How does Islamic fintech promote the SDGs? Qualitative evidence from Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahmi Ali Hudaefi
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Global Movement ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Financial Technology

Purpose This study aims to explore the existing Islamic financial technology (fintech) lending in Indonesia. Doing so is to better understand in what way the fintech firms have been promoting the global movement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the local context. Design/methodology/approach This study engages qualitative methods. This paper first reviews relevant literature related to fintech and establishes the substantive definition of Islamic fintech. Further, the existing literature of SDGs is explored to understand its original idea and its recent implementation, particularly in Indonesia. Following this, the official reports from the domestic regulators are referred to select the fintech firms which meet the criteria of Islamic fintech lending based on the proposed definition. The selected firms are then analysed based on several themes which best capture their position in promoting the SDGs. Finally, the discussion is linked to the recent performance of Indonesia in implementing SDGs. Findings This work finds that the reviewed fintech firms have been promoting the idea of financial inclusion, for example, financing the underdeveloped sectors such as agriculture and small and micro enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the selected fintech firms are also found to collect and distribute Islamic social funds such as infaq (charity spending), waqf (endowment) and sadaqah (voluntary charity). Besides, the firms are also found to initiate charity programmes for underprivileged community. In some degree, these findings are synonymous of the firms’ effort in promoting SDG of ending poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2) and reducing the inequalities (SDG 10). Research limitations/implications The discussion of this work does not provide any positivist generalisation due to the method used. Practical implications The Indonesian Government is advised to legally engage with the existing fintech firms and other related stakeholders to best solve its recent issue of the declining trend in SDG 15 (life on land). Social implications This work elaborates in what way the Islamic fintech lending has been promoting the SDGs in Indonesian context. In some extent, such discussion can best challenge the social issue of fintech which has been stigmatised of bringing mafsadah (harm), as subjectively claimed by one particular religious group in Indonesia. Originality/value This study is among the pioneers which offers the definition of Islamic fintech and further explains its position in endorsing the global movement of SDGs.

The effects of subcontracting forms on the sustenance of SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-307
Author(s):  
Victor Chukwunweike Nwokocha ◽  
Christopher Nwankwo
Keyword(s):  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Common ◽  
Cost Of Production ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Despite the potential of SMEs in economic development, their activities have remained largely unsustainable in Nigeria. These enterprises are constrained by a number of challenges- high cost of production, poor power supply, high infrastructural deficit etc. which have made there operations largely unproductive. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of production subcontracting forms on the sustenance of small and medium enterprises as a panacea for achieving the targets of goal 8 of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Enugu State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopted a number of methods comprising of field observations, a reference to relevant literature and a questionnaire survey of 96 SMEs. The paper also adopted a quantitative approach comprising of simple descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation as well as regression analysis to analyze the data. Findings This paper found that the three forms of production subcontracting (supplier, specialized and capacity subcontracting) identified in the paper were used by SMEs to achieve sustenance (cost reduction, risk reduction and access to resources) in their operations. The paper suggests that the sustenance of SMEs through the utilisation of the different forms of subcontracting can become a strategy towards achieving the targets of SDG 8 in Nigeria. Practical implications This paper has shown that the prevalent high cost of production and ever-increasing production risks, which are the common features of SMEs in Nigeria, can be mitigated through the various forms of production subcontracting analysed in this paper. SMEs, through seminars, workshops, entrepreneurship and business fares, can be encouraged to take up this strategy, considering its ability to address their various operational bottlenecks. Originality/value This study adds to the limited available evidence concerning the effects of subcontracting forms on the sustenance of SMEs in Nigeria. This study is the first to consider subcontracting forms and how they have led to sustenance SMEs in Nigeria.

The contribution of tourism towards a more sustainable and inclusive society: key guiding principles in times of crisis

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 679-689
Author(s):  
Carla Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
International Organisations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Guiding Principles ◽  
Inclusive Society ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose At a time when tourism is embarking on the path to recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, this paper aims to put forward a set of principles guiding the development of tourism to enable global society to become more inclusive and sustainable. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopted a descriptive design using views and data mainly published by 11 international organisations and specialised agencies between March and mid-June 2020. Content analysis was carried out to enable the research to identify features and the presence of challenges for tourism within international organisations’ documents and leaders’ speeches to compare them. Findings The results revealed that there are five key principles that may have a significant impact on tourism development, suggesting that these could be adopted for building a more inclusive and sustainable economy, while mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Practical implications Adopting the five key principles recommended in this paper can help tourism to emerge stronger and in a more sustainable way from COVID-19 or other future crises. Equally, this can incite changes in policies, business practices and consumers’ and locals’ behaviours with a view to building a truly sustainable sector. Originality/value This study helps to reconfirm existing knowledge in the COVID-19 context by highlighting five guiding principles that can help tourism players to respond to this crisis disruption and future ones via transformative innovation. In doing so, these will also be contributing to the achievement of the ideals and aims of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The pyrrhic victory of FinTech and its implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: evidence from fieldwork in rural Zambia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-340
Author(s):  
Sydney Chikalipah
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Mobile Money ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Financial Exclusion ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Rural Zambia ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study investigates the possible effect of mobile money services, which forms part of FinTech, in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachThis study uses field data from the Chongwe district of Zambia. The data were collected in 2019.FindingsThe findings strongly suggest that (1) the factors that hinder access to credit and savings by the poor do not simply recede following the adoption of mobile money services and (2) that mobile money is not a silver bullet of ending financial exclusion but merely a tool which contributes to other financial inclusion strategies.Practical implicationsThis study argues that mobile money is winning the battle but losing the war – implying that the service is mainly used to transfer funds (OTC transactions) among users.Originality/valueThis is the first study to have been conducted in Zambia to assess the possible contributing effect of FinTech (mobile money) on SDGs.

Collaboration for transition between TVET and university: a proposal

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1428-1443
Author(s):  
Arjuman Naziz
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Transition Pathways ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Income Opportunity ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Despite the growing emphasis on revitalizing the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector in Bangladesh, very little discussion has taken place on reforming the current inflexible transition pathways, from TVET to the universities. This paper aims to reflect critically on the existing literature on TVET, in the global and national context, and the experiences of students and TVET experts, to develop a model of collaboration between the polytechnic institutes and the universities in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach This paper follows a qualitative strategy of enquiry, using a mix of critical reflection on literature on TVET and higher education and unstructured interviews with two TVET experts, four TVET students and four students from a public university. It draws on the theories of collaboration and uses exemplary cases to illustrate and support the line of reasoning. Findings This paper identifies that there is resource dependency between the polytechnic institutes and universities in Bangladesh, and their institutional environment necessitates them to form collaboration to ensure flexible transition pathway, from polytechnic institutes to universities; this paper proposes a model for such collaboration. Practical implications This paper offers a guideline for forming collaboration among the relevant stakeholders. Social implications Collaboration between polytechnic institutes and universities in Bangladesh is likely to address the inequitable nature of TVET, by improving its social status and acceptance, as well as allowing higher income opportunity and greater mobility for the TVET graduates, coming especially from humble socio-economic backgrounds. Originality/value This paper contributes in the recent discussions on how collaboration among different stakeholders can contribute in achieving the sustainable development goals, with special emphasis on TVET.

Corporate brand as a contract with stakeholders – theology or pragmatism?

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 865-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Tarnovskaya
Keyword(s):  
Brand Equity ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dialectical Approach ◽  
Focal Firm ◽  
The Social ◽  
Theological Discourse ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
New Framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of brand contract in B2B from two perspectives: the theological and pragmatic. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the branding literature challenges the dominant notion of the brand covenant as a firm driven, unilateral promise, referred to as a theological contract. The study adds to this the pragmatic perspective of a social contract, as deployed by the social sciences and IMP literatures. A tentative framework of a dialectical contract is developed through drawing on three cases of Chinese suppliers for the focal firm, IKEA. Findings – First, both types of contract are identified in the firm’s practices. Second, the specific goals and roles of managers and suppliers in each contract are defined. The theological contract is used by managers to strengthen suppliers’ beliefs in the company’s vision and mission, while the pragmatic one is employed by both parties for the implementation of the brand’s norms and brand equity. Third, a new framework for and the definition of a dual, dialectical brand contract in B2B are developed. Practical implications – Managers are advised to mediate between the theological pledge of their brand and its pragmatic implementation. Originality/value – The paper challenges the dominant theological discourse in extant branding literature and puts forward a dialectical approach as a new proposition.

The participatory process of planning social and environmental responsibility at a Brazilian university

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 917-931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Antonio Frandoloso ◽  
Bianca Gasparetto Rebelatto
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Development ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Administrative Procedures ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Under Construction ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Universities have an important role in articulation of the transformation of society, in the formation of individuals capable of acting in the processes that enable sustainable development goals (SDGs), in theoretical areas and in practical and concrete actions. Within the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Brazil, some practices are being adopted from this perspective. This paper aims to present the efforts of UPF to achieve SDGs in its activities. Design/methodology/approach For the development of these research were consulted all administrative instruments of the Foundation University of Passo Fundo, from the proposals and guidelines of its creation in the decade of the 1960s to the most recent of the Institutional Development Plan PDI 2017-2021 and other bibliographic references. From the documentation, the effective results achieved by University Social Responsibility Policy (PRSU) and Institutional Environmental Policy were evaluated. Findings A process of consolidating the thematic of the SDGs within the university structure is perceived, with a participatory vision of the academic community. Research limitations/implications Although PRSU the policy has been developed since 2005, the effective results are recent and under construction. Practical implications The study identified a direction for a change of paradigms, moving from isolated and non-continuity actions to the establishment of normative guidelines. Social implications In this sense, this paper seeks to contribute to the process of discussion and generation of practices for the implementation of an agenda with its own goals in the areas of university’s action at local and regional levels, as well as contributing to a wide level. Originality/value The paper reports the process of development of the social and environmental policies at UPF to include SDGs in its academic and administrative procedures, which should encourage another similar university to follow suit.

Climbing down the ladder makes you play it safe

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 946-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youjae Yi ◽  
Seo Young Kim ◽  
Jae Won Hwang
Keyword(s):  
Social Status ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
High Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Status ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Socially Excluded ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to examine how social exclusion and the social status of a rejecter affect consumers’ purchase intentions toward ordinary products. Design/methodology/approach Three experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses. Findings The status of a rejecter, whether high or low, had a significant influence on individuals’ evaluations of ordinary products. Results showed that individuals who were rejected by a low status source had higher purchase intentions toward the ordinary (vs unique) products compared to those who were rejected by a high status source due to threatened self-concept. Practical implications With the increased number of lonely consumers in the market today, firms should pay closer attention to the behavioral patterns of consumers who are socially excluded. In addition, firms should be aware that consumers’ purchase intentions vary depending on the sources of social exclusion. Originality/value This paper addresses the significant impact of sources of social exclusion on consumers’ evaluation of ordinary products. Moreover, this study focuses on a relatively neglected definition of social status, namely, the sociometric status, to fill the gap in the social status literature.

scholarly journals Governance implications of the UN higher education sustainability initiative

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 624-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Moon ◽  
Andreas Walmsley ◽  
Nikolaos Apostolopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Business Partnerships ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Enterprise Education ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the progress of a sample of (n = 307) signatories in the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative which commits higher education institutions (HEIs) to make smart commitments to achieve one or more of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach A preliminary survey of n = 307 HEIs via online questionnaire and database search was conducted. Findings Findings reveal a difference between HEI governance, that is “instrumental”, and governance, that is “holistic”, in relation to sustainability. Research limitations/implications Implications identified for achieving SDGs in general and for academic–business partnerships, in particular. Practical implications Practical implications for enterprise (developing a tool to measure sustainability mindset) and for enterprise education (sharing of best practices from other HEIs). Social implications Improved understanding of the sustainability mindset will inform decisions about approaches to governing and operationalising sustainability in organisations. Originality/value The survey is not original but the emphasis on sustainability mindset (compassion, empathy and connectedness to SDGs) is.

scholarly journals From monologic to dialogic

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 447-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kylie L. Kingston ◽  
Craig Furneaux ◽  
Laura de Zwaan ◽  
Lyn Alderman
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Critical Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Social Forms ◽  
Nonprofit Organisations ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Accounting Theory ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Informed by the critical perspective of dialogic accounting theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the use of evaluation as a means of enhancing accountability to beneficiaries within nonprofit organisations (NPOs). As a stakeholder group frequently marginalised by traditional accounting practices, the participation of beneficiaries within a NPO’s accountability structure is presented as a means of increasing social justice. Design/methodology/approach The research design used case studies involving two NPOs, examining documents and conducting interviews across three stakeholder groups, within each organisation. Findings Findings reveal that when viewed on beneficiaries’ terms, accountability to beneficiaries, through participative evaluation, needs to consider the particular timeframe of beneficiary engagement within each organisation. This temporal element positions downwards accountability to beneficiaries within NPOs as multi-modal. Research limitations/implications The research poses a limit to statistical generalisability outside of the specific research context. However, the research prioritises theoretical generalisation to social forms and meanings, and as such provides insights for literature. Practical implications In acknowledging that beneficiaries have accountability needs dependent upon their timeframe of participation, NPOs can better target their downwards accountability structures. This research also has practical implications in its attempt to action two of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Originality/value This paper makes a contribution to the limited research into nonprofit accountability towards beneficiaries. Dialogic accounting theory is enacted to explore how accountability can be practised on beneficiaries’ terms.

Aligning our work to the world we all want – why conscious sustainability makes good business sense?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Clive Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The One ◽  
Global Agenda ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Significant Opportunity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to raise the awareness of business leaders to the opportunity presented by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a brief account of the author’s experience of running workshops which engaged thousands of people from age 7 to well over 70 across three continents. It also points the reader in the direction of several case studies, suggesting that alignment to the global agenda makes business sense. Findings The first finding is that most people want the same world to be passed to future generations. Second, this world is consistent with the one described by the SDGs. Third, businesses are discovering that alignment to this vision makes good business sense. Practical implications There is significant opportunity for business leaders to consider the world we live in and align their strategies to the global agenda. Social implications Failure to deliver the SDGs will cause significant disruption to or even collapse of society as we know it. Getting business involved is good for the future of humanity and the world we inhabit. Originality/value There are many papers on the SDGs but, to the best of the author’s knowledge, none make the link between the SDGs and the world most people want for future generations. This factor alone should be enough to inspire business leaders to take note.

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