Assessing vulnerability of informal floating workers in Bangladesh before and during COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-method analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shafiqul Alam ◽  
Ziaul Haq Adnan ◽  
Mohammed Abdul Baten ◽  
Surajit Bag
Keyword(s):  
Social Protection ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
Work Concept ◽  
The Government

PurposeGlobally, a myriad of floating workers is in grave jeopardy due to the ceasing of employment opportunities that resulted from the mobility restriction during the Covid-19. Despite the global concern, developing countries have been suffering disproportionately due to the dominance of informal workers in their labour market, posing the necessity to campaign for the immediate protection of this vulnerable population. This paper analyses various dimensions of the vulnerability of urban floating workers in the context of Covid-19 in Bangladesh. In reference to International Labour Organization's (ILO) “Decent Work” concept, this paper endeavours to examine floating workers' vulnerability using the insider-outsider framework in context to Covid-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, data were collected before the pandemic to assess the vulnerability of the informal floating workers. Later, we extended the study to the second phase during the Covid-19 pandemic to understand how pandemic affects the lives and livelihood of floating workers. In phase one, data were collected from a sample of 342 floating workers and analysed based on job security, wages, working environment, psychological wellbeing and education to understand the vulnerability of floating workers. In phase two, 20 in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted, followed by thematic analysis to explore how the pandemic affects the existing vulnerability of floating workers.FindingsVarious social protection schemes were analysed to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing the vulnerability of floating workers facing socio-economic crises. The study has found that the pandemic has multiplied the existing vulnerability of the floating workers on many fronts that include job losses, food crisis, shelter insecurity, education, social, physical and mental wellbeing. In response to the pandemic, the Government stimulus packages and Non-government Covid-19 initiatives lack the appropriate system, magnitude, and focus on protecting the floating workers in Bangladesh.Practical implicationsThis paper outlines various short-term interventions and long-term policy prescriptions to safeguard floating workers' lives and livelihood from the ongoing Corona pandemic and unforeseen uncertainties.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of its kind that aims at understanding the vulnerability of this significant workforce in Bangladesh, taking the whole picture of Government and Non-government initiatives during Covid-19.

The use and non-use of the government financial report by Maltese Members of Parliament

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 1124-1144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josette Caruana ◽  
Brady Farrugia
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Report ◽  
Members Of Parliament ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Questionnaire Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the use and non-use of the Government Financial Report by Maltese Members of Parliament (MPs). It refers to information overload theory to analyse the gap between financial reports and their relevance for decision making. Design/methodology/approach A mix of qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (questionnaire) research tools are applied, with the Maltese MPs being the research participants. This method is acclaimed to be comprehensive, but this study highlights certain disadvantages when applied in the political arena. Findings The characteristics of the information itself could be the main cause of information overload, resulting in the non-use of the financial report for decision making. Politicians refer to financial data for their decision making, but not to the data presented in the financial report. Irrespective of the politician’s professional background, the data in the financial report is perceived as incomplete and outdated. Practical implications The cause of information overload and its effects are important considerations for preparers of financial information and accounting standard setters, if they wish that their production is relevant for decision makers. Originality/value There is an increase in research concerning politicians’ use of budgetary and performance information, at local and regional levels of government. This study investigates exclusively the use of the financial report by politicians at central level, in a politically stable environment.

A Grey-DEMATEL approach for implicating e-waste management practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Kumar Sahu ◽  
Harendra Kumar Narang ◽  
Mridul Singh Rajput
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Decision Model ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Waste Generation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Research ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
The Government ◽  
Smart Mobile

Purpose The use of smart electronic gadgets is proportionately increased during last decades as these gadgets are crafting coziness and relief to the society by making their work easier, effective, etc. These gadgets are the need of today’s working environment for effective planning and work execution. Today, people pertaining to almost every corner of the world are addicted to smart mobile phones, and nowadays, these mobile handsets have become very essential and it is not possible to survive without using them. On the other hand, these smart mobile handsets become inefficient and obsolete over time due to which there is a need to replace the old phones by the new ones, thus creating e-waste. The purpose of this paper is to recognize the significant enablers which are responsible for replacing the existing working mobile phones with the new ones by the end consumers. Design/methodology/approach The Grey-DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) approach is proposed by the authors to compute the decision results. The present work is supported by the structural modeling equations for supporting sustainability throughout and recognizes the most significant enablers responsible for creating e-waste by replacing the working mobile phones with the new ones. Findings The implication for reducing e-waste using a qualitative approach is presented by easy computation steps for collaborating green issues in the present work. The authors explained numerous enablers, which are responsible for handsets replacement by the consumers. The work can aid the companies as well as the government legislations to identify the significant enablers, drivers, factors, attributes, etc., in moving toward green environmental issue; the generation of e-waste by the obsolete existing working handsets due to non-identification of deficient enablers can be insignificant to the society. Research limitations/implications The implication of developed Grey-DEMATEL techniques is presented by its integration with the application field of e-waste generation by mobile handsets. The authors attempt to devise a conceptual framework linked with knowledge-based theory. The work is illustrated by the case research to understand its applicability and validity in the present scenario. Originality/value The authors attempt to propose a decision model, which will aid in identifying the most significant factorial condition responsible for replacing the existing mobile phones with the new ones by the end consumers. The proposed appraisement module can be used as an investigative tool to build and fabricate a planned environmental progress map for overall business considering environmental domain by the companies.

COVID-19 may cost Brazil's Bolsonaro dear politically

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Ministry ◽  
Strong Reaction ◽  
Fiscal Responsibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
The Government

Significance Bolsonaro addressed the nation shortly after the Health Ministry reported twelve deaths yesterday, the highest one-day toll since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, taking the total to 46. His statements yesterday represented the latest twist in his contradictory attitude to the pandemic -- most of the time minimising its severity and occasionally acknowledging its seriousness. His attitude has prompted eight consecutive days of pot-banging protests across major cities and a strong reaction from state governors. Impacts Brazil is likely to fall into recession in the first half of 2020. The country’s huge numbers of unemployed and informal workers will be hit hardest. Congress’s “calamity” declaration will allow the government to increase spending without violating fiscal responsibility legislation.

Egyptian wage rises will increase economic disparities

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Minimum Wage ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Budget Deficit ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Sector Employees ◽  
The Government ◽  
Poverty Levels

Subject Planned pay increases in Egypt. Significance President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi in late March announced rises to the minimum wage, pensions and bonuses, which will be effective from July. This is intended to offset the inflationary effects of the 2016 currency devaluation, as well as austerity measures undertaken by the government in compliance with the terms of a 12-billion-dollar IMF loan. The wage reforms, however, target formal and public-sector employees and offer no benefit to more than 50% of the workforce employed in the informal economy. At the same time, the ambitious fiscal reform programme that Cairo has pursued over the past three years has increased poverty levels. Impacts Raising the minimum wage will in turn reduce spending on social protection programmes. Wage reforms will stimulate consumer spending and boost economic growth. The rising minimum wage will increase operating costs for small firms, which may evade paying the legal minimum through informal employment. Despite being intended to counter price rises, the changes risk fuelling cost-push inflation. Planned public sector pay rises risk increasing the budget deficit.

Striving for job security

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 340-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghada Barsoum
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Young People ◽  
Social Security ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Great Appreciation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it seeks to voice the concerns of educated youth in Egypt as they describe their work options and preferences. Second, it seeks to highlight the gravity of the policy gap in addressing work informality, drawing on some of the international experience in this field. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative research in the form of in-depth interviews, desk-review of policies, and descriptive statistical analysis of a recent national survey of labour in Egypt. Findings – A large proportion of educated youth work within the realm of informality and there is a clear policy gap in addressing this issue. Contrary to what would be expected, young people value access to social security and work stability. They face systemic hurdles related to access to such benefits. Because of the legacy of guaranteed government hiring of the educated in Egypt, young people express a great appreciation of work in the government, for virtually being the only employer offering job stability and social security in the labour market. Research limitations/implications – This paper addresses a gap in the literature on youth employment in Egypt, where there is a dearth of research focusing on the lived experience of employment precariousness. The majority of studies in this field relies on statistics with little qualitative research voicing the views of this group. Practical implications – Reforms are more urgent than timely to extend social security and other measures of social protection to workers within the informal economy. Originality/value – The paper builds on primary data and provides insights about the way educated youth perceive their working conditions and options. The paper also provides a discussion of the social security system in Egypt, its coverage, and possible reform approaches.

Egypt's social policies will depend on deeper change

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Protection ◽  
Foreign Currency ◽  
Cash Transfers ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Social Policies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Fixed Prices ◽  
The Government ◽  
Protein Rich

Subject Egypt's social protection programmes. Significance A sizeable proportion of the population has been hit by the November 2016 currency devaluation, intended to quell distortions in the foreign currency market, in which the Egyptian pound lost more than half of its value. Living standards were hit hard, both by the effects of the 50% devaluation and by successive hikes in fixed prices for subsidised fuel and electricity. Inflation averaged 30% during 2017 and has only come down marginally to about 18% on average in the first eight months of 2018. The government has expanded its social protection system in the face of these pressures. Impacts The demand for protein-rich food will increase as cash transfers boost income. The cash provision is likely to lead to more overcrowding in schools in poor areas. The government will seek a political dividend from new social programmes as it tries to bolster its legitimacy.

Participation of Iranian non-governmental organizations in health policy-making; barriers and strategies for development

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-56
Author(s):  
Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq ◽  
Edris Kakemam ◽  
Morteza Arab-Zozani ◽  
Jamal Rasouli ◽  
Mobin Sokhanvar
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Government

PurposeThe effectiveness of non-governmental organization (NGO) participation in the healthcare sector has been demonstrated globally. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of Iranian NGOs’ contribution to health policy-making, the barriers to and strategies for developing their contribution.Design/methodology/approachIn this qualitative study, 25 participants were recruited from health-related NGOs in Tabriz, Iran. Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. Furthermore, a set of relevant documents were collected and their contents evaluated. The text of documents and interviews were analyzed using a thematic (deductive–inductive) approach using NVivo software.FindingsMost NGO activity has been in the area of providing services, whereas the least amount of activity has been in the domain of policy-making. Factors that were influential for NGO participation in policy-making were divided into three categories: those related to government, to civil society and within NGOs themselves. The primary barriers to participation in policy-making were related to government and the way that NGOs operated. Recommendations include the production of supportive law, financial aid to NGO and infrastructure that facilitates NGO participation.Practical implicationsFinancial support from the government and legislation of supportive laws could help to realize the potential of NGOs.Originality/valueNo such research has been undertaken before to evaluate what activities health-related NGOs undertake, their contribution in health policy-making and obstacles and facilitators of this contribution. NGOs can play a key role in ensuring accountability, transparency and empower citizens to demand basic health services from government.

Socioeconomic wellbeing of women domestic workers in Pune: an exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hima Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Domestic Workers ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Wellbeing ◽  
The Social ◽  
Significant Factors

PurposeHousehold chores are one of the most essential aspects of each individual's daily routine. The author has observed people from middle and upper socioeconomic backgrounds, outsourcing women domestic workers to perform these household tasks. Even though these women domestic workers make up a significant portion of the total working class, they remain a socially and financially vulnerable section of society. The job of working in other people's private spaces comes with little or no regulation, social protection and no guarantee of decent work standards. The major aim of this study is to find out the social wellbeing of part-time domestic workers of Pune.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, the researchers have interviewed 167 women working in the Pune region of Maharashtra, India from the period of October 2020 to January 2021. Descriptive methods and factor analysis have been used to analyze the collected data, so that socioeconomic wellbeing correlated with the significant factors explored. Further, the factors identified that Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFAs) are further validated through reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha for economic wellbeing and social wellbeing index for social wellbeing).FindingsWith the help of this study, researchers have tried to explore the significant factors to the social and economic wellbeing of domestic workers. The qualitative facts collected during the interview time have substantiated the findings got in EFA.Originality/valueThe paper aims to provide ground-level insights to policymakers focusing on the domestic work sector, and the gaps identified in the research will help the policymakers to frame the guidelines for the betterment of these informal domestic workers.

“Do they mean what they say?” Measuring greenwash in the sustainable property development sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzana Quoquab ◽  
Rames Sivadasan ◽  
Jihad Mohammad
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Property Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Specific Scale

PurposeThis study aims to measure the greenwash construct in the sustainable property development (GSPD) context. Property development products such as residential homes, which are generally high-priced, require a long-term financial commitment from the consumers. It makes the property development sector unique. Hence, a specific scale is required to measure greenwash activities in this specific context by the marketers. However, the scale available to measure the greenwash construct is general which is not suitable to use in this particular context. The present study is an attempt to fill this gap in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThree studies were conducted to develop the GSPD measure in different phases. In developing the scale, qualitative interviews (study 1) were conducted to generate the initial pool of items. The preliminary set of questions were then validated (content and face validity) by experts' opinions. Exploratory factor analysis (using SPSS) was conducted to extract the factor structure of the newly developed measure (study 2) which was then again validated to ensure predictive reliability and nomological validity by using the SEM-PLS technique (study 3).FindingsThe exploratory factor analysis result revealed that greenwash in sustainable property development (GSPD) is a multi-dimensional construct. The dimensions are namely, false claims and misleading claims. The confirmatory composite analysis confirmed these two dimensions.Practical implicationsThis newly developed GSPD scale will enable the researchers to measure the greenwash activities practiced by some of the housing developers. Marketers will be conscious to avoid such activities. Moreover, the government agencies may use this scale to monitor measure and deter greenwashing activities by property development companies.Originality/valueThis is a pioneer study that develops and validates a new scale to measure greenwash construct in sustainable property development in a developing context i.e. Malaysia. In addition, this study operationalized the greenwash construct in sustainable property development as a multi-dimensional behavioural construct determined by two dimensions i.e. false claims and misleading claims.

Oral health strategy for the older people in social protection centers in Villavicencio, Colombia

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-177
Author(s):  
Claudia Patricia Rodas Avellaneda ◽  
María del Pilar Angarita Díaz ◽  
Luis Francisco Nemocon Ramírez ◽  
Luis Alexys Pinzón Castro ◽  
Yenny Tatiana Robayo Herrera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Older People ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Research Group ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Educational Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Soft Plaque

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design and to implement an oral health educational strategy that targeted an older population residing in three social protection centers (SPC) in Villavicencio, Colombia. Design/methodology/approach The first phase consisted in determining the oral health of older citizens in the SPC. To do this, the research group gathered patients’ personal information and indices. The second phase consisted in the development of an educational strategy based on the population’s requirements. The educational strategy, focusing on oral hygiene and denture care, was implemented for the older people and their caregivers. The third and final phase consisted in the research group measuring the effect of the designed strategy by repeating oral diagnoses for the older people six months after strategy implementation. Findings The results of the assessment indicated that implementing a strategy to strengthen oral hygiene care was positive, given that statistically significant reductions were observed in the soft plaque index and the Gingival Index (p<0.05). Research limitations/implications As a result of the complexity of the population, the data obtained after the strategy was implemented were significantly reduced. However, these results indicate that an educational strategy can have an effect on this type of population. Originality/value Implementing a strategy that promotes oral hygiene education and brushing skills, fosters good oral behavior and helps the older people in SPC to remember the information taught, thus contributing to their oral hygiene.

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