scholarly journals Social innovation in managing diversity: COVID-19 as a catalyst for change

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deni̇z Palalar Alkan ◽  
Mustafa Ozbilgin ◽  
Rifat Kamasak
Keyword(s):  
Social Innovation ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Global South ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Workforce Diversity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managing Diversity ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Global North ◽  
Organizational Mechanisms

PurposeCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had an adverse impact on workforce diversity internationally. While in the Global North, many countries have sophisticated laws and organizational mechanisms and discourses to deal with such adverse impacts on workforce diversity, such structures of diversity management are either ceremonial or poorly developed in the Global South. The global pandemic disproportionately impacted Global North and Global South increases the existing gap due to vaccine rollout inequality and divergence in recoveries. The authors explore social innovation as a possible option for responding to the challenges induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on interviews in 26 distinctive organizations operating in various industries in Turkey. The authors have adopted a qualitative design to explore how social innovation helps to respond to diversity concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsThe authors demonstrate that social innovation presents a viable option for a country with a poorly regulated context of diversity management. Social innovation could help overcome the challenge of the absence of supportive legislation, discourses and practices of diversity in poorly regulated contexts.Originality/valueThe field study revealed several distinct forms of social innovation for diversity management, which emerged as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors demonstrate that in the absence of supportive diversity management structures and frameworks, social innovation in diversity management at the organizational level could provide a viable response to the emergent needs in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Organizational diversity: making the case for contextual interpretivism

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 496-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. J. Greeff
Keyword(s):  
Diversity Management ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Organizational Diversity ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Contexts ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
Managing Diversity ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
Excellence Theory

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to make a case for contextual interpretivism in managing diversity in organizational settings, specifically in its bearing on internal communication, going against the dominating functionalistic stance of venerated and ubiquitous approaches. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed to explore the potential of contextual interpretivism within the mining and construction industries of South Africa, due to the fecund diversity context of its employee population. Findings – This paper points to the enriched understanding that could result from following a contextual interpretivistic approach to internal communication for diversity management, and in so doing discusses the ways in which this could take hold in organizations through the application of germane theoretical assertions of revered internal organizational communication literature, specifically the excellence theory and communication satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation to this research is the restricted generalizability of its empirical research. Further research is required for the exploration of the central premise in other organizational contexts. Practical implications – The paper provides insights into the ways in which organizations could approach its diversity management so as to speak to more than just the functional aspects thereof, and rather to the importance of nurturing an understanding of employees’ interpretation of the organization’s diversity endeavors. Originality/value – The implications of applying a new approach to diversity management in organizational settings is discussed and argued, offering an empirical application thereof, which gives way to practical, data-driven recommendations for use in organizational settings.

Improving Climate Change Resilience in Global South Cities Through South-South Climate Finance

2022 ◽  
pp. 440-448
Author(s):  
Dumisani Chirambo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Global South ◽  
Climate Finance ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Distribution Of Resources ◽  
Global North ◽  
Community Science

Climate change is likely to exacerbate inequality and poverty in Global South cities despite the presence of international agreements and conventions to enhance sustainable development such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, replicating Global North development models in the Global South might not be sufficient to address the climate change and development aspirations in the context of Asia; hence, Global North innovation capabilities might not be sufficient to address Global South climate change challenges. This paper provides an inductive analysis of the innovations and policies that could facilitate improved climate change mitigation and adaptation in the context of developing Asian cities. The paper concludes that innovative climate change policies should utilise emerging climate finance mechanisms such as South-South climate finance modalities to promote community science/citizen science and social innovation rather than building hard infrastructure as this could improve the governance and distribution of resources in cities.

Exploring theoretical trends in placemaking: towards new perspectives in spatial planning

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wessel Strydom ◽  
Karen Puren ◽  
Ernst Drewes
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Spatial Planning ◽  
Global South ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Global North ◽  
Review Protocol

PurposeWhile placemaking is a multi-disciplinary concern, it is a key focus within the discipline of spatial planning. This paper aims to explore the development of theoretical trends with regard to placemaking in spatial planning since 1975 to identify current emerging theoretical perspectives. Special attention is given to differences in perspectives between the Global North and the Global South.Design/methodology/approachThe study used an integrative literature review (ILR) to analyse placemaking literature over a period of 41 years and five months. The ILR followed the basic review stages: scoping; planning and review protocol; identification/availability; searching; and screening. ILR differs from other reviews as quality appraisal, data gathering, analysis and synthesis rely on coding, thematic content analysis and synthesis.FindingsInitially, the planning/review protocol resulted in 59 contributions on placemaking in various disciplines (excluding publications in other languages that English). Contributions included spatial and design disciplines (29 contributions), social sciences (14 contributions) and other disciplines (16 contributions). The literature review proceeded with a selection of 23 spatial planning contributions (20 from the Global North and three from the Global South). Theoretical trends include placemaking theorised as a physical construct, a social construct, an economic construct (absent in literature from the Global South), a tool for empowerment, a psychological dimension and an environmental management tool.Practical implicationsThe most recent theoretical perspectives in literature suggest placemaking as an enabling tool in which people share knowledge and learn new skills to transform their own environment. This empowering process creates a linkage between planning theory and practice.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the current theories of placemaking in spatial planning. It provides a simplified view of an exhaustive list of existing literature. This paper reports on the current trends and the development of placemaking theory.

(Mis)managing diversity: exploring the dangers of diversity management orthodoxy

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Knights ◽  
Vedran Omanović
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
White Male ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managing Diversity ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Research Interviews ◽  
Corporate Diversity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to challenge the dominance of the mainstream discourse and practice of diversity management (DM) by identifying and problematizing three distinct but related issues that it encompasses: first, its tendency to displace all alternative approaches; second, its general neglect of the social-historical context and third, its almost exclusive focus on the business case rationale for supporting diversity. Design/methodology/approach – Employing ethnographic research methods, the empirical material was collected in an international manufacturing corporation based in Sweden. It consists of three different, but interconnected approaches: archival research, interviews and observations. Findings – The paper shows that in neglecting power, identity, intersectionality and the changing socio-historical context of diversity, a well-meaning corporate diversity programme tended to obscure ethnic and age-related disadvantages at work. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of this research relate largely to its dependence on a single case study and the limited focus on diversity as it affected able-bodied, white male immigrant workers. A broader study of the multiplicity of types of discrimination and ways in which diversity is managed in a range of countries and organizations could facilitate a more in-depth exploration of these issues and arguments. Originality/value – Although not entirely new, the three arguments that have been drawn upon to discuss, analyse and illustrate DM through our data have rarely been brought together in one theoretical and empirical study.

Social impact investing as a neoliberal construction: ego and altruism in the post-colonial space of Oaxaca, Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzad Haider Alvi
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Global South ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Impact Investing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Financial Metrics ◽  
Global North ◽  
Flow Through

Purpose This paper examines social impact investing (SII), a growing source of investment from the Global North to the Global South celebrated as a new way of doing good in low-income countries, but bearing elements of neoliberalism that can reify post-colonial contexts. Design/methodology/approach A microfoundational, autoethnographic approach is used based on the author’s experiences and emotional epiphanies while engaged in an activist entrepreneurial enterprise. The author’s goal was to effect positive social change with Indigenous Mexican producers of mezcal liquor. Findings Despite the best of intentions and following best practices for SII, the expected altruistic outcomes were eclipsed by inadvertent post-colonial behaviours. Neoliberal foundations of financialization gave primacy to the perspectives and egos of the investors rather than meaningful impact for the Indigenous beneficiaries. Research limitations/implications Based on the findings, three areas are presented for further research. First, how Global North social impact investors balance the ego of their motivations with the altruism of intended outcomes for beneficiaries. Second, what ownership structures of Global North investments allow for social benefits to flow through to intended beneficiaries. Third, how post-colonial power imbalances can be redressed to give an equal position to Global South beneficiaries as people, rather than financial metrics indicating only that they have become less poor. Originality/value By using autoethnographic methods that expose the vulnerability of the researcher, unique insights are generated on what happens when good intentions meet with a post-colonial context. The neoliberal underbelly of SII is revealed, and ways to make improvements are considered.

Workforce diversity: from a literature review to future research agenda

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-603
Author(s):  
Shatrughan Yadav ◽  
Usha Lenka
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Workforce Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Different Dimensions

Purpose Workforce diversity is widely believed to enhance the knowledge and perspectives of organizations. The purpose of this study is to synthesize the existing diverse literature on workforce diversity and to enlighten the avenues for future research in managing workforce diversity. Design/methodology/approach This study performs a comprehensive review of empirical and conceptual studies published on workforce diversity and its outcomes in the top 13 peer-reviewed leading management journals between 1990 and 2019. Findings The assessment of diversity literature reported mixed and inconsistent results that are the critical challenges of diversity management. Furthermore, most studies have not individually identified the problems of diversity dimensions. To understand the problems, this study has divided the different dimensions of diversity (e.g. age, gender, race, education, functional background and tenure) and their results, supported by various theories. The findings of this study suggested a different reason for existing conflicts and proposed a future research agenda. Originality/value To overcome the challenges of diversity, this study has proposed the future research agenda for future research. to take optimum advantage of workforce diversity, this study contributes a theoretical perspective that enhances the understanding of existing diversity in organizations and develops diverse organizations.

Workplace diversity management in Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Davis ◽  
Yuliya Frolova ◽  
William Callahan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Workforce Diversity ◽  
Workplace Diversity ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Divergence Of Opinion ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify Australian managers’ attitudes and understandings regarding workforce diversity management (WDM) and the practices and incorporation of WDM in organisations. Design/methodology/approach – Methodology is quantitative. A questionnaire in the form of a self-administered survey instrument was mailed to 650 managers (325 HR managers and 325 other managers) in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Findings – The research found that workforce diversity is not especially well understood or appreciated; especially by non-HR managers. Organisations appear generally not to prioritise WDM and levels of senior manager engagement with the topic are tentative. Statistical analysis highlighted considerable divergence of opinion across the surveyed group. Research limitations/implications – As an exploratory study, further research is encouraged to better understand cause and effect relationships pertaining to the findings. Practical implications – There are implications for HR managers or those in related roles who might design, implement and promote WDM initiatives. There are implications for consultants, employees and senior managers regarding education, awareness and support of diversity objectives. Originality/value – Addresses a gap in the literature by looking at contemporary attitudes and practices regarding WDM in Australian organisations. Provides the first empirical comparison between HR and other managers on the topic.

An overview of tobacco control interventions in the Global South

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-218
Author(s):  
Navin Kumar ◽  
Kamila Janmohamed ◽  
Jeannette Jiang ◽  
Jessica Ainooson ◽  
Ameera Billings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Global South ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Global North ◽  
Areas Of Concern ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has been broadly successful but less so in the Global South. This paper aims to effectively design interventions that to mitigate tobacco-related harms in the Global South, further understanding of interventions in this environment will be helpful, in line with FCTC recommendations. The first objective was to locate and review all published literature relating to tobacco control interventions in the Global South. The second objective was to provide information on research trends within Global South tobacco control interventions. Design/methodology/approach A literature search was conducted across six databases. Findings Despite the FCTC detailing the significance of the research, studies are still lacking in the Global South. There are significant research gaps such as longitudinal studies, harm reduction and randomized controlled trials. Research limitations/implications Limitations arose from differences in study designs of reviewed studies, making it more complex to assess all studies under the same rubric. Practical implications Results indicate significant potential for tobacco control interventions in the Global South, potentially moving toward FCTC goals, but also highlight several areas of concern. Originality/value There is much evidence on the effectiveness of tobacco control in the Global North, especially in some parts of Europe and the USA. However, the evidence base in the Global South is far more limited. This paper provides an overview of Global South tobacco control interventions and suggests areas of concern, in line with the FCTC 15 years on.

Informal street vending: a comparative literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Recchi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Comparative Research ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Global South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Street Vending ◽  
Comparative Review ◽  
Global North ◽  
The One

PurposeInformal street vending is traditionally widespread and studied concerning developing countries. Nevertheless, recently, interest in the study of this practice has also increased regarding specific developed countries. The aim of the article is to contribute to overcoming the tendency to investigate this informal economy sector with different analytical lenses between the global South and global North and to highlight the usefulness of analyzing the phenomenon from a comparative perspective.Design/methodology/approachTherefore, the article represents a comparative review of the existing literature on informal street vending considering both the global South and global North.FindingsThe analysis revealed similarities and differences in the characteristics the phenomenon assumes in the two areas of the world while at the same time, showing how there are aspects mainly explored in the literature of southern countries and little explored in the literature of northern countries and vice-versa.Research limitations/implicationsThis analytical attempt allows us to highlight any gaps present in the literature, which may represent the basis for future comparative research on the topic. Comparative research will improve both theoretical and empirical knowledge of the phenomenon.Originality/valueOn the one hand, the article represents an innovative literature review attempt, as it explicitly compares the street vending between developing and developed countries. On the other hand, it represents the first academic contribution to review street vending in the global North.

Developing an empirical typology of diversity-oriented human resource management practices

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 915-929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kavita Meena ◽  
Sita Vanka
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managing Diversity ◽  
Hrm Practices ◽  
Human Resource Management Practices

Purpose The significance of human resource management in managing workforce diversity has been emphasized by researchers and various practices have been identified and prescribed in literature. However, there is lack of HR typologies to understand different diversity management alternatives. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to develop a typology of diversity-oriented human resource management (DHRM) practices for clear understanding. Design/methodology/approach The study employs factor analysis approach for developing typology. In total, 31 human resource management practices covering the five functions of HR, i.e. recruitment, selection, performance evaluation, compensation and training were identified from literature. These practices were analyzed to investigate whether and how these 31 practices cluster into higher order DHRM practices categories. Findings From factor analysis, seven categories of DHRM practices emerged. The findings showed marked differences in these seven DHRM practices categories aimed at managing diversity. Research limitations/implications Future, survey researchers can use this typology of DHRM practices to design instruments that allow a more in-depth and differentiating analysis of role of HRM in managing diversity than those that have been carried out in previous research. Practical implications Managers can use the seven types of DHRM practices identified as criteria to choose an adequate pattern for HRM practices to manage diversity. Originality/value The typology developed in the study has foundations in specific diversity-related HRM practices rather than based on generic HRM typologies.

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