Stakeholder perspectives on proposed policies to improve distribution and retention of doctors in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, India

Background In India, the distribution and retention of biomedical doctors in public sector facilities in rural areas is an obstacle to improving access to health services. The Government of Uttar Pradesh is developing a comprehensive, ten-year Human Resources for Health (HRH) strategy, which includes policies to address rural distribution and retention of government doctors in Uttar Pradesh (UP). We undertook a stakeholder analysis to understand stakeholder positions on particular policies within the strategy, and to examine how stakeholder power and interests would shape the development and implementation of these proposed policies. This paper focuses on the results of the stakeholder analysis pertaining to rural distribution and retention of doctors in the government sector in UP. Our objectives are to 1) analyze stakeholder power in influencing the adoption of policies; 2) compare and analyze stakeholder positions on specific policies, including their perspectives on the conditions for successful policy adoption and implementation; and 3) explore the challenges with developing and implementing a coordinated, ‘bundled’ approach to strengthening rural distribution and retention of doctors. Methods We utilized three forms of data collection for this study – document review, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. We conducted 17 interviews and three focus group discussions with key stakeholders between September and November 2019. Results We found that the adoption of a coordinated policy approach for rural retention and distribution of doctors is negatively impacted by governance challenges and fragmentation within and beyond the health sector. Respondents also noted that the opposition to certain policies by health worker associations created challenges for comprehensive policy development. Finally, respondents believed that even in the event of policy adoption, implementation remained severely hampered by several factors, including weak mechanisms of accountability and perceived corruption at local, district and state level. Conclusion Building on the findings of this analysis, we propose several strategies for addressing the challenges in improving access to government doctors in rural areas of UP, including additional policies that address key concerns raised by stakeholders, and improved mechanisms for coordination, accountability and transparency.

Sustainability and green practices: the role of stakeholder power in fast-food franchise chains

Purpose This paper aims to explore how the power of salient stakeholders involved in the green waste management of franchise chains can impact the ability of the chains to change their green practices. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study is based on interview data from 19 franchisors and their head office staff operating in the fast-food sector in France where franchise chains have been ‘named and shamed’ as continuing to ignore waste management regulation. Findings The findings suggest that both the form and bases of power of different stakeholder groups have important implications for the implementation of green practices, even those required by law. The authors find that the franchisees’ central network position alters the ability of franchisors to directly engage in dialog, consult with, and educate key stakeholders, creating additional challenges for franchisors in the implementation process. Research limitations/implications The qualitative nature of the study limits the extent to which the findings can be generalized. Future studies could develop an instrument to assess franchisor perceptions of stakeholder power. Practical implications The findings suggest that franchisors should consider carefully how they communicate changes to green practices to their franchisees to ensure not only their compliance but also their motivation to engage with those stakeholders with whom they have regular interactions. The findings can also help governments to better understand how to involve other stakeholders to ensure effective environmental legislation. Originality/value The study is the first, to the authors’ knowledge, to consider the role of stakeholders in the implementation of green practices in franchise chains. By examining franchise chains, this paper provides new insights into the role of an additional stakeholder, the franchisee and enriches the literature on green practices in the hospitality sector.

Board independence and corporate social responsibility reporting: mediating role of stakeholder power

Purpose This study aims to examine the association between board independence and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting and the moderating role of stakeholder power on the association between board independence and CSR reporting. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 707 Bangladeshi firm-year observations, this study uses a content analysis technique to develop a 24-item of CSR reporting index. This study uses the ordinary least squares regression method to examine the relationship between board independence and CSR reporting. Findings The study finds that board independence does not influence CSR activities and relevant reporting in general. However, the non-influence of board independence and CSR reporting is offset by stakeholder power. Insider ownership, firm age, firm size, growth opportunities and market capitalisation have a positive influence on such reporting. Practical implications While this study suggests that stakeholders’ influence is an important factor in determining the firms’ incentives to disclose CSR information, this finding creates a new debate on the efficacy of independent directors and whether they are good monitors and are able to fulfil all the stakeholders’ expectations. Originality/value This study makes an important contribution to the literature on CSR practices by documenting that firms having powerful stakeholders induce the board and management to make more CSR reporting practices in the context of emerging economies.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, STAKEHOLDER POWER DAN KOMITE AUDIT

<p>Sebuah perusahaan diharapkan dapat juga memenuhi kebutuhan para pemangku kepentingan perusahaan tersebut. Untuk itulah sebuah perusahaan diharapkan memiliki laporan keberlanjutan sehingga dapat dijadikan pilihan untuk pengambilan keputusan para pemangku kepentingan dan ilmu pengetahuan bagi khalayak umum. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan informasi bahwa <em>sustainability reporting</em> memang diperlukan untuk dapat memenuhi kebutuhan informasi pihak internal dan eksternal karena informasi keuangan saja tidaklah cukup sebagai bahan referensi dan pengambilan keputusan. Sampel yang digunakan adalah 33 perusahaan per tahun selama periode 2014–2018. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa jumlah karyawan dan persentase kepemilikan saham terbesar yang termasuk dalam <em>stakeholder power</em> dalam perusahaan berpengaruh positif terhadap <em>sustainability reporting</em>, sedangkan variabel <em>board governance</em> tidak terbukti berpengaruh terhadap <em>sustainability reporting</em>. Hasil selanjutnya menunjukkan bahwa komite audit tidak berhasil memoderasi pengaruh <em>board governance</em> dan <em>stakeholder power</em> terhadap <em>sustainability reporting</em>.</p>