scholarly journals Urban development project goals and the role of professional ignorance: ambiguous policy objectives and their consequences

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Styhre ◽  
Sara Brorström
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Governance System ◽  
First Line ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Systems ◽  
Policy Objectives ◽  
Project Participants

PurposeDrawing on the literature on professional ignorance, here defined in affirmative terms as the capacity to act regardless of the incompleteness of available information in organizations and professional communities, the article reports empirical material from an urban development project wherein policy makers' instructions are vague and, in certain domains, inconsistent with market conditions.Design/methodology/approachUrban development projects regularly include uncertainty and risk taking, and policy makers' stated objectives regarding project goals may be incomplete or merely signal a political ambition. In such situations, first-line project participants need to make decisions as if uncertainties regarding policy objectives are manageable and preferably minimal. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the proposition that professional ignorance is a key mechanism in incomplete or imperfect governance systems.FindingsProject participants actively questioned policy but acted on the instructions just the same, which is indicative of how professional ignorance is supportive of governance system that relies on first-line market actors and agencies to implement also incomplete or vaguely stated policy objectives. Incomplete policies derive from challenges in political deliberation and bargaining processes, uncertainty regarding the future and shifting preferences among policy makers and constituencies more widely. In practice, incomplete policies regularly include issues for first-level actors (e.g. on the urban development project level) to handle and to reconcile in their day-to-day work.Originality/valueOn basis of an empirical study of a major urban development project, the study contributes to a growing literature that recognizes the value of professional ignorance in governance systems and in project management practice. The study invites further scholarly research that takes an affirmative of professional ignorance but without overlooking its risks and potential malfunctions.

Current state of corporate governance: global business and cultural analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1431-1446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namporn Thanetsunthorn ◽  
Rattaphon Wuthisatian
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Cultural Characteristics ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Corporate Governance System

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the current state of corporate governance in various aspects of business settings and to empirically examine the impact of national culture on corporate governance performance, with a view of supporting business corporations in further enhancing the effectiveness of their corporate governance system. Design/methodology/approach A pooled sample of 9,003 companies drawn from 50 countries across ten different regions is collected. A variety of statistical methods, including the paired sample t-test, the ordinary least squares regression and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient are implemented to analyze the current state of corporate governance. To empirically investigate the causal relationship between national culture and corporate governance, the multivariate regression analysis is also applied. Findings This study proposes a broad set of the empirical findings regarding the current state of corporate governance. Despite being accepted as a prerequisite building block for sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate governance is still receiving far less attention among business corporations. The governance framework is widely adopted by business corporations, yet the intensity of implementing corporate governance is significantly different across regions. The variation of the intensity observed across regions can be explained by the national cultural characteristics that are all likely to impact the degree to which corporations act in corporate governance manners. Corporate governance performance is strongly related to three other aspects of socially responsible corporate performance – community, employee and environment. Research limitations/implications This study provides both the motivation and a starting point for further investigation in the milieu of corporate governance. It would be interesting for future research to further explore the extent to which corporate governance has a positive indirect impact on a firm’s financial performance. There is potential to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the interaction effect of national culture and geographic region on corporate governance performance of the corporations embedded in that region through a statistical interaction method. In addition, it may be interesting to integrate corporate financial performance (CFP) into the analysis to identify a specific type/practice of the corporate governance that could provide the highest return on the investment. Last, another interesting avenue for future research would be to explore the ethical mechanisms that have been institutionalized to promote corporate governance practices. Practical implications The present study is beneficial to both business corporations and policy makers. In essence, the study can potentially draw managers’ attention to applying modified corporate governance strategies according to their national culture. Furthermore, the study can alter business corporations to promote a strong corporate governance regime in chorus to CSR strategies so as to promote CSR development, which ultimately results in higher levels of competitiveness and CFP. In addition, policy makers who are responsible for inward foreign investment can use the findings of this study to evaluate the investors’ potential governance adoption. Originality/value The findings of this study are useful in encouraging the business corporations to further strengthen their corporate governance system. This study helps to fill the theoretical void regarding the cultural impact on corporate governance by exploring a broad set of national cultural characteristics under which good corporate governance is more or less likely to occur.

The effect of borrower country financial system and corporate governance system types on the spread of syndicated loans

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuno Moutinho ◽  
Carlos Francisco Alves ◽  
Francisco Martins
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Financial Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Firms ◽  
Governance Systems ◽  
Corporate Governance System ◽  
Lower Interest Rate ◽  
Loan Spreads ◽  
The Cost

Purpose This study aims to analyse the effect of borrower’s countries on syndicated loan spreads, featuring countries according to institutional factors, namely, financial systems and corporate governance systems. Design/methodology/approach This study is an empirical investigation based on a unique sample of more than 85,000 syndicated loans from 122 countries. The paper uses standard and two-stage least squares regression analysis to test whether the types of financial and corporate governance systems affect loan spreads. Findings The paper finds that borrowers from countries with financial systems oriented towards the banking-based paradigm pay lower interest rate spreads than those from countries with financial systems oriented towards the market-based paradigm. In addition, there is evidence that borrowers from countries with more developed financial systems pay lower spreads. The results also show that borrowers from countries with an Anglo-Saxon governance system pay higher spreads than borrowers from countries with a Continental governance system. Research limitations/implications This study does not consider potential promiscuous relationships that can arise at the ownership structure and governance level between banks and borrowers and may affect loan spreads. Practical implications This study suggests that financial and corporate governance systems are essential factors in the financial intermediation process. Furthermore, the evidence indicates that corporates with higher potential agency costs and higher potential information asymmetry are requested to pay higher spreads. Therefore, the opportunities to such corporates invest optimally tend to be scarcer. Originality/value The paper highlights the impact of institutional factors on the cost of financing, characterising the countries according to the type of financial system and the type of corporate governance system. The study finds that borrowers from countries with bank-based financial systems pay lower interest rate spreads than those from countries with market-based financial systems. The paper also highlights how the level of financial development affects the cost of financing. The paper focusses on non-financial firms, unlike financial firms, which have been the focus of several empirical studies on topics relating to the cost of funding and corporate governance.

Guest editorial

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Cunningham ◽  
Matthias Menter
Keyword(s):  
Academic Entrepreneurship ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
University Administrators ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Skills ◽  
Organisational Routines ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper examines and discusses the need for micro-level analyses of academic entrepreneurship and outlines a micro-level research agenda for the study of academic entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of academic literature on academic entrepreneurship, this study focuses on individual actors and suggests some future research agendas.FindingsThe authors highlight that more studies dealing with academic entrepreneurship need to take a micro-level perspective, thereby outline several fruitful avenues of research: (1) star scientists and principal investigators, (2) TTO professionals, (3) graduate entrepreneurs, (4) university administrators, (5) policy makers and funders as well as (6) micro-level organisational routines.Practical implicationsThis paper derives three main implications for management practice and policy. First, there is a real need to develop the managerial skills, competencies and capabilities of scientists and individuals. Second, policy makers need to ensure the necessary resources to pursue a paradigm shift towards more entrepreneurial thinking and action and create adequate incentives. Third, firms need to offer support and guidance on how to best commercialise and transfer scientific knowledge and ideally complement support structures of universities and research institutes.Originality/valueThis paper provides an organising framework for the study of micro-level academic entrepreneurship and emphasises the need to focus further on individual actors and how their actions, behaviours and approaches contribute to academic entrepreneurship in different institutional, environmental and cultural contexts.

Developing a conceptual framework of waste management in the organizational context

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 786-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aarti Singh ◽  
Sushil
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Qualitative Modeling ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modeling ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Policies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework of waste management by using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) technique in the Indian organizational context. Design/methodology/approach TISM technique has been used to develop a conceptual framework of waste management in the organizational context, where the waste management factors have been identified and verified through content analysis. Findings The conceptual framework of waste management in the organization has been developed using TISM that contributes to the development of important links and the hierarchical relationships among the factors. In addition to it, the model also figures out the driving and dependent factors of waste management. Research limitations/implications This study has its implication for both organizations and policy makers. It provides the important factors for managing waste in the organization which must be considered before planning the waste management practice in an organization. For policy makers, it highlights the waste management paths and important linkages required for the development of waste management policies in the organizations. Originality/value This study has made its contribution by providing the conceptual framework for waste management in the Indian organizational context which has been developed through qualitative modeling technique. The conceptual framework also provides important paths of managing waste in the organization which is a new effort in the Indian organizational context.

Heritage-led development and historic churches: professional roles in the case of Hamra, Sweden

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Nyström
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Professional Roles ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Church Of Sweden ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Heritage Discourse

PurposeDeparting from a study of a heritage-led economic development project of a Swedish historic church, the purpose of this paper is to explore and discuss how professional roles within the heritage field are negotiated through a development-centered heritage discourse, focusing on the implications for religious heritage sites.Design/methodology/approachA synchronic discourse analysis was conducted on a number of documents originating from the case study project, as well as five semi-structured interviews with key actors from the heritage field and the Church of Sweden.FindingsThe findings of the paper show that professional heritage discourses and practice limit and prevent nonstate heritage actors to engage in heritage-led development schemes of historic churches. Additionally, the professional roles and skills of nonheritage actors are perceived as ambiguous within the current governance system.Practical implicationsExamining emerging forms of management of religious heritage sites can provide inspiration and indicate possible conflicts that need to be addressed by heritage professionals in order to achieve successful management.Originality/valueWhile studies of heritage-led economic development projects have previously focused on impact assessment and community engagement, this paper sheds light on how the discourses of these projects affect the conception of professional roles and practices.

Does the legacy governance of major sporting events affect urban development? The stakeholder's perspectives on the Taipei 2017 Universiade

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huei-Fu Lu ◽  
Huei-Wen Lin
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
City Government ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Sports Organizations ◽  
Stakeholder Perspectives ◽  
Taipei City ◽  
Governance Strategies

PurposeMajor sporting events (MSEs) have always contributed to sustainable change. Many owners and organizers of MSEs have gradually institutionalized the governance of sporting events legacies. International sports organizations and past studies currently have a vision for sporting event legacies. However, a specific legacy governance system has not been developed. Thus, this study explores stakeholder's perspectives of post-event effects and the legacy governance strategies for Taipei 2017 Universiade (TU).Design/methodology/approachThe representatives of the various stakeholders of the TU are selected and an in-depth interview approach employed. Archival material, including official organizing documents and information from the TU website, is used to increases the reliability of the results.FindingsThe benefits of MSEs are not always long-lasting. The TU has created a significant breakthrough for Taipei City, and its successful hosting has raised the image of the city and strengthened its infrastructure and national identity. Thus, the TU must leave sustainable legacies to benefit society and urban development.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study has revealed diverse perspectives from the representatives of stakeholder groups and highlighted the uniqueness and future directions of legacy governance that the TU has produced and learned, the findings may not be fully applicable or replicated in other cities or small countries, especially given Taiwan's international political status. For further study, a systematic model can be constructed to more accurately analyze the interconnected relationship to determine the extent to which various MSE legacies are regarded as “successful” governance, and other significant aspects should be incorporated into the model as a basis for comparing traditional legacy assessment.Practical implicationsThis study developed a theoretical account of legacies and their relevance to MSEs, thus emphasizing that, in addition to “hard legacies” (concrete infrastructure or athletes' village), hosting the TU has established “soft legacies” (memories enshrined in the public's consciousness). Regarding the Taipei city government, the sustainable strategies of legacy governance after learning from the hosting experience are probably more complex. Nonetheless, hosting MSEs has been regarded as a crucial medium for urban development across the globe. It would be helpful to further this line of inquiry via the TU stakeholder perspectives regarding legacy governance concerns.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature by proposing feasible directions of legacy governance for a host city. As Taiwanese are concerned, the political legacy has the most profound influence among all types of the legacies generated by the TU. The followed is the infrastructure legacy, which can be utilized as the core of the sustainable development strategies of the legacy governance, thereby expanding the post-event governance of various legacies.

scholarly journals Construction logistics in urban development projects – learning from, or repeating, past mistakes of city logistics?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mats Janné ◽  
Anna Fredriksson
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Just In Time ◽  
City Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Big Brother ◽  
Logistics Strategy ◽  
Time Period

PurposeThe construction industry is reluctant to utilize construction logistics centres (CLC). To understand why, the purpose of the study is to increase the understanding of drivers and challenges of CLC utilization.Design/methodology/approachAdopting an activity-based cost methodology, nine construction projects' CLC utilization in a Swedish urban development project is analyzed for a time period of three years (2013–2016).FindingsThere is a difference between drivers and challenges for implementing and utilizing CLCs, which are often implemented to reduce third-party disturbances. The drivers to utilize a CLC, however, stem from achieving efficient logistics. The authors identify two different utilization strategies; the CLC is used either for just-in-time (JIT) deliveries or as a consolidation point.Research limitations/implicationsThe study shows that construction logistics is to some extent repeating some mistakes of its big brother, city logistics. The study hypothesizes that there are differences between CLC implementation and utilization drivers and challenges that are often overlooked, which can explain the lack of CLC utilization.Practical implicationsThe study shows that it is crucial for construction projects to develop and formulate a logistics strategy for how to utilize the setup, i.e. deciding whether to use the setup as a consolidation point leading to fewer deliveries and more materials on-site, or as JIT, leading to more deliveries but fewer materials on-site.Social implicationsCLCs can reduce environmental impact and third-party disturbances. However, to make this come true, acceptance among the users is needed. The study provides understanding of drivers and barriers for CLC implementation and utilization that can increase acceptance among users (i.e. construction projects).Originality/valueThe current study is one of the first studies to analyze CLC utilization.

Stages of E-Government Maturity Models

2014 ◽  
pp. 228-246
Author(s):  
Hakikur Rahman ◽  
Isabel Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Developing World ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Maturity Models ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
New Model ◽  
Governance Systems ◽  
Proposed Model

E-Government and e-Governance are the two terms within the governance system that need to be attended through clarity, distinctness, and justification. No matter how the stages of the governance system evolve, where they have been applied, and in which stages they are at a present moment, these two prominently distinct elements of the governance systems are yet to be watched closely and minutely. After synthesizing existing e-Government maturity models and exploring relevant literature, this chapter proposes a new model that may guide e-Government implementation in a developing world context. It is expected that the proposed model would assist researchers, academics, and policy makers in establishing sustained e-Government model in emerging and developing economies.

The role of Islamic governance in the reinforcement waqf reporting: SIRC Malaysia case

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-406
Author(s):  
Dalila Daud
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Waqf has the quality of perpetuity so waqf properties cannot be sold, bought or given as a gift to others. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that the property is fully used and properly managed by the Malaysian Islamic councils. To properly manage these properties, it is essential for the councils to have a proper reporting. Unfortunatley, this is not the case in the present situation for waqf. It was found that there is a lack of reporting on waqf matters. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the Islamic governance can contribute to the sufficient and adequate of waqf reporting. Design/methodology/approach This paper described what is being practised at present for waqf reporting. A series of Islamic governance literature was proposed in reinforcing waqf reporting. Findings This paper fulfils a gap in prior research by discussing several systems in Islamic governance to achieve transparency in waqf reporting. The findings of this paper may provide a significant contribution to any organisation that act as a trustee for waqf. Practical implications This paper provides an opportunity for further theoretical approach in defining and describing the role of governance in the reinforcement of waqf reporting. The paper has recommended several strategies towards better governance in Islamic council, and these suggestions can be offered to the councils for improvement. Social implications This research will be of interest to policy makers, especially Government and State Government. Given the current debate in Malaysia on the most appropriate forms of regulation for the Islamic sector, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the role of Islamic governance in the system of regulation. Originality/value This paper examined several governance system in Islamic governance to be applied in any Islamic organisation. This paper specifically deals governance issue that should be practised by present councils to prevent lack in waqf reporting. This system discusses the ways Islamic councils should perform since the system was originally implemented by a previous, distinguished caliph, Umar Al-Khattab.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document