scholarly journals Paradoxes of European free movement in times of austerity

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 289-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nedžad Mešić
Keyword(s):  
Social Movement ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Seasonal Workers ◽  
Labour Standards ◽  
The Face ◽  
Back Stage ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the capacities of social movement actors (SMAs) and interest groups to negotiate responsibility, heighten issues of accountability and earn legitimacy from authorities and the wider public for the plight of dis-privileged Roma migrant berry pickers in the Swedish labour market. Design/methodology/approach – The objective is guided by a multi-sited ethnographical approach to data collection and analysis, which theoretically anchors in social movement frame analysis. Findings – The paper proposes that SMAs, in the face of incapacities of state and industry parties, generate the potentiality to leverage immediate humanitarian distress experienced by the workers and to accentuate their political and public visibility. Research limitations/implications – Delimited by the internal organisational structure of a berry industry, partly operating behind informal employment schemes, future studies should devote closer attention in localising/identifying possible “back-stage” data-gathering settings. Practical implications – Policy-makers and special-interest organisations concerned with internal EU labour migration, labour standards and living condition issues, may consider the social and humanitarian implications of persistent responsibility ambiguities. Social implications – The paper raises issues of informal work and forms of labour exploitation. Originality/value – The paper provides deeper insight into the societal nexus in which a “hard-to-reach group” of seasonal workers faces potential and actual exploitation.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on conventional work settings

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 909-927
Author(s):  
Randa Diab-Bahman ◽  
Abrar Al-Enzi
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Crowd Sourcing ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeTo give insight into human resource (HR) policy makers of the impact of the abrupt change in working conditions as reported from their primary stakeholders – the employees.Design/methodology/approachReported from a first-person point of view, 192 employees from Kuwait who are currently working from home were surveyed as to how the lockdown circumstances have impacted their conventional work expectations. The study compares the old working conditions (OWC) to the current working conditions (CWC) to give insight into the overall sentiments of the abrupt changes to the workplace.FindingsIt was found that most employees agreed that OWC need to be reviewed, and that the general sentiment was almost equally split on the efficiency of CWC in comparison to OWC, yet the majority was enjoying the flexible conditions. Moreover, the majority of respondents found that overall conventional work elements either remained the same or had been impacted positively rather than negatively. Also, if given an option of a hybrid model inclusive of partly working remotely and partly working on-site, a considerable majority reported that they are able to efficiently conduct atleast 80% of their work expectation. Finally, it was found that employee expectation is changing as they consider post COVID-19 conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was conducted using virtual crowd-sourcing methods to administer the survey and may have been enhanced should other methods have been integrated for data gathering. Also, a more comprehensive phenomenological approach could have been incorporated to add a qualitative method to the investigation. This could have freed the results of answer limitation and experience bias. Moreover, it is good practice to involve both quantitative and qualitative elements to any research when possible. Finally, future research can benefit from a bigger pool of participants so as to gain a clearer picture.Originality/valueThis research will give policy makers a look at what needs to be reviewed/changed for a successful roll-out of remote work in accordance with their original strategies.

Exploring the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 822-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Le Roux ◽  
Marius Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Listed Company ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to explore the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the nexus by obtaining in-depth insight from the sensemaking of those in practice. Design/methodology/approach A single exploratory case study design strategy was applied to a leading stock exchange listed company in the property industry in South Africa. Rich qualitative data were gathered by applying multiple data gathering techniques to a diverse group of employees within the case company. Findings This empirical study contributes a metaphor of a cog and chain and nine themes that elucidate employee sensemaking at the nexus. Integrated reporting was found to drive sustainability embeddedness and foster changes within the organisation. The themes offer in-depth insight into how employees made sense of integrated reporting as a driver for sustainability embeddedness. Research limitations/implications The findings emerged from a single case study that operated in a mandatory disclosure context and are therefore not generalisable. The findings reflect the intended outcomes of integrated reporting and further research to explore the unintended outcomes and challenges associated with integrated reporting is suggested. Practical implications The study contributes to a growing practice based agenda by offering a better understanding of how integrated reporting and sustainability are conceptualised and adopted in practice. Social implications The findings offer organisations’ guidance on integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness adoption which can have vast implications for society and the environment. Originality/value The study responds to gaps in the literature and calls for studies to explore the intersection between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness by engaging those in practice.

The evolution of the discourse of a Belgian fair trade organization: a two-dimensional history

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robbe Geysmans
Keyword(s):  
Social Movement ◽  
Fair Trade ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Societal Change ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Mutual Relationship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
History Of ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to provide a detailed account of the evolution of the fair trade discourse of a Belgian fair trade organization, with a specific focus on the changes in the combination of the organization’s trade and social (movement) dimensions. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on an analysis of the organization’s discourse as found in the member magazine at four periods. These four periods cover different phases in the life history of the organization and in the broader fair trade field. Findings Throughout the organization’s history, both social (movement) and trade dimensions know drastic changes, also in their mutual relationship. In the earliest history, trade practices are clearly subordinate to goals of a socialist-inspired societal change, while in the more recent history, trade has permeated the entire discourse, putting the trade dimension in a more central position. However, both dimensions seem to evolve in a connected way, as the discourse shows clear similarities on both, and evolutions can be related to changes in the organization’s broader field. Originality/value Focusing on the discourse of a specific fair trade organization breaks with a tradition of broad notions of a fair trade history. Moreover, this case provides insight into the evolution of the mix of both social and economic dimensions within a specific organization, and connects this to evolutions in the broader (fair trade) field.

Do public support services matter in the multilocation process in China?

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-373
Author(s):  
Borja Portero ◽  
Francisco Puig
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Weak Links ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Distant Market ◽  
Implementing Strategies ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – During the last decade the demand to comprehend the overarching success factors of the multilocation process in distant countries such as China has increased significantly. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to explore and understand the nature and scope of the collaboration between the public support services (PSS) in China and the Spanish enterprises which decided to be multilocated there. Design/methodology/approach – The present study examines the necessity of the PSS in China by employing a review of literature as well as both quantitative and qualitative surveys from 31 Spanish companies multilocated in China. Findings – The main conclusions highlight the fact that the PSS do not seem to have a big and homogenous influence on the multilocation process, although those companies with higher levels of commitment that have been operating in China for a longer time have used it more frequently. Originality/value – While other studies of multilocation have isolated the companies from their host environment, the aim of this paper is to evaluate the weak links between the PSS and companies in a culturally and psychically distant market. By providing an insight into the dynamics of how firms interact and collaborate with the PSS, this study contributes to guiding policy makers and managers in designing and implementing strategies to support enterprises in the multilocation process in China.

The impact of reporting suspicious transactions regime on banks: Malaysian experience

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aspalella A. Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Terrorism Financing ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeReporting suspicious transactions under anti‐money laundering (AML) laws creates a major dilemma for banks. On the one hand, failure to report suspicious transactions is an offence under the laws. On the other hand, if they report the transaction, they may breach their duty of confidentiality to their customer or could be liable for tipping off the suspected customer. More importantly, it can also undermine customers' trust. The purpose of this paper is to look into these issues and analyse them against the background of the Malaysian AML laws.Design/methodology/approachThis paper mainly relies on statutes as its primary sources of information. As such, the relevant Malaysian AML that affect the reporting obligations will be identified and analyzed. It will be necessary to examine not just the provisions of the Malaysian Anti‐Money Laundering and Anti‐Terrorism Financing Act, but also its regulations and guidelines which affect banks in detail, as this is the most important legislation for the purpose of this paper.FindingsIt is apparent that the reporting suspicious transactions regime has had a significant impact on the operations of banks in Malaysia. While the regime is based on sound principles, the effectiveness of the regime is still unknown. As such, only time will tell whether the banks will be able to cope sufficiently with the increased AML obligations. Obviously, it is critical at this stage, to establish effective coordination between legislators, regulators and the banking industry, in order to minimize problems faced by the banks and thereby to ensure effective implementation of the regime.Originality/valueThis paper provides an examination of the impact of the reporting suspicious transactions regime on Malaysian banks. It is hoped that the study would provide some insight into this particular area for academics, banks, their legal advisers, practitioners and policy makers, not only in Malaysia but also elsewhere. In view of the international nature of money laundering and banking, there will be significant interest in how the AML laws affect banks operating in Malaysia.

Public relations education in an emerging democracy: the case of Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 476-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esi Eduwaa Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Western World ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
The Face ◽  
Education In Ghana ◽  
Public Relations Education ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Emerging Democracy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how lecturers in public relations (PR) in Ghana are preparing students to be effective practitioners. The study also aims to extend understanding of PR education to an emerging democracy in response to calls for examining how future practitioners are shaped in different contexts. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopted a qualitative open-ended key informant in-depth interview approach with 12 purposively sampled PR lectures in accredited higher education institutions in Ghana. Findings PR education in Ghana is shaped by the local socio-political and economic context and influenced by western approaches. The opportunity to teach PR at the diploma level (prior to a bachelor’s level) provides another layer of PR training. Extensive use of social media in Ghana suggests that more focus should be placed on teaching about the strategic use of these technologies in industry. In the face of real challenges, under-resourced lecturers find ways to appropriate and provide students with skills needed for industry. Research limitations/implications The use of a qualitative data gathering method suggests that this study should be considered an introduction into PR education in Ghana, which requires further investigation with generalizable samples. Originality/value This study profiles PR education in Ghana. It also responds to calls to examine the preparation of future practitioners in different context beyond the western world.

Performing an FSC audit

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
William Cook ◽  
Esther Turnhout ◽  
Séverine van Bommel
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Forest Conservation ◽  
Forest Certification ◽  
Forest Stewardship Council ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Forest Stewardship ◽  
Back Stage ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) intends to promote responsible forestry through its certification scheme. The primary engine that drives this promotion is auditing. Audits serve a dual purpose: they make forest managers accountable for their claim of meeting the FSC standard, and they make the actions of auditors and auditee account-able, or able to be put into an account. The latter of these is rarely investigated, despite it being crucial to understanding how FSC audits are done.Design/methodology/approachThis article examines FSC forest certification audits as practices where the FSC standards gain meaning. In-depth analysis of these practices enables insight into how different values related to forest certification and auditing are articulated and negotiated in practice, characterizing particular modes of auditing. In this paper, the authors examine the practices of FSC forest management auditors in multi-day audits in Africa and in Spain. Their materials were analyzed and coded using Goffman’s elements of dramaturgy.FindingsThe authors’ findings show that auditing practices entail a series of nested performances in which the auditors and auditees interact together and in which front stage and back stage performances constantly alternate as auditors and auditees perform for each other and simultaneously for an absent audience.Originality/valueThe authors’ analysis demonstrates how in these performances, professional values related to following auditing rules and ensuring that audits are rendered account-able in a particular way take a prominent position. This risks overshadowing the accountability of the FSC system which is ultimately grounded in its ambition to improve forest conservation and management.

Developing and analyzing framework to manage resources in humanitarian logistics

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waqar Ahmed ◽  
Arsalan Najmi ◽  
Farhana Khan ◽  
Hasan Aziz
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Guides ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
The Face ◽  
Relief Operations

Purpose Humanitarian services usually perform in the face of uncertainty in which mobilization of resources in an efficient and effective manner is a big challenge. Sharing timely and correct information among logistics partners and workers is a key to drive rapid response logistics effectively. The purpose of this paper is to understand how coordinated effort effects resources management (RM). Design/methodology/approach This study uses quantitative research methodology and collected data from 82 humanitarian workers dealing with logistical activities from a densely populated city of Pakistan. Data were then statistically analyzed through partial least squares–structural equation modeling. Findings The results suggest that the success of humanitarian supply network depends upon the level of trust among the partners, which accelerates commitment through strong coordination. Information sharing reduces behavioral uncertainty and enhances swift trust (ST). ST then helps to improve coordination and commitment from all stakeholders in order to manage resources to lead effective relief operations. Practical implications The study guides the practitioners and relief operations’ policy makers to lay emphasis on distributing right and timely information flow among the partners, which can lead to effective, efficient and swift humanitarian relief operations. Originality/value This study on RM during humanitarian logistics is well timed in the context of developing country with high uncertain events, improper infrastructure and very limited resources.

scholarly journals Dynamics of banks' lending practices to farmers in India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Navjot Sandhu
Keyword(s):  
Information Asymmetry ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Bank Lending ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Lending Decisions ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate whether small marginal farmers in India have financial constraints and to examine how bank managers make lending decisions.Design/methodology/approachA survey approach was employed, using semi-structured questionnaires with a sample of 42 banks and 185 farmers from the state of Punjab in India. The questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were carried out on a one-to-one basis and in focus groups, and their responses were analysed from the supply (banks) and demand (farmers) side regarding access to finance.FindingsThe results indicate that the Indian farming sector is a complex and multidimensional one that has dependency on both the private and public sectors because of its national importance to varying degrees. Financial lending decisions are dependent upon several non-quantifiable factors (culture, caste, family size, education) and relational bank lending practices. Such practices have an adverse impact on bankable loan applications, and this gives rise to moral hazards. Relational banking and recommendations minimise default rates, but this does not minimise information asymmetry. Subjectivity in decision-making persists, which is compounded by underdeveloped financial markets for small farmers, giving rise to financial exclusion and negatively impacting on economic growth. To overcome information asymmetry, banks rely on the qualitative factors and an excessive level of collateral when making lending decisions. The findings provide valuable insight into how banks make lending decisions and evaluates a complex matrix of relationships between farmers and providers of debt finance in a developing economy such as India.Practical implicationsPolicy makers nationally and internationally could use the results of this research to develop relevant and targeted policies to promote the agricultural sector through adopting efficient provision of finance for farmers. A major contribution of this research is to provide a fundamental evaluation of the issues facing farmers in accessing finance in developing countries.Originality/valueThis study provides an original empirical insight into a sector of the economy that has implications for food security for a country. The study has relevance for a wide range of stakeholders and policy makers of both developed and emerging economies in the world.

A study of women in top business roles: the case of the wine industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Galbreath
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Representation Of Women ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Study Offer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the extent to which women are advancing in the wine industry, and whether there are conditions which help facilitate their advancement. There is a perception that women are making great strides in the wine industry. However, this perception is largely anecdotal. Design/methodology/approach – All wineries in Australia are examined in each year for the years 2007 to 2013. By relying on a leading wine industry database, women in CEO, winemaker, viticulturist and marketing roles are examined. Findings – With the exception of the marketing role, women are under-represented relative to predicted representation rates. Regarding regional differences, there is no consistent pattern with respect to where women representation in the roles is higher. The findings also suggest that where there is a woman CEO, women are more likely to be represented in winemaker, viticulturist and marketing roles. Research limitations/implications – The study represents Australian wine regions and should not be taken as a general population sample. The representation rates of women in top roles in other wine firms around the world may vary, which could lead to results different than those found in this study. Practical implications – For firms and policy makers interested in increasing the representation rates of women in the wine industry, the results of this study offer some insight into where current rates stand, and what might be underlying these representation rates. This is expected to facilitate debate around the means and mechanisms through which to increase the representation of women in the wine industry. Originality/value – This is the first known large-scale study to examine the representation rates of women in top roles in the wine industry; therefore, it offers both new insights and avenues for future research.

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