding financing effect positively on entrepreneurship aspirations, Crowdfunding used mostly to finance small business or microfinance and charity. Add to that, Crowdfunding leads to financial efficiency and costs reduction, (...) more flexible payments methods and more opportunities for entrepreneurs. The study recommended the importance of entrepreneurship culture and its role in promoting entrepreneurs, the effect off Fintech and various e-banking and e-payments methods, and the need of more interest in innovation and creativity. (shrink)

The Importance of Urban Planning and Strict Laws on Informal Settlements -/- Introduction -/- Urbanization is a global phenomenon, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Rapid population growth, especially in developing nations, has led to the rise of informal settlements or “squatter areas.” These settlements often lack proper infrastructure, sanitation, and legal recognition, creating social, economic, and environmental issues. Effective urban planning, combined with strict enforcement of land-use laws and inclusive housing policies, is essential to ensuring sustainable and livable cities. This (...) essay explores the importance of urban planning and strict laws against illegal settlements, using successful case studies from Singapore, Brazil, South Korea, the Philippines, and Ethiopia. -/- The Role of Urban Planning in Sustainable Cities -/- Urban planning is the process of designing and regulating the use of land to ensure the orderly development of cities. Proper urban planning provides essential services such as housing, transportation, sanitation, and green spaces, preventing the formation of illegal settlements. -/- Key Aspects of Effective Urban Planning -/- 1. Zoning Regulations – Defining areas for residential, commercial, and industrial use helps prevent uncontrolled development. -/- 2. Infrastructure Development – Roads, drainage, sewage systems, and utilities must be planned in advance to accommodate future growth. -/- 3. Disaster Risk Management – Cities must prevent settlements in flood-prone or hazardous areas to minimize risks to human life. -/- 4. Affordable Housing Programs – Governments should provide legal, affordable alternatives to illegal settlements. -/- Without proper urban planning, cities face overcrowding, pollution, poor sanitation, and increased crime rates. Case studies from different countries demonstrate the effectiveness of strong urban policies in addressing informal settlements. -/- Case Studies: Successful Urban Planning and Settlement Control -/- 1. Singapore: A Model for Integrated Public Housing -/- Singapore transformed from a city with severe housing shortages in the 1960s into one of the most well-planned urban environments in the world. The government’s Housing and Development Board (HDB) played a crucial role in developing affordable, high-quality public housing with integrated amenities such as schools, parks, and public transportation. -/- Key Strategies: ✔ Strict zoning laws prevented unregulated settlements. ✔ Homeownership was promoted through subsidized housing loans. ✔ Government-planned townships provided complete services. -/- Results: ✔ Over 80% of Singaporeans now live in well-planned public housing. ✔ Illegal settlements have been completely eliminated. -/- Singapore’s success demonstrates how strict land-use policies combined with affordable housing programs can prevent informal settlements. -/- 2. Brazil: Upgrading Informal Settlements Instead of Evictions -/- Rio de Janeiro faced a severe problem with favelas—informal settlements that grew due to rapid urban migration. Instead of mass evictions, the government launched the Favela-Bairro program (1994-2008), improving living conditions rather than displacing people. -/- Key Strategies: ✔ Infrastructure improvements (roads, sanitation, electricity). ✔ Community engagement ensured residents’ needs were met. ✔ Legal property rights were granted to residents. -/- Results: ✔ Over 250,000 residents benefited from improved housing conditions. ✔ Crime and poverty rates declined as favelas were integrated into the formal city. -/- Brazil’s approach shows that slum upgrading can be a viable alternative to forced eviction, improving both human welfare and urban order. -/- 3. South Korea: Urban Renewal in Seoul (Cheonggyecheon Project) -/- Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon River was once covered by illegal settlements and highways. The government removed the informal settlements, revitalizing the area into a public green space. -/- Key Strategies: ✔ Slum clearance and restoration of natural spaces. ✔ Improved public transport (bus rapid transit) reduced congestion. ✔ Business relocation incentives prevented economic disruption. -/- Results: ✔ 35% reduction in air pollution, making Seoul more livable. ✔ Increased property values and economic growth. -/- This case highlights how urban renewal projects can enhance sustainability, public health, and economic opportunities while addressing informal settlements. -/- 4. The Philippines: Housing and Resettlement Programs -/- Metro Manila faces a long-standing issue of informal settlers occupying flood-prone and government-owned areas. The Philippine government introduced various strategies, including in-city relocation, socialized housing, and land clearing operations. -/- Key Strategies: ✔ Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program: Encouraged migration from overcrowded cities with financial aid. ✔ Vertical housing solutions: High-rise social housing projects maximized limited land. ✔ Land clearing operations: Removed settlements from hazardous areas. -/- Results: ✔ Some success in decongesting Metro Manila, but rapid urban migration remains a challenge. ✔ Affordable housing remains a priority for sustainable urban development. -/- The Philippines’ experience shows that a combination of enforcement and social programs is necessary to manage informal settlements effectively. -/- 5. Ethiopia: Large-Scale Public Housing (Addis Ababa’s Condominium Program) -/- Ethiopia faced a housing crisis, with 70% of Addis Ababa’s population living in informal settlements. The government launched a large-scale condominium housing program to address the issue. -/- Key Strategies: ✔ Government-built high-rise condominiums replaced slums. ✔ Low-interest loans made homeownership possible for low-income families. ✔ Priority was given to families displaced by urban renewal projects. -/- Results: ✔ Significant reduction in slums as many moved into formal housing. ✔ Homeownership increased, improving living conditions. -/- Ethiopia’s approach highlights how government-led mass housing projects can transform urban development. -/- Lessons from Successful Urban Planning -/- 1. Strict Land-Use Laws Prevent Slums from Forming ✔ Clearly defining residential, commercial, and public spaces prevents illegal occupation. -/- 2. Affordable Housing is Essential ✔ Governments must provide low-cost housing as a legal alternative to informal settlements. -/- 3. Upgrading Slums Can Be More Effective Than Evictions ✔ Programs like Favela-Bairro (Brazil) and Ethiopia’s condominium projects show that improving existing settlements works better than forced displacement. -/- 4. Technology Can Help Monitor and Prevent Illegal Settlements ✔ GIS mapping and AI tracking can detect unauthorized land occupation. ✔ E-governance systems can simplify property registration and land-use approvals. -/- 5. Community Engagement is Critical ✔ Urban planning must involve local residents to ensure sustainability and social acceptance. -/- 6. Economic and Livelihood Programs Reduce Informal Settlements ✔ Job creation, microfinance, and small business support help low-income families transition into formal housing. -/- Conclusion -/- Urban planning and strict laws against informal settlements are crucial for creating sustainable, safe, and prosperous cities. Case studies from Singapore, Brazil, South Korea, the Philippines, and Ethiopia demonstrate that a balanced approach—combining strict enforcement, affordable housing, and community-driven solutions—leads to long-term success. Governments worldwide must prioritize sustainable housing, infrastructure development, and urban regulations to ensure that growing populations are accommodated in a way that promotes both human dignity and urban order. -/- By learning from successful models and implementing proactive urban policies, cities can prevent slums, improve living conditions, and build a more sustainable future for all. -/- . (shrink)

-/- Blueprint for the Philippines: Reforming the Banking & Financial System Using Your Universal Formula -/- A. Problems in the Current Banking & Financial System in the Philippines -/- 1. High wealth inequality – The rich hold most of the country’s financial assets, while many Filipinos remain poor. -/- 2. High corruption & lack of transparency – Financial mismanagement and political influence over banks lead to economic imbalances. -/- 3. Limited access to capital – Small businesses and ordinary citizens struggle (...) to get loans, while large corporations benefit from easy financing. -/- 4. Unstable currency & inflation risks – The peso fluctuates due to global trade imbalances and external economic shocks. -/- B. Policy Reforms for an Error-Free Financial System (Law of Karma) -/- Goal: Create a transparent, corruption-free banking system that ensures money flows efficiently. -/- ✅ 1. Blockchain-Based Banking System -/- All government financial transactions must be recorded on a blockchain, preventing corruption and budget mismanagement. -/- Real-time public tracking of government spending, ensuring funds go where they are needed. -/- ✅ 2. AI-Powered Financial Oversight Authority -/- Establish an independent AI-driven financial body that continuously monitors banking transactions to prevent fraud and money laundering. -/- Automatic tax collection system that ensures fair taxation and prevents illegal offshore accounts. -/- ✅ 3. Decentralized Public Banking System -/- Convert the Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines into public banks that provide low-interest loans to small businesses, farmers, and workers. -/- Nationalized microfinance programs to empower small businesses instead of relying on loan sharks. -/- ✅ 4. Strict Wealth & Tax Regulations -/- Ban corporate tax loopholes that allow the rich to avoid paying taxes. -/- Progressive taxation: -/- 1% tax on assets above ₱50 million -/- 2% tax on assets above ₱500 million -/- 5% tax on assets above ₱1 billion -/- C. Policy Reforms for Balanced Money Flow (Law of Balance in Nature) -/- Goal: Ensure money flows fairly across all economic sectors, preventing excessive concentration of wealth. -/- ✅ 1. Wealth Redistribution through Universal Basic Services -/- Instead of just giving money through cash aid programs, government funds should be used to provide: -/- Free universal healthcare (modeled after Nordic countries) -/- Fully subsidized higher education -/- Affordable housing projects for low-income families -/- ✅ 2. Banking System Must Prioritize Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) -/- 50% of all business loans must go to SMEs, farmers, and cooperatives, ensuring capital flows back into the local economy. -/- Government-guaranteed loans for startups that meet sustainability & employment criteria. -/- ✅ 3. Digital Peso & Local Currency Stability -/- Introduce a blockchain-based “Digital Peso” that ensures transparent, corruption-free transactions. -/- Limit the amount of foreign ownership of Philippine businesses to prevent excessive capital flight. -/- ✅ 4. Foreign Investment & Trade Balance Regulations -/- Tax foreign corporations at a higher rate (30%) unless they reinvest 50% of their profits in the local economy. -/- Ensure that at least 50% of exported raw materials are processed in the Philippines before export to increase domestic value-added industries. -/- D. Policy Reforms for a Self-Correcting Economic System (Feedback Mechanism of Conscious Minds) -/- Goal: Make the financial system dynamic and self-adjusting, so it can prevent economic crises before they happen. -/- ✅ 1. AI-Driven Inflation & Interest Rate Adjustment -/- Use real-time AI models to monitor inflation and adjust interest rates, money supply, and taxation dynamically. -/- Automatically increase public spending when unemployment rises and cut interest rates when growth slows down. -/- ✅ 2. Crisis Management & Economic Emergency Fund -/- Establish a ₱500 billion National Crisis Fund, available for immediate use during: -/- Recessions -/- Inflation spikes -/- Natural disasters affecting the economy -/- Funded through progressive wealth taxes and international reserves. -/- ✅ 3. Worker Cooperatives & Employee-Owned Businesses -/- Large corporations must allocate at least 20% of their stock to employee ownership, ensuring workers have a stake in corporate profits. -/- Establish a National Cooperative Bank that provides low-interest loans to businesses that are majority-owned by workers. -/- ✅ 4. Financial Literacy & Public Participation in Economic Policy -/- Mandatory financial education in high schools to teach students how money works, how inflation happens, and how banking operates. -/- Annual “People’s Economic Review” where citizens vote on major economic policies based on real-time AI recommendations. -/- II. Expected Impact of These Reforms -/- Short-Term (1-5 Years) -/- ✔ Reduced corruption & financial mismanagement due to blockchain-based transparency. ✔ More access to capital for small businesses through public banking and cooperative loans. ✔ Fairer tax system where the rich pay their fair share while reducing the burden on the poor. -/- Medium-Term (5-15 Years) -/- ✔ The Philippines’ economy becomes more resilient, with self-adjusting policies preventing financial crises. ✔ Lower unemployment and higher wages due to stronger SME support and worker-owned business models. ✔ Stable currency and controlled inflation, preventing peso devaluation. -/- Long-Term (15+ Years) -/- ✔ The Philippines becomes a regional economic model, showing how AI-driven financial policies can balance wealth distribution. ✔ A sustainable, crisis-resistant financial system that prevents boom-and-bust cycles. ✔ A global leader in transparent, ethical banking that eliminates corruption and ensures economic fairness. -/- III. Global Adoption Plan: Expanding This Model Worldwide -/- ✅ Phase 1: Regional Expansion (5-10 Years) -/- Implement similar banking reforms in ASEAN countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam) using the Philippines’ success as a model. -/- Encourage blockchain-based financial systems in regional trade agreements. -/- ✅ Phase 2: International Collaboration (10-20 Years) -/- Partner with Nordic countries, Germany, and Singapore to create a Global AI Economic Monitoring System. -/- Establish a UN-backed AI-driven financial oversight body to regulate international trade and wealth distribution. -/- ✅ Phase 3: Global Economic System Integration (20+ Years) -/- Replace speculative fiat currencies with a global stablecoin pegged to real economic productivity. -/- Standardize progressive wealth taxation worldwide, preventing billionaire capital hoarding. -/- Create a universal financial safety net to provide immediate crisis relief for struggling nations. -/- Final Vision: A Financial System That Works for Everyone -/- ✔ No more economic instability due to corruption, debt, or mismanagement. ✔ Fairer wealth distribution, preventing extreme poverty & extreme wealth. ✔ AI-driven, self-correcting financial policies that ensure long-term stability. -/- This blueprint can be replicated in any country with modifications based on local conditions. -/- . 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Comprehensive Plan for Population Growth Control & Senior Citizen Social Safety Net in the Philippines -/- To ensure sustainable population growth while also supporting senior citizens who have no children or lack financial support, the government must integrate social safety net laws for both family planning and elderly welfare. -/- I. Population Growth Control Through Social Safety Net Laws -/- 1. TAX REFORMS TO INCENTIVIZE SMALLER FAMILIES -/- A. Incentives for Small Families -/- Higher tax deductions for families with one (...) or two children. -/- Gradual removal of tax benefits for families with more than two children. -/- Corporate tax incentives for businesses that provide family planning services. -/- B. Tax Penalties for Large Families -/- Higher progressive taxation on families with three or more children. -/- Luxury taxes on housing, vehicles, and government subsidies for large families. -/- 2. EDUCATION REFORMS FOR RESPONSIBLE FAMILY PLANNING -/- A. Strengthening Sex Education (Comprehensive Sexuality Education – CSE) -/- Mandatory inclusion in the school curriculum from Grade 5 onward. -/- Covers reproductive health, contraception, financial responsibility, and gender equality. -/- B. Scholarships & Financial Aid for Small Families -/- Additional educational subsidies for children from families with one or two kids. -/- Gradual reduction of education subsidies for larger families. -/- 3. EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL WELFARE REFORMS -/- A. Job Incentives for Women & Working Parents -/- Work-from-home incentives and subsidized childcare for working mothers. -/- Paid maternity leave benefits tied to small family sizes. -/- B. Adjustments to 4Ps Social Welfare Program -/- Full cash benefits limited to the first two children. -/- Mandatory family planning education to continue receiving benefits. -/- 4. AI & BIG DATA FOR POPULATION PLANNING -/- AI-driven demographic tracking to adjust tax policies, social benefits, and economic incentives. -/- Predictive modeling for workforce planning to prevent future labor shortages. -/- 5. URBAN & RURAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES -/- Housing and urban planning incentives for small families. -/- Smart city initiatives to balance population density. -/- II. Social Safety Net for Senior Citizens Without Children or Financial Support -/- 1. Universal Pension & Financial Support Programs -/- A. Strengthening the SSS and GSIS Pension System -/- Mandatory government contributions for all workers, regardless of employment sector. -/- Higher pension benefits for seniors without children or financial support. -/- B. New “Guaranteed Minimum Pension” Program -/- Senior citizens without private savings receive a baseline pension from the government. -/- Indexed to inflation to ensure financial security in old age. -/- 2. Housing & Living Assistance for Seniors Without Family Support -/- A. Senior Citizen Cooperative Housing Program -/- Government-subsidized shared housing facilities for elderly individuals without family support. -/- Community-based senior housing with healthcare and caregiving services. -/- B. Expansion of Public Nursing Homes -/- New state-run assisted living facilities in every province. -/- Affordable senior apartments with subsidized utilities and food programs. -/- 3. Healthcare & Insurance for Elderly Without Family Support -/- A. Expansion of PhilHealth & Free Healthcare Services -/- Automatic PhilHealth coverage for all seniors with no child support. -/- Higher government healthcare subsidies for single and childless seniors. -/- B. Free Home-Based Healthcare -/- Barangay-level healthcare workers assigned to provide free home visits for elderly citizens. -/- Mobile clinics and telemedicine for those in remote areas. -/- 4. Employment & Social Engagement for the Elderly -/- A. Senior Employment & Livelihood Programs -/- Tax incentives for companies hiring seniors (part-time or consultancy roles). -/- Government-backed microfinance loans for seniors starting small businesses. -/- B. “Adopt-a-Senior” Community Program -/- Encourage local communities to support senior citizens without family assistance. -/- Volunteer-based programs where younger individuals help care for seniors. -/- III. Implementation Challenges & Solutions -/- A. Overcoming Religious & Cultural Barriers -/- Frame policies as “family economic security programs” rather than population control. -/- Community-based awareness campaigns to promote responsible parenthood. -/- B. Ensuring Fair Implementation in Rural Areas -/- Deploy mobile healthcare teams to reach isolated seniors and educate rural families. -/- Offer financial rewards for barangays with successful family planning programs. -/- C. Balancing Population Growth & Workforce Needs -/- Encourage skilled migration to prevent future labor shortages. -/- Promote education and automation to compensate for a smaller workforce. -/- Final Recommendations -/- Integrate population planning into the national economic strategy. -/- Create a “National Senior Citizen Welfare Act” ensuring financial security for the elderly. -/- Strengthen AI-driven demographic management to balance population growth. -/- . (shrink)

(Conference proceedings 2014) This presentation (International Development Ethics Association, July 2014) considers economic vulnerability, exploring the risk of deprivation of necessary resources due to a complex and rarely discussed vulnerability that arises from hope. Pierre Bourdieu’s sociological account of French petit-bourgeois aspiration in The Social Structures of the Economy has recently inspired Wendy Olsen to introduce the term “aspiration paradox” to characterize cases wherein “a borrower's status aspirations may contribute to a situation in which their borrowings exceed their capacity to (...) repay,” leaving the individual much the worse, due to an aspiration to betterment. If such financial opportunities were not made available to these people – if some were denied loans due to a careful assessment of their vulnerability – would they be better off? We should seriously consider that they might be. I will hazard the straightforwardly paternalistic suggestion that limiting access to lending to those who are vulnerable to their aspirations can be a just policy. Because aspiration paradox is a cross-cultural phenomenon, and because lending frequently involves asymmetries in mathematical education between borrowers and lenders, I hope to elude at least some of the charges of colonialism that have gained a stronger purchase on adaptive preference arguments. (shrink)

Access to affordable and reliable energy remains a significant challenge for underserved communities, particularly in developing regions. Financial constraints, lack of investment, and inadequate policy frameworks hinder the widespread adoption of modern energy solutions. This paper explores the role of financial inclusion strategies, driven by technology and policy interventions, in improving energy access for marginalized populations. By integrating digital financial services, decentralized energy systems, and innovative policy measures, this study proposes a comprehensive framework to bridge the energy gap. The proposed (...) framework focuses on leveraging financial technology (FinTech), mobile banking, and blockchain-based microfinancing to enhance accessibility to clean energy solutions. Digital payment platforms and mobile-based credit scoring models facilitate microloans for renewable energy adoption, empowering low-income households and small enterprises. Blockchain technology ensures transparency, security, and accountability in financial transactions, reducing the risks of fraud and inefficiencies in energy financing. Policy interventions play a crucial role in fostering financial inclusion and energy accessibility. Targeted subsidies, regulatory reforms, and public-private partnerships are essential for creating an enabling environment. Governments and financial institutions must collaborate to design policies that incentivize investment in decentralized energy projects, such as mini-grids and off-grid solar solutions. Additionally, carbon credit markets and green bonds can provide sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term energy development. A case study analysis highlights successful implementations of technology-driven financial inclusion models in regions with limited energy access. Results demonstrate that integrating mobile financial services and decentralized energy solutions leads to increased energy affordability, economic empowerment, and improved quality of life. The findings underscore the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, combining technological innovation, policy support, and community engagement to drive sustainable energy inclusion. This study contributes to the discourse on financial inclusion and energy sustainability by proposing a data-driven and policy-oriented approach. Future research should explore the scalability of digital financial services in emerging markets and the long-term impact of financial inclusion strategies on energy equity. (shrink)

This study contributes to the micro-credit literature by addressing the lack of philosophical dialogue concerning the issue of trust between micro-credit NGOs and rural poor women. The study demonstrates that one of the root causes of NGOs’ contested roles in Bangladesh is the norm that they use (i.e., trust) to rationalize their micro-credit activities. I argue that Bangladeshi micro-credit NGOs’ trust in poor village women is not genuine because they resort to group responsibility sustained through aggressive surveillance. I maintain so (...) by drawing on a trust-based theoretical framework that uses various philosophical insights. Drawing on the same conceptual framework, I also contend, somewhat softening the previous claim, that if micro-credit trust is trust at all, it is at most strategic, not generalized. For being strategic, it has many undermining effects on local social solidarity norms, rendering Bangladeshi micro-credit NGOs and strategic trust an odd couple with no moral compass. To bring forth the moral impetus in micro-credit activities, I lay out some recommendations intended for organizations, managers, and policymakers, consistent with normative corporate social responsibility initiatives. However, further studies can be initiated based on this paper, suggesting its importance for future research. (shrink)