In plain sight – developing strategic responses to corporatised organised crime

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 619-633
Author(s):  
Kenneth Murray
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Strategic Responses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ability To Act ◽  
Commercial Markets ◽  
The Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to consider the ways organised crime exerts influence in legitimate commercial markets through its ability to act through corporate vehicles. Discussion of weaknesses in company registration procedures and the criminal justice system that enable this to happen. Development of strategic rather than tactical responses is proposed to counter it. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents case studies based on practitioner experience and discusses points that arise. Findings This paper considers the extent to which the problem represents a threat to the well-being and competitiveness of domestic commercial markets and how these threats can be most effectively addressed. Research limitations/implications This is a point of view paper authored by a practitioner with professional expertise in the field. Practical implications There is a need to develop strategic cross-agency responses to this problem. This will develop better levels of precautionary awareness of how these influences can establish footholds in commercial markets and provide a sounder basis for taking effective measures to contain and counter their influence. Social implications The social implications relate to the distorting influence of money derived from crime being deployed in legitimate spheres. Originality/value The originality/value of this paper is to raise awareness and re-invigorate discussion on the influence of organised crime in legitimate commercial markets.

scholarly journals Strategies for transcending the chaos of societal disruptions

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 5-14
Author(s):  
John C. Camillus ◽  
Jeffrey E. Baker ◽  
Anushka I. Daunt ◽  
Jungyoon Jang
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Societal Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Real Options Approach ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to offer a strategic management response to societal disruptions of the magnitude triggered by the agricultural, industrial and information revolutions. These pose challenges that are much greater and different in kind than the industry-wide disruptions that businesses have learned to manage. Pandemics, climate change, biotech and artificial intelligence guarantee that such societal disruptions will be an inescapable and recurring reality. Design/methodology/approach The paper builds on the strategic management responses to wicked problems, which possess in microcosm the chaotic ambiguity that characterizes societal disruptions. Findings The authors propose a management process that affirms a sense of identity, identifies robust actions, adopts a real-options approach and uses a platform organization. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation is that the recommendations and findings are extrapolations of organizational practices in analogous situations. No examples of formal management processes specifically designed to address societal disruptions were identified. Practical implications The practical implications are significant. The specific recommendations in the paper directly address strategic management practice in organizations. Social implications The social implications are integral to the motivation of the paper as it describes the intrinsic characteristics of societal change and transformation, enabling organizations to interact with society on a dynamic basis. Originality/value While there has been growing interest and research into business and industry disruptions, the challenge of societal disruptions, which is the focus of this paper, has not been directly addressed.

scholarly journals Can universities save us from disaster?

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Maxwell
Keyword(s):  
Natural Science ◽  
Natural Philosophy ◽  
Social Philosophy ◽  
Political Life ◽  
Social Progress ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Basic Task ◽  
The Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to spell out the urgent need to correct structural rationality defects in academia as it exists at present, so that it may become actively and effectively engaged in helping us solve the grave global problems that confront us. Design/methodology/approach The paper spells out an argument for the urgent need to bring about a revolution in academic inquiry so that the basic aim becomes social wisdom and not just specialized knowledge, problems of living being put at the heart of the academic enterprise. Findings Natural science needs to become more like natural philosophy; social science needs to become social methodology or social philosophy; and a basic task of academia needs to become public education about what our problems are and what we need to do about them. Almost every part and aspect of academia needs to change. Research limitations/implications The implication is the urgent need to bring about an intellectual/institutional revolution in academic inquiry, so that the aim becomes wisdom, and not just knowledge. Practical implications There are substantial practical implications for natural science, social inquiry and the humanities, education, social, economic and political life. Social implications There is a need for a new kind of academic inquiry rationally designed and devoted to helping us make social progress towards as good a world as possible. The social implications are profound. Originality/value In the author’s view, bringing about the academic revolution, from knowledge-inquiry to wisdom-inquiry, is the single most important thing needed for the long-term interests of humanity.

The Age of No Retirement

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 159-164
Author(s):  
Jonathan Collie
Keyword(s):  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Healthy Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Era ◽  
The Social ◽  
New Thinking ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the value, often overlooked, inherent within a society where people are living longer, healthier and more productively than ever before. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a summary of the activities, achievements and objectives of “The Age of No Retirement” movement for social change since its inception on 1st October 2014. Findings – The spectacular demand for new thinking and design-led action across all sectors of society to break down the ageist stereotypes that are impeding age-neutral societal progress in the UK. Practical implications – Communities, employers, individuals – EVERYONE – can begin to harness the incredible power of the Xtra 10 (the extra ten years of healthy life expectancy that modern generations can now expect – in the middle of their lives!). Social implications – The social implications are almost limitless – for a new era of over-50 makers, designers, entrepreneurs, workers, leaders, learners, teachers, doers, intergenerational catalysts, etc., the list goes on. Originality/value – The Age of No Retirement is a design-led social enterprise that is driving new thinking in the Age space.

scholarly journals The denial of limits and interior aspects of descent

foresight ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 527-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Slaughter
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
It Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Limits To Growth ◽  
The Social ◽  
Economic Indices ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purposes of this paper are as follows. Part one examines the role of denialism in the context of proposals advanced through the much-abused Limits to Growth (LtG) project. Part two uses three sets of criteria (domains of reality, worldviews and values) to characterise some of the interior human and social aspects of the “denial machine.” It uses these criteria to address some vital, but currently under-appreciated “interior” aspects of descent. (N.B. A succinct “primer” or overview of the concept and underpinning rationale for notions of “descent pathways” is provided in the introduction to this special issue.) Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on a number of authoritative sources that track the dimensions of global change and, specifically, the ways that humanity is tracking towards Dystopian overshoot-and-collapse futures. The significance of the LtG project is assessed in this context. Part two employs the criteria noted above to identify and open out the centrality of the human and cultural interiors. Findings – Responses to the LtG project are shown to have deprived humanity of the clarity and will to respond effectively to the emerging global emergency. The rise of climate change denialism has followed suit and made effective responses increasingly difficult. A new focus, however, on some of the dynamics of reality domains, worldviews and values, clarifies both the nature of the problem and prefigures a range of solutions, some of which are briefly outlined. Research limitations/implications – This is primarily a conceptual paper that suggests a range of practical responses. For example, re-purposing parts of the current information technology (IT) infrastructure away from financial and economic indices to those tracking the health of the planet. Also translating the case put forward here for a new generation of Institutions of Foresight (IoFs) into real-world start-ups and examples. Further research is needed into the uses and limitations both of positive and negative views of futures. It is suggested that the latter have more value than is commonly realised. Practical implications – In addition to those stated above, the practical implications include new uses for IT infrastructure based on worldcentric – rather than financial and economic worldviews; designing and implementing a new generation of IoFs; and finding new ways to inform the public of impending Dystopian outcomes without exacerbating avoidance and depression. Social implications – The social implications are profound. Currently, humanity has allowed itself to “tune out” and ignore many of the well-founded “signals” (from the global system) and warnings (from those who have observed and tracked real-world changes). As a result, it has outgrown the capacity of the planet to support the current population, let alone the 10 billion currently projected by the United Nations (UN). Something must give. Applied foresight can provide essential lead time to act before human actions are overwhelmed by forces beyond its control. Originality/value – The paper draws together material from hitherto disparate sources to assess the LtG project. It also deploys key concepts from an integral perspective that shed new light on human and cultural forces that determine how people respond to the prospect of Dystopian futures. In so doing, it provides insight into why we are where we are and also into some of the means by which humanity can respond. Specifically, it suggests a shift from collapse narratives to those of descent.

Science and responsibility for the well-being of the global community

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Forge
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Moral Responsibility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Philosophical Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Responsibility ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the topic of the social responsibility and the scientist from a philosophical perspective. This is a (relatively) neglected topic, as philosophers have tended to focus on moral responsibility. Nevertheless, it is important, and timely. Design/methodology/approach Analytical, based on the author’s previous work. This is not an empirical study. Findings That it is essential for scientists to adopt a global outlook with respect to their social responsibilities. This is in (stark) contrast to the conclusion that would be reached for moral responsibility. Research limitations/implications In addition to offering some concrete proposals (see below), a general approach to the question is offered that will be useful for further work. Practical implications Were the suggestions for socially responsible science put into practice, then this would entail a re-orientation of some parts of scientific research; for instance, a moratorium on weapons research. Social implications The long-run social implications of not re-orienting science, for instance not to focus even more effort on climate change, will be negative in the extreme. Originality/value The social responsibility of science has always been important, but it is even more important today. By focussing on global responsibility, this paper offers a new approach.

Why are bathrooms inclusive if the stacks exclude?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis L. Wagner ◽  
Archie Crowley
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gender Nonconforming ◽  
Exclusionary Practices ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to deploy a critical discourse analysis (CDA) to consider exclusionary practices enacted by academic libraries as evidenced through resource provision. Specifically, this paper looks at the inclusion of trans and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals in library guides, TGNC naming practices in abstracts and the physical shelving of transgender studies texts. This paper concludes with a discussion of methods to overcome such exclusionary practices in the future. Design/methodology/approach This paper deploys CDA as informed by queer theory, affording a lens to consider how language and information are structured such that particular power dynamics emerge placing symbolic value on discursively normal identities. CDA helps illuminate when, how and why TGNC individuals remain excluded within academic librarianship practices. Findings Findings show continued investments in heteronormative and cisnormative structures concerning information provision and access for TGNC patrons. TGNC patrons using library guides consistently fail to see any mentioned made of their respective identities aside from research about their identities. Patrons seeking information of personal value (i.e. coming out resources) find few resources. Further, library stacks and databases enact consistent microaggressions such as fetishizing, deadnaming and misgendering. Research limitations/implications This project contains considerable social implications, as it pushes against a continued recalcitrance on the part of academic libraries to invest in neutrality by showing its failures regarding TGNC persons. Practical implications This study possesses a considerable set of practical implications and highlights tangible problems that could be addressed with relative ease by academic librarians through either systemic reorganization of information or TGNC patrons. Alternatively, this work also suggests that if such reformations are not possible, academic librarians can take it upon themselves to call attention to such issues and purposefully mark these failings, thus making it clear that it is a current limitation of how libraries function and invite patrons (both cisgender and transgender) to challenge and change these representations through research and advocacy. Social implications This project contains considerable social implications as it pushes against a continued recalcitrance on the part of academic libraries (and librarianship more broadly) to invest in neutrality. This study contests the idea that while possessing neutrality academic libraries also posit themselves as inherently good and inclusive. By showing the violence that remains enacted upon transgender and gender nonconforming folks through multiple venues within the academic library, this study makes clear that statements of negativity are thrust onto TGNC patrons and they remain excluded from an institution that purports to have their well-being as one of its core values. Originality/value The deployment of CDA within information science is still a relatively new one. While linguists have long understood the multiplicity of discourse beyond language, the application of this method to the academic library as a discursive institution proves generative. Furthermore, the relationship between academic libraries and their LGBTQ+ populations is both underrepresented and undervalued, a problem exacerbated when focusing on how transgender and gender nonconforming patrons see themselves and their relationships to the academic library. This paper shows the dire state of representation for these particular patrons and provides groundwork for positively changing such representations.

Well-being and the worshipper: a scientific perspective of selected contemplative practices in Islam

Humanomics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Safiullah Munsoor ◽  
Hannah Safiullah Munsoor
Keyword(s):  
Health Benefits ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Contemplative Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Mind

Purpose Modern life is characterized by its hectic life-style, which invariably leads to high levels of stress having negative consequences for the mind-body. Thus, people are seeking for natural ways to achieve a sense of equilibrium and peace. Neuroscience has identified beneficial findings from contemplative practices like meditation, prayers and fasting. Within the Islamic framework, these practices were found to be beneficial for both the body and the mind. However, comparatively little research has been carried out on Islamic contemplative practices. Thus, there is a dire need to carry out further research, where the focus needs to be more on the inward aspects of Islam especially the contemplative practices. Design/methodology/approach The study took an integrated approach, whereby, objective experimental data from various sources were combined with the religious narratives from the Qur’an and the Hadiths or the practice of the Prophet in Islam. This was augmented by the subjective experiences of the participants of the study and all of these woven to present a case for Islamic contemplative practices. Findings Worship, be it Yogic, Buddhist and Islamic, seems to have positive mental and physical benefits for individuals. Much has been documented within the field of Yoga and Buddhist practices, and it is only recently that Islamic practices are beginning to be studied and are yielding similar results. It has been found that Islamic ritual prayers, fasting and meditation (dhikr) have an impact on the well-being of the worshipper. The communities of practice commonly known as “tariqas” and other religio-spiritual orders can serve as a vehicle to further these practices. This opens the door for more extensive research in this direction. Research limitations/implications This study clearly indicates that Islamic practices have positive benefits; however, the number of studies are limited. Moreover, there are a whole system of practices as the contemplative tree in this paper points out, which needs more robust as well as longitudinal studies to outline more conclusive evidence to this effect. Practical implications Muslims have been looking at other traditions like Yoga and Buddhist meditation to find ways of improving their physical and mental health. This meta-study indicates that Islamic contemplative practices have positive benefits, and thus, there are a variety of practices like ritual prayers, fasting and meditation, which is found to demonstrate positive health benefits. Thus, it has direct practical reasons to pursue these practices and derive the innate benefits from them. Social implications The data from the various neuroscience studies have demonstrated the neurological and physiological impact on individuals directly relating to worship. However, the studies on the Islamic ritual prayer (salat) cited in this study points out to its social implications, where congregational prayers was found to be more beneficial than the individual prayers. Thus, this indicates the social implications that collective worship can have. Further research is needed in terms of understanding the social impact on the various collective contemplative practices. Originality/value The originality of this literature review and analysis is bringing together the various strands of neuroscience and health data to demonstrate the positive impact of worship emanating from others faiths, while building a case for Islamic contemplative practices. This is further augmented by its integrated approach of weaving hard and soft data and synthesizing it to present health benefits of worship.

Hard versus soft leadership? Examples and illustrations

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 174-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.S. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Paper ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Organizational Productivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Excellence ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this research paper is to explore soft leadership to achieve organizational excellence and effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach The paper elaborates with 11 Cs that constitute soft leadership – character, charisma, conscience, conviction, courage, communication, compassion, commitment, consistency, consideration and contribution. It differentiates between hard and soft leadership. Findings It concludes that exploring soft leadership helps greatly for the leaders to satisfy all stakeholders to achieve organizational excellence and effectiveness. Practical implications It unfolds that soft leadership can work for any company and country regardless of its size or budget. Social implications The social implications of this research suggests that stakeholders of both profits and nonprofits must reap the rewards of soft leadership. Originality/value It emphasizes that soft leadership creates a resourceful environment to enhance employee engagement to achieve organizational productivity and performance.

Debunking myths about soft leadership and exploring it to achieve organizational excellence and effectiveness

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 362-366
Author(s):  
M.S. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Excellence ◽  
The Social ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to debunk myths about soft leadership. Design/methodology/approach The paper distinguishes soft leadership from other leadership styles. Findings It calls for companies exploring this new leadership perspective to achieve organizational excellence and effectiveness; and countries to achieve peace and prosperity. Practical implications This new leadership perspective can be adopted by leaders for companies and countries. Social implications The social implications of this research suggests that leaders can improve employees’ performance and productivity by treating them as partners. Originality/value It defines and explains soft leadership with four OB models. It unfolds that it is the age of partnership, not followership. It unveils that employees prefer to work in an egalitarian set up. They appreciate leaders with an integrative, participative, collaborative, and relationship-oriented leadership mindset.

The professional basis of development work: suppose the person you are assisting to learn decides to leave the organization

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Ian Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Personal Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Development Work ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Development Professionals ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to challenge some assumptions about development work. It raised moral and ethical dilemma facing learning and development professionals. Design/methodology/approach – The article draws on personal experience and theory. It also uses an extract from Sainsbury’s case study. Findings – Learning and development professionals need to consider their role in relation to people with whom they work. Practical implications – The article provides practical advice based on real examples. Social implications – The article is clear about the social implications of one aspect of learning and development work, namely, where the activities of learning and development may cause a person to leave the organization. Originality/value – It appears to be a unique analysis of a real issue, namely, what should learning and development professionals do if a person wants to leave the organization as a result of their learning.

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