How mindfulness training cultivates introspection and competence development for sustainable consumption

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1002-1021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Frank ◽  
Anna Sundermann ◽  
Daniel Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Competence Development ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Training Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Relation ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Key Competencies ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to explore the relationship between introspection and key competencies for sustainable consumption (KCSCs). It investigates whether mindfulness training can cultivate the ability to introspect and stimulate the development of KCSCs. Design/methodology/approach Two independent studies were analyzed. Data were retrieved from interviews with participants of a consumer-focused mindfulness training (Study 1, 11 participants), as well as from diaries of students attending a university seminar with mindfulness training (Study 2, 13 students), and made subject to qualitative content analysis. Findings Both studies show a clear intersection between both constructs and suggest that mindfulness training can contribute to the development of KCSCs and learners’ ability to introspect. The studies also demonstrated that introspection is not equally related to all competencies and that KCSCs must not be reduced to introspection. Research limitations/implications Both KCSCs and introspection are complex and latent constructs and hence challenging to observe. The research understands itself as a first exploratory approach for empirically investigating this complex relation. Originality/value While increasing (self-)reflectivity is at the core of competence-based education, a systematic engagement with the practice of introspection as a means to enhancing reflectivity is surprisingly lacking. Mindfulness training could be a promising way to cultivate introspective abilities and thus facilitate learning processes that are conducive to competence development.

scholarly journals Paradox and legitimacy in construction: how CSR reports restrict CSR practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Watts ◽  
Scott Fernie ◽  
Andy Dainty
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rhetorical Device ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Public Body ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Communication Methods

PurposeCorporate social responsibility (CSR) is a prominent topic of debate, and yet remains subject to multiple interpretations. Despite this ambiguity, organisations need to communicate their CSR activity effectively in order to meet varied stakeholder demands, increase financial performance and in order to achieve legitimacy in the eyes of clients and various stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to explore how CSR is communicated, and the impact such communication methods have on CSR practice. More specifically, it examines the disconnect between the rhetoric espoused in CSR reports and the actualities of the ways in which CSR is practiced.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative content analysis of 100 CSR reports published by nine construction contractors informed the design of qualitative interviews. In total, 17 interviews were then conducted with contractors and public body clients.FindingsStrategic ambiguity explains how contractors circumvent the problem of attending to conflicting stakeholder CSR needs. However, this results in a paradox where CSR is simultaneously sustained as a corporate metric and driver, whilst being simultaneously undermined in being seen as a rhetorical device. By examining this phenomenon through the lens of legitimacy, the study reveals how both the paradox and subsequent actions of clients that this provokes, act to restrict the development of CSR practice.Originality/valueThis is the first study to use the lens of legitimacy theory to analyse the relationship between CSR reporting and CSR practice in the construction industry. In revealing the CSR paradox and its ramifications the research provides a novel explanation of the lack of common understandings and manifestations of CSR within the construction sector.

scholarly journals Does sustainable consumption matter? Consumer grocery shopping behaviour andthe pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ing Grace Phang ◽  
Bamini K.P.D. Balakrishnan ◽  
Hiram Ting
Keyword(s):  
Social Transformation ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Consumer Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise in early 2020. The preventive measures imposed by many countries limited human movement, causing uncertainty and disrupting consumption patterns and consumer decision-making. This study aims to explore consumers’ panic buying (PB) and compulsive buying (CB) as outcomes of the intolerance of uncertainty (IU). The moderating role of sustainable consumption behaviours (SCBs) (e.g. quality of life [QOL], concern for future generation and concern for environmental well-being) were also tested to raise awareness of responsible and mindful consumption amongst the society and business stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach To empirically examine the grocery shopping behaviours of Malaysian consumers during COVID-19, a total of 286 valid grocery consumer survey responses based on a purposive sampling were collected and analysed during the movement control order period between March and July 2020. Findings The findings confirmed the statistically significant impact of IU on both PB and CB and the impact of PB on CB behaviour. Amongst the three SCBs tested, only QOL significantly moderated the relationship between the IU and PB. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to construct a framework of consumers’ PB and CB during the pandemic, building upon the stimulus-organism-response model and the concepts of IU and SCB. This study further serves as the pioneering study on the moderating role of SCB in consumer behaviour research in the pandemic context, whereby consumers’ QOL significantly moderates the relationship between their IU and PB. This study has also drawn specific implications for grocery retailers and government agencies for retail and policy planning to promote positive social transformation in consumer buying behaviours during a pandemic or crisis.

Licence to operate

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juha Klemelä
Keyword(s):  
Critical Discourse Analysis ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Status ◽  
Licence To Operate ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Benefits And Costs

Purpose The Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework has been developed for mapping and measuring social impact. It may be used for legitimating organisations and projects. The framework is often criticised for its overemphasis of the SROI ratio, i.e. the relationship between monetised benefits and costs. This study aims to demonstrate how the SROI method legitimates organisations or projects with multiple other discursive ways besides the SROI ratio. It also discusses the status of these other ways of legitimation in relation to the quantifying and monetising core tendency of SROI. Design/methodology/approach The empirical data consist of an SROI guidebook and 12 SROI reports. Their study applies Theo van Leeuwen’s ideas for analysing the discursive legitimation of social practices. The study takes place broadly in the framework of Norman Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis, aided by qualitative content analysis. Findings In the analysis, the full spectrum of the van Leeuwenian legitimation means used by SROI – authorisation, rationalisation, moral evaluation and mythopoetical narration – is brought out in the data and the status and social context of the legitimation means are assessed and discussed. It is shown that there is existing potential for broader and more visible use of different legitimation means. Practical implications Based on the findings of the study, suggestions for the improvement of SROI reporting by a more balanced explicit use of the multitude of legitimation means are presented. Originality/value The study is original both in its subject (the spectrum of legitimation in SROI) and its method (qualitative discursive and contentual analysis of SROI as a legitimating discourse).

Developing key competencies in sustainability through project-based learning in graduate sustainability programs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodie Birdman ◽  
Arnim Wiek ◽  
Daniel J. Lang
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Sustainability Science ◽  
Competence Development ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Individual Student ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Autonomy ◽  
Key Competencies

Purpose This research aims to investigate the role of project-based-learning within graduate sustainability curricula through the lens of key competence development. Project-based learning has become a widely recommended pedagogy for sustainability education. It is hypothesized that through collaboration, student autonomy and real-world application, students develop key competencies for sustainability. This paper also aims to examine the connection between project-based learning and competence development on a program level from the student perspective. Design/methodology/approach This two-year comparative case study follows the project-based-learning journeys of nine graduate sustainability students from three programs: the Master’s of Sustainability at Arizona State University, the Master’s of Sustainability Science at Leuphana University of Lüneburg and the Global Sustainability Science Master’s, an ASU and Leuphana collaboration. Over four semesters, the students each took part in four competence-oriented self-assessments and interviews to map their perceived learning throughout their programs. Additional contextual information was gathered from program and course materials and descriptions, instructor interviews and in vivo observations. Findings The defining aspects of project-based learning including collaboration, student autonomy and real-world connection do contribute to students’ self-perceived competence development. Student-driven and program-driven project-based learning experiences equally foster this result, as long as the pedagogical challenges of balancing support and student independence associated with each are mitigated through instructor actions, program design or individual student coping skills. Originality/value The results of this research can support higher education institutions in designing sustainability programs aimed at competence development through project-based learning. The focus on the curricular and program level combined with repeated overtime student-reported attribution to specific courses and activities bridges the gap between individual course case studies and theoretical recommendations for curriculum design. In addition to length and depth, this study also forefronts student experience of curricula as delivered.

scholarly journals A qualitative examination of urban vs rural sustainable consumption behaviours of energy and water consumers in the emerging Egyptian market

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omneya A. Marzouk
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Media ◽  
Rural Consumers ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Relevant Factors

Purpose The study aims to investigate the differences among urban and rural consumers in terms of their energy and water sustainable consumption behaviour levels and drivers and also empirically blueprint conceptual frameworks highlighting urban and rural consumer drivers to consume sustainably. Design/methodology/approach This research follows an exploratory design using a qualitative approach; 14 in-depth interviews followed by one focus group were conducted with urban consumers; on the other hand, 18 in-depth interviews followed by one focus group were conducted with rural consumers. Findings The findings show that no differences exist among urban and rural consumers in terms of both their sustainable consumption levels and their drivers to consume sustainably; such findings were encapsulated in the form of one conceptual framework pertinent to both urban and rural consumers; it has the following relevant factors: consumers’ attitudes toward conservation, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, self-preference, public media influence, perceived economic value and perceived moral obligation to be relevant antecedents of conservation behaviour, which – in turn – drives sustainable purchase behaviours with the moderating effect of socio-demographic variables. Originality/value This paper contributes to extant literature as it provides evidence for the drivers of sustainable consumption behaviours of urban versus rural consumers in emerging countries; it also tentatively answers the question of whether the socio-demographic variables infer a difference in consumers’ sustainable consumption; finally, it studies sustainable consumption from a novel perspective with a focus on the relationship between its two pillars.

scholarly journals Perceived value dimension in repetitive fish consumption in Indonesia by using an extended theory of planned behavior

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (6) ◽  
pp. 1220-1235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulist Rima Fiandari ◽  
Surachman Surachman ◽  
Fatchur Rohman ◽  
Ananda Sabil Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Subjective Norms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extended Theory ◽  
Perceived Values ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to establish the findings by confirming the extent to which an extended version of the TPB estimation relates to repetitive fish consumption. This study is important for the sustainable consumption of fish in society. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship that explains perceived value, consisting of monetary and non-monetary values, in shaping attitudes on repetition of fish consumption. Design/methodology/approach The sampling of this study was conducted for eight months of 365 people who consumed fish for at least one year. This research was conducted in Malang City, Indonesia. Data analysis applied structural equation modelling by measuring perceived values, attitudes, social norms, behaviour control, intentions and frequency of fish consumption. Findings It mostly follows the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) sections, with exception on the relationship of subjective norms to intentions and attitudes, subjective norms and perceived value towards repetition of fish consumption. The results of the study indicate that attitudes are preceded by the formation of perceived values. The perceived value significantly affects attitude formation. The perceived value of fish consumption is explained by health and monetary values. A positive attitude does not always precede consumption. Subjective norms provide a weak role in the repetition of fish consumption, while behaviour control plays an important role in realising action on repetitive fish consumption. Originality/value This study helps explain the extended TPB, and intentions towards the behaviour of repetitive fish consumption. Attitudes are preceded by the formation of perceived values in the TPB in intention repetitive fish consumption.

Becoming a competent teacher in education for sustainable development

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 630-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan-Ole Brandt ◽  
Lina Bürgener ◽  
Matthias Barth ◽  
Aaron Redman
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Education For Sustainable Development ◽  
Competence Development ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Competence

Purpose This paper aims to provide a holistic approach to assessing student teachers’ competence development in education for sustainable development (ESD). This is to provide evidence on which teaching and learning formats help to foster which aspects of ESD-specific professional action competence in teachers. The studied competencies consist of content knowledge (CK), pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and the willingness to actively support and implement ESD. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study design was used on two sequential modules of a university’s teacher education program. A mixed-methods approach was applied that combined surveys, videotaped and PhotoVoice-supported focus groups, as well as pre- and post-assessment tools. Qualitative data analysis was based on the coding paradigm of the qualitative content analysis, whereas quantitative data were interpreted by means of descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. Findings The results from this study clearly indicate that the two courses contributed to a shift in students’ non-cognitive dispositions. The study also provides evidence on the students’ competence development and demonstrates how two different learning settings support different dimensions of teachers’ professional action competence in terms of ESD. Originality/value The triangulation of data enabled not only a mere competence assessment but also deeper insights into learning processes, as well as into the drivers of and barriers to competence development. Furthermore, the study introduces an innovative approach to assessing the development of PCK.

scholarly journals Transnational venue management corporations and local embeddedness

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qin Yao ◽  
Eric C. Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Social Embeddedness ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Foreign Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Structure ◽  
Local Stakeholder ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The case of the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China raises an important issue with respect to transnational venue management corporations embedding and operating in foreign markets. The purpose of this paper is to examine how Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) has implemented social embeddedness strategy to influence the management structure and enhance operational performance of the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was chosen to examine the social embeddedness of AEG through the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai. An in-depth interview was conducted with John Cappo, the President and CEO of AEG China, in April 2016. In addition, the relative news and interviews of leaders from AEG and AEG China over the past ten years was also collected. Qualitative content analysis of the data was conducted through a coding approach. All the materials were coded into three main categories based on three aspects of social embeddedness: local stakeholder relations, reputation and trust-building, cultural and institutional adaptation. Findings AEG has demonstrated how a transnational venue management corporation can successfully integrate social embeddedness strategy with the management structure and operational procedures of the Mercedes-Benz Arena in three ways. First is through the relationship between AEG and its partners in the joint venture, OPG in terms of the enforcement of the contract, the clear division of responsibilities, and the mutual understanding and use of relationship building. Second is the relationship between AEG and the local government in Shanghai. Third was adapting the structures of AEG to fit within local culture and institutional contexts. Originality/value The unique multi-stakeholder relationship inherent to venue management in China raises important questions with respect to transnational venue management corporations operating in foreign markets. The adaptation to the local context, as a moderating factor to the institutional exposure of a venue management company involves more challenging obstacles for non-local firms, compared to firms which are familiar with their institutional context. Understanding the key solutions in building relationships and trust with partners in joint venture and local government, as well as the key methods to adopt in local contexts, have applications across any number of sport industries.

Social media influence on the B2B buying process

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1482-1496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoda Diba ◽  
Joseph M. Vella ◽  
Russell Abratt
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Media Influence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Functional Blocks ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to explore if and how business-to-business (B2B) companies can use social media to influence the buying process. Design/methodology/approach The study uses an exploratory approach into the existing literature related to the B2B buying process and its relationship with social media. Findings The study shows that companies in a B2B context can use social media as a means of influencing the stages of the buying process by means of using one or more of the seven functional blocks of social media. Research limitations/implications The findings demonstrate the relation that exists between each stage of the buyer process in a B2B organization and the functional blocks of social media. This study opens the door for further research into the influence of each of these blocks on the buying process stages and the roles involved. Practical implications This study identifies how social media’s blocks influence the different stages and how organizations can use that to their benefit. Originality/value Few studies have investigated the use of social media in a B2B context. However, not many have looked into the influence of social media in the B2B buying process and buying center. This study looks into the relationship between the buying process stages and social media’s functional blocks as related to the different roles of the buying center.

The art of engagement: dialogic strategies on Twitter

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Sundstrom ◽  
Abbey Blake Levenshus
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Strategic Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Companies ◽  
Media Organizations ◽  
Dialogic Theory ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how the dialogic theory of public relations can help strategic communication practitioners support and enhance the relationship between individuals and organizations. Design/methodology/approach This inquiry applied the dialogic theory of public relations by investigating leading media companies’ context-based strategic use of Twitter. Researchers conducted a qualitative content analysis of 1,800 tweets from 18 top-performing media organizations. Findings This study identified strategies, rooted in dialogic theoretical principles that media organizations used to engage stakeholders. Media companies employed strategies based on dialogic principles, including promoting organizations as industry and thought leaders, integrating social media, and using an interactive, synergistic organizational voice. Research limitations/implications These strategies support the need to expand theoretical conceptualizations and use of dialogic principles to study online communication. Practical implications Findings offer practical strategies for practitioners managing organizations’ Twitter communication to foster engagement. In particular, practitioners should consider organizational context and subsequent content advantages. Originality/value Findings offer practical and theoretical contributions to the debate of interactivity.

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