Perspectives of scholars on the nature of sustainability: a survey study

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-53
Author(s):  
Payam Aminpour ◽  
Steven Gray ◽  
Robert Richardson ◽  
Alison Singer ◽  
Laura Castro-Diaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epistemological Beliefs ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The World ◽  
Common Understanding

Purpose This paper aims to investigate different ways in which faculty members of sustainability-related departments in universities across the world perceive, understand and define sustainability and how these definitions are linked to their demographics and epistemological beliefs. Design/methodology/approach Scholars from different disciplines investigate the sustainability of social-ecological systems from different perspectives. Such differences in the understanding of, and approaches to, sustainability have created ambiguity within the field and may weaken its effectiveness, impact and reputation as a field of research. To contribute to the discussion about sustainability definition, a survey was conducted involving university faculty members working in sustainability-related academic departments around the world. Participants’ responses were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 involving descriptive and inferential statistics and principle component analysis. Additionally, responses to open-ended questions were qualitatively analyzed. Findings Factor analysis on sustainability definition items reveal four emergent universal definitions of sustainability, labeled as Environmentalism concerns, Common understanding, neo-Malthusian environmentalism and Sustainability as well-being. Statistical analyses indicate that individuals from developed countries are more likely to define sustainability as Environmentalism and Common understanding; however, individuals from developing countries tend to define sustainability as well-being. Also, more heavily engaged scholars in interdisciplinary research of sustainability are more likely to perceive sustainability as Common understanding. Logistic Regression models demonstrate a connection between epistemological perspectives of researchers and sustainability definitions. Qualitative content analysis indicates that interdisciplinarity and collaboration are the most common challenges to sustainability research. Originality/value The findings of this study demonstrate disconnects between scholars from developing and developed countries in understanding and defining sustainability, and these disconnects may present further challenges for global sustainability scholarship.

Macroeconomic conditions are only an illusion, not the solution, to firm sustainability: unveiling the new dimension of stakeholder well-being

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahid Irshad Younas ◽  
Mahvesh Khan ◽  
Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Faryan
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Macroeconomic Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Macroeconomic Conditions ◽  
Us Economy ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The One

Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore the misconception that in developed countries, macroeconomic performance lead to sustainable firms or improves stakeholder well-being. The results may be the opposite or even worse. Design/methodology/approach This study examined this misconception using balanced panel data from 1,122 firms from different sectors of the US economy and data on macroeconomic performance from the World Bank. Findings The results of the one-step generalised method of moments indicate that most macroeconomic performance indicators had significant and negative impacts on firm sustainability and stakeholder well-being. Practical implications From a societal perspective, the results illustrate that the fruits of macroeconomic performance of the US economy do not reach stakeholders through firms’ sustainability. Thus, linking the economy’s macroeconomic performance with firm sustainability is vital for sustainably uplifting society and for stakeholder well-being. Originality/value From a policy perspective, this study reveals that the greater focus on macroeconomic performance in the USA over the past decades has resulted in lower firm sustainability because of the malfunctioning of social, economic, environmental and governance factors. This has negatively influenced stakeholder well-being in the country.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on community lifelines

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naeem Abas ◽  
Esmat Kalair ◽  
Saad Dilshad ◽  
Nasrullah Khan
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
World Population ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Essential Services ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe authors present the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on community lifelines. The state machinery has several departments to secure essential lifelines during disasters and epidemics. Many countries have formed national disaster management authorities to deal with manmade and natural disasters. Typical lifelines include food, water, safety and security, continuity of services, medicines and healthcare equipment, gas, oil and electricity supplies, telecommunication services, transportation means and education system. Supply chain systems are often affected by disasters, which should have alternative sources and routes. Doctors, nurses and medics are front-line soldiers against diseases during pandemics.Design/methodology/approachThe COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how much we all are connected yet unprepared for natural disasters. Political leaders prioritize infrastructures, education but overlook the health sector. During the recent pandemic, developed countries faced more mortalities, fatalities and casualties than developing countries. This work surveys the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health, energy, environment, industry, education and food supply lines.FindingsThe COVID-19 pandemic caused 7% reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during global lockdowns. In addition, COVID-19 has affected social fabric, behaviors, cultures and official routines. Around 2.84 bn doses have been administrated, with approximately 806 m people (10.3% of the world population) are fully vaccinated around the world to date. Most developed vaccines are being evaluated for new variants like alpha, beta, gamma, epsilons and delta first detected in the UK, South Africa, Brazil, USA and India. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all sectors in society, yet this paper critically reviews the impact of COVID-19 on health and energy lifelines.Practical implicationsThis paper critically reviews the health and energy lifelines during pandemic COVID-19 and explains how these essential services were interrupted.Originality/valueThis paper critically reviews the health and energy lifelines during pandemic COVID-19 and explains how these essential services were interrupted.

New home warranty schemes: developing a theoretical comparative framework using qualitative content analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastien Royal ◽  
Nadia Lehoux ◽  
Pierre Blanchet
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Flexible Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comparative Framework ◽  
Government Documents ◽  
Content Analysis Method

PurposeThe housing construction industry is one of the most lucrative sectors for developed countries. However, homebuyers are often vulnerable when left with latent building defects in their new-build house. Many nations have thus implemented new home warranty schemes to protect consumers and stimulate residential production. These warranty programs vary excessively from state to state given the distinct nature of environments. Previous studies have attempted to compare one with another but did not apply a consistent comparative method when doing so. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics defining a new home warranty and to develop a standardised comparative framework.Design/methodology/approachAfter evaluating the characteristics outlined in multiple home warranty programs, a qualitative content analysis method was used to establish coding, categories and themes in order to create the framework. The methodology relied mostly on cross-referencing from academic papers, methodical reviews, government documents and professional consultant reports.FindingsThis paper reviewed warranty schemes from six countries: Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, France and Malaysia. The findings suggest that home warranty programs are defined by five main themes: political involvement; homeowner protection; financial sustainability; quality management; and dispute resolution. At the end, the research created a comparative framework of 101 codes that could be used to accurately measure the efficiency of a home warranty scheme.Originality/valueGathering all defining characteristics of new housing warranties into a unique comparative framework rectifies a gap in the literature. Such a flexible tool will aid future practitioners in the field to undertake comparative case study analysis through qualitative research methods.

4. Living: here and there

2018 ◽  
pp. 50-69
Author(s):  
Philip N. Jefferson
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Family Structure ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
Developing World ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
The World ◽  
Qualitative Characteristics ◽  
Over Time

What it means to live in poverty depends on where in the world you are. Developed countries have their own brand of poverty that differs qualitatively from that in the developing world. ‘Living: here and there’ compares and contrasts five dimensions of life that underpin our notion of well-being: family structure, health, education, assets (financial and non-financial), and the environment. The focus is on qualitative characteristics that seem to persist over time, although some data are included in order to provide broader context. The consequences of family structure, health, education, assets, and the environment often manifest themselves in the labour market.

Predatory publishing through McCornarck’s information manipulation theory

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 331-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Kipkemoi Bett
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Journal Article ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Predatory Journals ◽  
Information Manipulation ◽  
Predatory Publishing ◽  
Predatory Publishers ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse how predatory journals use spam emails to manipulate potential authors. This has been done based on McCornack’s information manipulation theory (IMT). Generally, predatory publishing is on the increase globally but more pronounced in developing countries. Although it affects both young and seasoned scholars, inexperienced scholars and those ignorant on credible publishing are the most affected. Design/methodology/approach The current study through document analysis focuses on email invites from predatory journals sent to the author between June 2016 and December 2018 after publishing a peer-reviewed journal article. The resultant texts were analysed using a directed qualitative content analysis. Findings Findings indicate that the invites flouted all the four Gricean maxims (of quality, quantity, manner and relevance) as posited by IMT. This suggests that the spam mails sent to the author sought to manipulate potential authors to publish with predatory journals. Research limitations/implications This qualitative study focuses on email invites to the author which may not fully capture the manipulation by predatory journals. Practical implications It is important that scholars in developing contexts are aware of how predatory publishers seek to manipulate their victims. Universities and research institutions should be intentional in enlightening their academic staff on predatory journals and their characteristics. Similarly, universities should consider disincentivising their faculty members who publish in such platforms. Originality/value The originality in this study lies in its use of IMT to explain how predatory journals manipulate potentials authors.

Complex network analysis for international talent mobility based on bibliometrics

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-435
Author(s):  
Yinqiu Wang ◽  
Hui Luo ◽  
Yunyan` Shi
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression ◽  
Complex Network ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Bibliometric Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Factor ◽  
The World

Purpose This paper aims to explore international talent mobility and identify its negative/positive factors. Design/methodology/approach Bibliometric data from Scopus are explicated to model the mobility network and providing a more comprehensive posture. In addition, by using indicators of complex network, significant features of international talent mobility are described quantitatively. After that, by introducing a kind of improved gravity model with multiple linear regression, the authors identify factors to explain international talent mobility flows. Findings With the analysis of international talent mobility in complex network, the overall network is not balanced. A small part of developed countries and developing countries with good emergency attract and drain a lot of talents and talents usually moving between these countries, the amount of talents leaving or entering into other countries is very limited. Furthermore, according to multiple linear regression, it is found that the share of migrants in population is the major negative factor for international talent mobility, and the factors of destination countries is more significant than original countries. Originality/value The result of this paper may support further research studies and political suggestions for cultivating, attracting and retaining scientific and technological talents in the world.

The diplomatic spouse

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svala Gudmundsdottir ◽  
Thorhallur Orn Gudlaugsson ◽  
Gylfi Dalmann Adalsteinsson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cultural Adjustment ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expatriate Spouses ◽  
The World ◽  
Foreign Ministries ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between adjustment, social support and satisfaction with life for expatriate spouses. The sample consists of European diplomatic spouses, residing all over the world.Design/methodology/approachThis is a quantitative study. The sample consists of European diplomatic spouses, residing all over the world. The sample consists of 268 participants: 231 females and 44 males.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that there was a significant relationship between adjustment and emotional and instrumental support as well as satisfaction with life. Furthermore, a multiple regression was performed to predict the level of satisfaction with life. Both adjustment and emotional support were statistically significant and they explained nearly 50 percent of the variability in participant’s satisfaction with life.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the paper include, for example, method bias, language and geographic location.Practical implicationsForeign Ministries within the European Union (EU) will be in a better position to improve their expatriate programs and policies. Furthermore, this study indicated that the well-being of diplomatic spouses can be enhanced by considering how social support is provided, the level of adjustment and satisfaction with life.Social implicationsThis study highlights the importance for diplomatic spouses to belonging to various groups, and group membership serves as a means to gain access to social networks. Therefore, being part of support groups of other expatriate spouses can aid cross-cultural adjustment.Originality/valueLittle is known about diplomatic spouses. This paper will be an important first step in examining the relationship between adjustment, social support and satisfaction with life for the spouses of diplomats working for the Foreign Ministries within the EU and European Economic Area.

scholarly journals Education for Sustainable Development as Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: A Literature Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Lou E. Neri
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Keywords Education

The World Health Organization (2003) stated that there is growing evidence that changes in the global climate will have profound effects on the well-being of citizens in countries throughout the world. The “business as usual” frame of mind in dealing with this phenomenon is no longer feasible. Rather, there is a great need for a “sense of urgency” to empower and actively involve every individual to adapt and to mitigate the worsening of climate change. A great number of studies show that the leadership of the educational system in developed countries for more than 2 decades has been successful in promoting environmental sustainability. Some of these studies are reviewed and documented in this paper so that vulnerable countries may learn and benchmark from their experiences. Keywords - Education, sustainable development, climate change

scholarly journals Examining country development indicators and e-waste under the moderating effect of country development levels and e-waste policy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prateek Kalia ◽  
Adil Zia ◽  
Dušan Mladenović
Keyword(s):  
Urban Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Arch Model ◽  
Waste Generation ◽  
Literacy Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Indicators ◽  
Waste Policy ◽  
Internet Penetration

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate if country development indicators, i.e. gross domestic product per capita (GDPPC), literacy rate, internet penetration and urban population, influence the generation of e-waste on a global level. The moderation effect due to differences between countries in terms of absence or presence of e-waste policy and level of development is also checked.Design/methodology/approachThis is an archival study that builds upon data from United Nations (UN), World Bank and Global E-waste Statistics Partnership. The authors did a path analysis comprising mediation and multigroup analyses to decipher the proposed rese arch model containing data from 172 countries.FindingsThe results indicate that GDPPC, literacy rate, internet penetration and urban population do not directly influence the generation of e-waste. However, higher internet penetration in developing countries leads to higher e-waste, while higher literacy rates in developed countries suppress e-waste generation. When it comes to e-waste policy, a higher urban population without a regulatory legal framework boosts higher e-waste. The authors observed that higher internet penetration leads to higher e-waste in the presence of e-waste policy as well.Originality/valueThis is the first study to include economic well-being indicators in elaborating e-waste generation, on a global scale. No previous study has observed differences between countries nested in e-waste policy and level of development.

scholarly journals Redefining mentorship in an era of crisis: responding to COVID-19 through compassionate relationships

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Lasater ◽  
Christy Smith ◽  
John Pijanowski ◽  
Kevin P. Brady
Keyword(s):  
Ethic Of Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Course Evaluations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Boundaries ◽  
Reflective Dialogue ◽  
Self Study ◽  
Concern For Others ◽  
Support Students

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate mentorship practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and to consider how mentorship could be improved to support students of educational leadership (EDLE) during crises.Design/methodology/approachParticipants in this collective self-study were four faculty members (i.e. the authors) within an EDLE program in one public, research-intensive university in the southern USA. Data sources were memos, email correspondence, reflective dialogue, course evaluations and meeting notes. Analysis involved dialogic engagement among the research team to identify emergent themes.FindingsAnalysis revealed five themes that reflect our collective experiences as mentors during the pandemic. These themes were challenges created by dismantled systems; meeting students' needs for understanding, flexibility and meaningful learning experiences; evolving personal–professional boundaries; grappling with our own sense-making and well-beingness; and clarifying values and priorities.Practical implicationsThe pandemic exemplifies the need for a deeper conceptualization of mentorship that stimulates more intimate, compassionate relationships between mentors and mentees. When mentorship is grounded in compassion, intimacy and mutual vulnerability, it demonstrates a genuine ethic of care and concern for others that is supportive of well-being and serves as a model for mentees entering the profession.Originality/valueThis paper extends disciplinary knowledge by focusing on the mentorship of EDLE students during crises and provides insights on how mentorship could be enacted to mutually support mentor–mentee well-being.

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