Looking in the mirror

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 486-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Wells
Keyword(s):  
Business Professionals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Practice ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Individual Perception ◽  
Psychology Theory ◽  
Chartered Accountants ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – There is a widely held stereotypical view that accounting is structured, precise, compliance-driven and repetitive. Drawing on social psychology theory, this paper aims to examine how accountants may contribute to these stereotypical perceptions. Design/methodology/approach – Individual perception data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with accountants from the corporate, public practice and not-for-profit sectors, along with “Chartered Accountants” who no longer work as accountants. Findings – These findings suggest that, contrary to results from an earlier study, the targets of the accounting stereotype contribute to the stereotype formation and maintenance and that increased exposure to accountants may serve only to confirm and reinforce the accounting stereotype. Research limitations/implications – There are a small number of participants in this study, and this limits the ability to generalise the findings. Practical implications – These findings have important implications for the profession in how it communicates and promotes the role of the accountant in society. Failure to address the issues identified may lead the stereotype to become self-fulfilling. This may result in the recruitment of future accountants who lack the required skills and capabilities. This could lead to the loss of non-compliance-related accounting work to other business professionals. Originality/value – This study responds to criticism that little is known about how and why the accounting stereotype is formed and how contact with an accountant may increase stereotypicality. Additionally, this paper proposes a strategy to reduce stereotypicality through contact with accountants.

scholarly journals The role of staff engagement in facilitating staff-led value co-creation

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bill Merrilees ◽  
Dale Miller ◽  
Raisa Yakimova
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Staff Engagement ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The study extends customer-led co-creation research to the related staff-led value co-creation domain. In particular, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of staff engagement as a facilitator of staff-led value co-creation. Design/methodology/approach A new conceptual framework develops a model of staff-led value-creation, using three types of staff-led co-creation. A quantitative approach is used. Survey collection yielded a sample of 1,165 employees in an Australian not-for-profit context across 19 organizations. AMOS structural equation modeling analyzes the data. Findings A major finding is the nexus between staff engagement and staff-led value co-creation. The nexus applies for three types of staff-led co-creation and three staff categories. Different explanatory mechanisms apply to each type of staff-led value co-creation. Research limitations/implications The not-for-profit context may not generalize to the for-profit sector, but future research could clarify this matter. Practical implications The results can inform organizations wishing to create greater service contributions through greater staff participation, which can include a staff-initiating (staff-led) role. Different value co-creation targets require different corporate triggers, reflecting the different explanatory mechanisms of each co-creation type. Social implications Not-for-profit context ensures major social implications. Originality/value The emphasis on staff-led value co-creation augments the customer-led co-creation literature. Additionally, exploring the (staff) engagement to (staff) value co-creation nexus is a novel contribution.

Funding higher education through waqf: a lesson from Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Usman ◽  
Asmak Ab Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Academic Activities ◽  
Higher Educational ◽  
The Government

Purpose This paper aims to study waqf practice in Pakistan with regard to its utilisation in funding for higher educational institutions (HEIs) and investigates waqf raising, waqf management and waqf income utilisation. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on the views of 11 participants who are actively involved in the waqf, its raising, management and income utilisation, and is divided into three subcategories: personnel of higher educational waqf institution, personnel of waqf regulatory bodies and Shari’ah and legal experts as well as archival records, documents and library sources. Findings In Pakistan, both public and private awqaf are existing, but the role of private awqaf is greater in higher education funding. However, due to lack of legal supervision private awqaf is considered as a part of the not-for-profit sector and legitimately registered as a society, foundation, trust or a private limited company. Waqf in Pakistan is more focusing on internal financial sources and waqf income. In terms of waqf management, they have firm guidelines for investing in real estate, the Islamic financial sector and various halal businesses. Waqf uses the income for developmental and operational expenditure, and supports academic activities for students and staff. Waqfs are also supporting some other HEIs and research agencies. Thus, it can be revealed that a waqf can cater a sufficient amount for funding higher educational institutions. Research limitations/implications In Pakistan, both public and private awqaf are equally serving society in different sectors, but the role of private awqaf is much greater in funding higher education. Nevertheless, the government treats private awqaf as a part of not-for-profit sector in the absence of a specific legal framework and registers such organisations as society, foundation, trust or private limited company. The waqf in Pakistan mostly relies on internal financial resources and income from waqf assets. As the waqf managers have over the time evolved firm guidelines for investment in real estate, Islamic financial sector and various other halal businesses, and utilisation of waqf income on developmental and operational expenditures, academic activities of students and educational staff, other HEIs and research agencies, it can be proved that the waqf can potentially generate sufficient amount for funding HEIs. Practical implications The study presents the waqf as a social finance institution and the best alternative fiscal instrument for funding works of public good, including higher education, with the help of three selected waqf cases. Hence, the paper’s findings offer some generalisations, both for the ummah at large and Pakistan. Social implications The paper makes several policy recommendations for policymakers, legislators and academicians, especially the government. As an Islamic social finance institution, the waqf can help finance higher education anywhere around the world in view of the fact that most countries grapple with huge fiscal deficits and are hence financially constrained to meet growing needs of HEIs. Originality/value The study confirms that the waqf can be an alternative source for funding higher education institutions whether it is managed by the government or is privately controlled.

scholarly journals The concept and application of ḍamān al-milkiyyah (ownership risk)

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutfi Abdul Razak ◽  
Muhammad Nabil Saupi
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
Financial Transactions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the concept of ḍamān al-milkiyyah (ownership risk) and to assess its application in contemporary Islamic financial products and services. Design/methodology/approach The methodology adopted is that of descriptive research. Findings From an Islamic law of contract perspective, the concept of ḍamān al-milkiyyah is central to legitimate profit-making transactions and hence must be adhered to in practical applications of Islamic finance. Research limitations/implications This study should help motivate further investigation into the position of ḍamān al-milkiyyah among different parties in existing Islamic financial products and services. Practical implications Policymakers and regulators should ensure that Islamic financial products and services are structured in a way that does not allow parties to profit without adequately bearing the liability for potential loss. Social implications The condition of ḍamān al-milkiyyah as a source of legitimate profit reflects the idea that the role of finance in Islam is to promote and ensure social benefits. Originality/value This paper emphasizes the importance of ḍamān al-milkiyyah as a fundamental condition for profit in Islamic financial transactions.

Information and reformation in KM systems: big data and strategic decision-making

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Intezari ◽  
Simone Gressel
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Strategic Decision Making ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Advanced Analytics ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework of how knowledge management (KM) systems can facilitate the incorporation of big data into strategic decisions. Advanced analytics are becoming increasingly critical in making strategic decisions in any organization from the private to public sectors and from for-profit companies to not-for-profit organizations. Despite the growing importance of capturing, sharing and implementing people’s knowledge in organizations, it is still unclear how big data and the need for advanced analytics can inform and, if necessary, reform the design and implementation of KM systems. Design/methodology/approach To address this gap, a combined approach has been applied. The KM and data analysis systems implemented by companies were analyzed, and the analysis was complemented by a review of the extant literature. Findings Four types of data-based decisions and a set of ground rules are identified toward enabling KM systems to handle big data and advanced analytics. Practical implications The paper proposes a practical framework that takes into account the diverse combinations of data-based decisions. Suggestions are provided about how KM systems can be reformed to facilitate the incorporation of big data and advanced analytics into organizations’ strategic decision-making. Originality/value This is the first typology of data-based decision-making considering advanced analytics.

Food rescue – an Australian example

2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (9) ◽  
pp. 1478-1489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Lindberg ◽  
Mark Lawrence ◽  
Lisa Gold ◽  
Sharon Friel
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Framing Analysis ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Big Society ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Multiple Resources ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Fresh Food

Purpose – Food rescue is used in the emergency food sector internationally to reduce waste and improve food supplies to frontline providers and their clients. The purpose of this paper is to provide a perspective on why and how food rescue occurs in Australia. It also examines food rescue as a potential evolution within the emergency food setting. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive study of SecondBite, an Australian food rescue organisation, was conducted. Documents were reviewed, 14 weeks of participant observation occurred, and two focus group discussions were held. Framing analysis was used to design the research questions (why rescue food? and how?). The description of the organisation was then examined against critical literature to establish how food rescue conforms to and/or challenges the traditional limitations of emergency food. Findings – Food rescue requires multiple resources within the emergency food space including surplus food, funding and labour. The frames used to justify this work provide an insight into the “problem” of food poverty in Australia and the “solution” of food rescue. The script for “people in need” requiring “fresh food” is well developed by SecondBite, with some tension around food waste reduction as a competing and yet complementary mission. Originality/value – In light of the growing role of the not for profit sector in a “big society” political order, the rescuing of nutritious food for emergency parcels and meals, may provide some benefits for people already using emergency food. The opportunity for food rescue organisations to play a role in food poverty prevention requires further attention.

scholarly journals Providing a sustainable living environment in not-for-profit retirement villages

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 272-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Hu ◽  
Bo Xia ◽  
Martin Skitmore ◽  
Laurie Buys
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Sustainable Living ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Retirement Village ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose As a viable housing option for older people, retirement villages need to provide a sustainable living environment that satisfies their residents’ needs in terms of affordability, lifestyle and environmental friendliness. This is, however, a significant challenge for not-for-profit developers because of the high upfront costs involved in using sustainable practices. The purpose of this paper is to identify the sustainable features and practices adopted in not-for-profit retirement villages. Design/methodology/approach Because of the lack of quantitative historical data, a case study approach was adopted to identify the sustainable features and practices used in a not-for-profit retirement village in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Data were collected based on interviews, direct observation and documentation, and collected data were analysed by using content analysis. Findings The research findings indicate that similar to private developers, not-for-profit developers also have the capability to make their village environment sustainable. In this case, the sustainable practices cover various aspects including the selection of village location, site planning, provision of facilities and services, social life and living costs. Although the associated costs of adopting sustainable features is a concern for both developers and residents, some of the identified sustainable practices in this case do not result in significant cost increase but can improve the residents’ quality of life substantially. Practical implications The research findings provide a number of practical implications on how to deliver sustainable retirement villages in a not-for-profit village setting. Originality/value This paper provides a first look at sustainable features and practices adopted in both the development and operation stages of a not-for-profit retirement village.

scholarly journals The legitimising processes of a new regulator

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 802-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy Artiach ◽  
Helen Irvine ◽  
Janet Mack ◽  
Christine Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Public Discourse ◽  
Political Process ◽  
Regulatory Reform ◽  
Legitimacy Theory ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to strengthen the theoretical understanding of the processes through which a new regulator seeks to gain legitimacy within an existing regulatory space. The authors do this by investigating the case of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC). Design/methodology/approach – Synthesising legitimacy theory with the concept of regulatory space, the authors analyse formal public discourse surrounding the establishment and operations of the ACNC. Findings – Regulation is essentially a context-bound political process in which a new regulator needs to establish legitimacy to ensure its survival. It must convince its constituents that it has developed processes to operate effectively and professionally in addressing constituents’ needs, to bargain authoritatively with other regulators in establishing its operational boundaries, and to engage politically with government and constituents. Over a relatively short time, the ACNC built legitimacy, despite the political threats to its formal regulatory authority. Research limitations/implications – The conclusions are based on the analysis of one case. There is scope for further investigations of the processes by which new regulators establish their legitimacy in different contexts. Practical implications – The potential for a political threat to the authority of a new regulator, and the difficulty of achieving regulatory reform, particularly in a federated system such as Australia, highlight the necessity for a new regulator to develop a compelling discourse of legitimacy. Originality/value – The authors synthesise regulatory space and legitimacy perspectives, contributing to an understanding of the processes of regulation.

“Not-for-profit” leaders take a different route

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – This paper examines some of the issues facing leaders of not-for-profit organizations, and considers ways in which this “third sector” is both similar to and different from the way that things operate in the public and private arenas. Practical implications – This paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – This briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Are not-for-profit employees more willing (or likely) to be whistleblowers?

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-25
Author(s):  
Andrea M. Scheetz ◽  
Aaron B. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Covariance Models ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
For Profit Organizations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether intention to report fraud varies by organization type or fraud type. Employees who self-select into not-for-profits may be inherently different from employees at other organizations. Design/methodology/approach The authors conduct a 2 × 2 experiment in which (n=107) individuals with a bookkeeping or accounting background respond to a fraud scenario. Analysis of covariance models are used for data analysis. Findings The authors find evidence that not-for-profit employees are more likely to report fraud and that reporting intention does not differ significantly by fraud type. Research limitations/implications Limitations of this study include the simulation of a fraud through a hypothetical incident and the use of online participants. Practical implications This study expands the commitment literature by examining the role that commitment plays in the judgment and decision-making process of a whistleblower. Findings suggest affective commitment, which is an employee’s emotional attachment to the organization, and mediate the path between organization type and reporting intention. Affective commitment significantly predicts whistleblowing in not-for-profit organizations but not in for-profit organizations. Originality/value This research provides insight into how organization type influences whistleblowing intentions through constructs such as organizational commitment and public service motivation.

Volunteer engagement: conceptual extensions and value-in-context outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 462-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodie Conduit ◽  
Ingo Oswald Karpen ◽  
Kieran D. Tierney
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Value ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Volunteer Retention ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Spiritual Engagement ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Volunteer Engagement

Purpose The ability to attract and retain volunteers is crucial for not-for-profit organizations, and consequently, the need to understand and manage volunteers’ engagement is paramount. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of five volunteer engagement dimensions (cognitive, affective, behavioral, social and spiritual engagement) on perceived value-in-context, and its subsequent role for volunteer retention. Thus, providing for the first time an understanding of how unique types of value are determined through different facets of volunteer engagement. Design/methodology/approach To establish the nature and consequences of volunteer engagement, the authors collaborated with an Australian not-for-profit service organization. Using a survey method, the authors studied the organization’s volunteer workforce resulting in 464 usable responses. To capture volunteers’ degree of spiritual engagement, this paper introduces a rigorously developed unidimensional measure. Findings The results demonstrate the importance of the five engagement dimensions on volunteers’ perceived value-in-context, while highlighting significant effect differences including some counterintuitive consequences. The authors also establish the role of spiritual engagement and demonstrate the impact of value-in-context for volunteer retention. Originality/value This research explores the volunteer engagement-retention chain, by empirically studying the role of value-in-context. The authors provide first evidence for the relationship between volunteer engagement and value-in-context, examining the independent yet relative effects of various facets of volunteer engagement. In doing so, the authors offer new insight into the dimensionality of the volunteer engagement construct, broadening its conceptualization to include spiritual engagement as a core constituent. The authors further demonstrate the impact of value-in-context on volunteer retention, helping organizations to better make sense of meaningful volunteer experiences with long-lasting impacts and mutual benefits.

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