Belief systems enforcing female genital mutilation in Europe

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yussif Nagumse Alhassan ◽  
Hazel Barrett ◽  
Katherine E Brown ◽  
Kayleigh Kwah
Keyword(s):  
Religious Identity ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Migrant Communities ◽  
Educational Backgrounds ◽  
African Migrant ◽  
The Eu

Purpose – Despite numerous studies on FGM, little is known about belief systems that support FGM in the EU. The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamic nature of belief systems and enforcement mechanisms that perpetuate FGM among three African migrant communities in the EU. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on data collected through community-based participatory action research in three communities: Eritrean and Ethiopian community in Palermo, Italy; Guinea Bissauan community in Lisbon, Portugal; and Senegalese and Gambian community in Banyoles, Spain. A total of 24 FGDs and 70 in-depth narrative interviews were conducted for the research. Findings – The research finds that belief systems supporting the practice of FGM among African migrants in the European diaspora are similar to those in their home countries. Beliefs structured around religion, sexuality, decency, marriage and socialisation are particularly significant in perpetuating FGM in the study migrant communities. These are enforced through sanctions and social expectations from the migrants’ home and host communities. Research limitations/implications – Members of the migrant communities that were the focus of this research are ethnically diverse; therefore it is possible that differences in the practice of and views on FGM by various ethnicities may have been masked. Also, due to close linkages between the migrants and their home countries it was hard to delineate beliefs that are specific to the host countries. In addition, it was difficult to assess the level of education of the migrants and how this may have impacted on their beliefs due to their contrasting and inconsistent educational backgrounds. Originality/value – This paper provides evidence to show that the practice of FGM among migrants in the EU is driven by both social norms and individual (parent) behaviour and therefore there is a need for interventions to focus on individual behaviour change and social norm transformation techniques. It also suggests that beliefs around FGM have remained socially significant among migrants despite their exposure to European culture because such beliefs are used to promote the moral standards of girls, marriageability of women, respectability of families, and the assertion of cultural and religious identity in the migrants’ new environment. The paper further underscores the role of migrants’ European context as well as the home country in strengthening beliefs that perpetuate FGM in the EU.

When service failure leads to sin

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 410-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yit Sean Chong ◽  
Pervaiz K. Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Religious Identity ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Failure ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Service Recovery ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recovery Strategies ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the notion of “service transgression” which violates customers’ religious beliefs through observing certain dietary guidelines that shape their religious identity. While service transgression and customer forgiveness are predominantly examined using experimental procedures or questionnaire survey in existing studies, this study adopts an interpretive paradigm to explore the complexities and idiosyncratic narratives of individual perceptions. Design/methodology/approach Detailed narrative accounts of 15 participants consisting of five Muslims, five Buddhists and five Hindus; who are working adults residing in Malaysia were gathered via in-depth interviews. Critical incident technique was employed with interpretive approach being undertaken to uncover key themes that form the essence of experiences in service transgressions. Findings The responses from participants were mainly contingent to the individuals’ interpretations of their religious expectations in the assessment of the incidents. Observations from the interview protocols reveal common themes in the consideration of whether one has indeed transgressed against the religious norms, the assignment of blame and responsibility and reparation of relationships. From the findings of this study, the authors developed a typology of conflict framing categories: “damaged identity”, “identity at risk” and “identity preservation” by considering both dyadic and triadic service relationships in service failure incidents which involve a violation of customers’ religious belief systems. Practical implications The outcome of this study seeks to inform service providers on the impact of service transgression of this nature upon consumers particularly in a multi-faith society. Additionally, this study provides insights into the implementation of service recovery strategies if and when such situation arises. Originality/value By undertaking a narrative enquiry, this study uncovers personal sense making in this phenomenon within the contextual frame of societal and historical norms. The outcome of this study provides insights to service providers on the impact of service transgression upon consumers particularly in a multi-faith context such as Malaysia. Additionally, this study discusses managerial implications associated with the implementation of service recovery strategies if and when such situation arises.

scholarly journals Traditional African religions and their influences on the worldviews of Bangwa people of Cameroon

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-84
Author(s):  
Michael T. Ndemanu
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Religious Identity ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Belief System ◽  
Religious Studies ◽  
Thought Processes ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
African Religions ◽  
The People ◽  
Divine Retribution

This essay explores the traditional African religious beliefs and practices of the people of Bangwa in the Southwestern region of Cameroon in order to uncover how those beliefs influence their thought processes and worldviews. In the course of rethinking and re-examining their belief systems and their traditional religious practices, the following themes emerged: religious sacrifices, observance of the Sabbath, belief system, incontrovertible belief in God, sorcery and divine retribution, the dead and the living, inequality and class divide, dreams and interpretation, names and religious identity. The implication of the essay is that study abroad should encompass religious studies that help study abroad students learn ways of thinking and knowing of their host countries. 

Migrant entrepreneurs from an advanced economy in a developing country: the case of Korean entrepreneurs in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamizah Abd Hamid ◽  
André M. Everett
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Ethnic Relations ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Advanced Economy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Migrant Communities ◽  
Migrant Entrepreneurs ◽  
Development Levels ◽  
And Migration

Purpose This study aims to explore the co-ethnic relations of migrant entrepreneurs (MEs) from advanced economies in a developing country, specifically in the context of co-ethnic ties among Korean migrant entrepreneurs (KMEs) operating business ventures in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This research is outlined by an embeddedness view and uses a qualitative approach using a single case study design. Findings For KMEs, in-group co-ethnic ties are mobilised in a relatively more structured manner coalescing personal and entrepreneurial endeavours, particularly demonstrating the dynamics of co-ethnic ties and the home country’s development levels. The findings lead to a model of migrant entrepreneurship for MEs from a more developed nation. Originality/value The theoretical value of this study lies in its clarification of the role of in-group ties in the setting of changing economic development levels and migration. Practice-wise, the findings on the adoption of co-ethnic ties that span formal, informal and transnational boundaries may inform migrants who are considering opportunities in less developed host countries, and assist stakeholders in developing policies concerning migrant communities and their ventures.

How important is territorial bias in prudential supervision and regulation?

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katia D'Hulster
Keyword(s):  
Local Governance ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Foreign Banks ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Individual Country ◽  
Prudential Supervision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Capital Ratios ◽  
The Eu

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure and rank territorial bias in prudential supervision and regulation in 22 EU and non-EU countries with financial systems predominantly owned by foreign banks. Design/methodology/approach – Twenty-two host countries are surveyed along six dimensions. First a scoring system is developed to measure territorial bias on an individual country basis (vertical analysis). Second the results are compared across two peer groups EU and non-EU (horizontal analysis). Findings – Territorial bias is present to a varying degree in the prudential supervision and the regulations of the countries surveyed. On average higher territorial bias is observed in the non-EU group. Generally there is also less dispersion in the EU which can be explained by a common regulatory framework and the efforts to achieve supervisory convergence. Non-EU countries use a wider array of instruments typically higher capital ratios stricter local governance requirements and liquidity restrictions. Originality/value – This is the first quantitative measure and analysis of territorial bias in prudential supervision and regulation that has been established. It includes confidential supervisory measures and measures imposed by moral suasion.

Remittances are both a vital prop and risk for Ukraine

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Political Change ◽  
Economic Stability ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Association Agreement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Central Eastern Europe ◽  
Central Eastern ◽  
The Eu

Subject Labour remittances and the Ukrainian economy. Significance Ukrainians account for one of the largest migration waves to the EU, thanks to visa-free travel arrangements under the Association Agreement. As emigration has risen since 2014, remittances sent home by workers abroad have risen to 8-9% of GDP. Ukraine does not depend on remittances to same extent as some regional countries, but the inflows are now important for economic stability. Impacts Migrants may become an important constituency pushing for political change. Increased migration to EU states is reorienting Ukraine away from Russia. Ukrainians are contributing to economic performance in host countries in Central-Eastern Europe.

OECD/G20 digital tax reform is highly unlikely

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Global Minimum ◽  
The United States ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Regional Trade ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Developed Economies ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Corporate Profits ◽  
The Eu

Significance The new tax framework's first pillar would establish a formula to divide tax rights between digital firms' host countries and user markets; and the second would fix a global minimum tax on corporate profits. Agreement on the latter seems within reach; but the first pillar is the subject of fierce disagreement between developed economies. Impacts Digital tax disputes will add tension to relations between EU members and the United States. Corporate and digital tax questions will rise in prominence in bilateral and regional trade negotiations. If the global negotiations fail, this is likely to speed up a more substantial reform of business taxation in the EU.

Breaking the code: barriers affecting inclusive thinking-HETL Scotland 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-129
Author(s):  
Linda Carol Algozzini ◽  
Valencia Lavon Gabay ◽  
Shannon D. Voyles ◽  
Kimberly Bessolo ◽  
Grady Batchelor
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
First Century ◽  
Individual Student ◽  
Change Model ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Group Coaching ◽  
Regulated Learning

Purpose This case study reviews a group coaching and mentoring (GCM) change model and its significance in dissolving barriers and promoting equity in virtual learning environments. The purpose of this paper is to examine the model’s approach to shifting instructor mindsets to align with institutional core values and initiatives that best serve a twenty-first century adult learner. Design/methodology/approach The change model, grounded in GCM, metacognition, self-regulated learning, and community of practice theory, incorporates participatory action research design focusing on cycles of action, reflection, and evaluation. Findings This study illustrates the change model’s success in moving educators toward deeper understanding of self and individual student differences. It further showcases how professionals adapt and improve practices using self-regulated learning and metacognition to better serve the population they teach. Practical implications The GCM framework improved engagement. The design, while implemented in a higher education arena, is applicable to other entities seeking to bridge gaps using metacognition and self-regulated learning to become adaptable and inclusive. Originality/value The change model, recipient of one of this year’s Effective Practice Awards from the Online Learning Consortium (2017), is recognized for innovation and replicability in and beyond higher education.

Corporate social responsibility and earnings management in the EU: a panel data analysis approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis E. Dimitropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Earnings Management ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Eu

Purpose Over the past decades, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been considered as a significant corporate strategy and also has been documented as a main information dissemination mechanism of corporations to shareholders, creditors and other external stakeholders. This fact makes the CSR activities and CSR performance interconnected with the quality of firms’ financial reporting. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of CSR performance on the earnings management (EM) behaviour using a sample from 24 European Union (EU) countries summing up to 121,154 firm-year observations over the period 2003–2018. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a multi-country data set with various dimensions of CSR performance including indexes regarding workforce, community relations, product responsibility and human rights protection. The empirical analysis is conducted with panel data regressions. Findings Evidence supports the negative association between CSR and EM indicating that high CSR performing firms are associated with less income smoothing and discretionary accruals, thus with higher financial reporting quality. Practical implications Regulatory agencies in the EU could use the findings of the study for the improvement of the accounting framework via enhancing the use and publications of social and environmental responsibility information and reports. Social implications Also, the current paper could be of interest not only to academic researchers but also to potential and existing investors in European corporations. The negative association between CSR performance and EM could be used by investors in assessing the risk of firms and the quality and reliability of their financial information. Originality/value This is the first study within the EU, which considers the multi-facet characteristics of CSR on the quality of accounting earnings and offers useful policy implications for regulators and investors.

scholarly journals Unemployment and spell duration during the Great Recession in the EU

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Gradín ◽  
Olga Cantó ◽  
Coral del Río
Keyword(s):  
Great Recession ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Great Recession ◽  
Unemployment Spells ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Eu

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the different dynamic characteristics of unemployment in a selected group of European Union countries during the current Great Recession, which had unequal consequences on employment depending on the country considered. Design/methodology/approach – The paper follows Shorrocks’s proposal of a duration-sensitive measure of unemployment, and uses cross-sectional data reported by Eurostat coming from European Labour Force Surveys. Findings – The results add some evidence on the relevance of incorporating spells’ duration in measuring unemployment, finding remarkable differences in unemployment patterns in time among European countries. Research limitations/implications – In this paper unemployment is analyzed for all the labor force. Future research should investigate patterns across specific groups such as young people, women, immigrants or the low skilled. Practical implications – It is generally accepted that the negative impact of unemployment on individual welfare can be very different depending on its duration. However, conventional statistics on unemployment do not adequately capture to what extent the recession is not only increasing the incidence of unemployment but also its severity in terms of duration in time of ongoing unemployment spells. The paper shows an easy and practical way to do it in order to improve the understanding of the unemployment phenomenon, using information usually reported by statistical offices. Originality/value – First, the paper provides a tool for dynamic analysis of unemployment based on reported cross-sectional data. Second, the paper demonstrates the empirical relevance of considering spells’ duration when assessing differences in unemployment across countries or in unemployment trends. This is usually neglected or only partially addressed by most conventional measures of unemployment.

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