Search results
1 – 10 of 13Cristina del Río, Karen González-Álvarez and Francisco José López-Arceiz
The purpose of this study is to examine the existence of greenwashing and sustainable development goal (SDG)-washing processes by comparing ex ante (SDG Compass) and ex post (SDG…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the existence of greenwashing and sustainable development goal (SDG)-washing processes by comparing ex ante (SDG Compass) and ex post (SDG Compliance) indicators and investigating whether the limitations associated with these indicators encourage companies to engage in washing processes.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a sample of 1,154 companies included in the S&P Sustainability Yearbook (formerly the RobecoSAM Yearbook). The authors test for the presence of greenwashing by comparing ex ante and ex post indicators for each SDG, whereas to test for SDG-washing, the authors compare the two ex ante and ex post approaches considering the full set of SDGs.
Findings
The results show that there is no consistency between the two types of indicators to measure the level of SDG implementation in organisations. This lack of consistency may facilitate both greenwashing and SDG-washing processes, which is due to the design and limitations of these measurement tools.
Practical implications
Companies may choose those indicators that paint their commitment to the SDGs in the best light, but they may also select indicators based on the SDGs they want to report on. These two options would combine greenwashing and SDG-washing.
Social implications
The shift towards improved standards and regulations for measuring SDG achievement is the result of several social factors such as investor scrutiny, regulatory reform, consumer awareness and increased corporate accountability.
Originality/value
Few previous studies have analysed in detail the interaction between greenwashing and SDG-washing. They focus on the use of ex ante or ex post indicators separately, with samples composed of local companies, and without considering the whole set of SDGs.
Details
Keywords
Marcello Angotii, Aracéli Cristina de S. Ferreira, Teresa Eugénio, Manuel Branco and Juliana Molina Queiroz
This study aims to propose and apply a sustainability assessment model (SAM) for the mineral extraction industry developed on the basis of elements of dialogic accounting.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose and apply a sustainability assessment model (SAM) for the mineral extraction industry developed on the basis of elements of dialogic accounting.
Design/methodology/approach
Distinct from other similar exercises, ours is also one in external accounting that focuses on a set of mining companies operating in a specific geographical location. It was undertaken based on different perspectives from various stakeholders, including mining workers and city dwellers, retrospectively, using publicly available information, entirely independently of the set of companies regarding which impacts the authors try to offer an account and without their approval. Twenty indicators were identified from the perspective of value for society.
Findings
The results for all environmental externalities appeared to be negative, as companies’ attitudes continue to be reactive and on the threshold of legal requirements. This assessment of the selected social indicators emphasizes that accelerated expansion of mining activities poses a threat to the mining area in the long term, as it reduces the useful lives of mineral deposits and expands social and environmental externalities.
Practical implications
The authors propose to expand the horizon of accounting through a framework that combines elements of the SAM technology, dialogic accounting and external accounting. This investigation contributes to the development of social and environmental accounting practices through the discussion, proposal and use of an SAM, built with the cooperation of several social actors and from the perspective of the other rather than the entity.
Social implications
The authors tried to show how an SAM approach can be used in combination with dialogic accounting processes, increasing the accountability and awareness of the different groups of stakeholders, focusing on marginalized stakeholders, to offer an external account of the impacts of a set of companies from the mining sector operating in a specific geographical area.
Originality/value
This study’s findings suggest there are opportunities for accountants to support social and environmental accounting, thereby contributing to community awareness and empowering transformative action.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) and examine the reflection of SRHRM on sustainable development (SD…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) and examine the reflection of SRHRM on sustainable development (SD) in Egyptian companies.
Design/methodology/approach
The study data was collected using a quantitative method to examine and test the relationship between the two variables. An empirical study was conducted between 2022 and 2023 on 150 samples of male and female employees from 18 companies located in Egypt working in castings and car batteries.
Findings
The study found that, in general, SRHRM has a significant impact on organizational sustainability. This contribution is also beneficial for general HRM and corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature as it stresses the importance of its relations to SD. By critically analyzing contemporary SRHRM literature, this study further demonstrates how studies with utilitarian approaches have dominated earlier research. By recognizing the necessity for process-oriented studies and the significance of critical scholarship within the field of SRHRM and its connections to the SD, the researcher thereby creates a research agenda for future studies.
Research limitations/implications
The findings only apply to the sample that has participated in this study and to the Egyptian companies. A longitudinal quantitative evaluation of the SRHRM approaches and dimensions and their impact on the SD strategies of Egyptian companies would be recommended in terms of further research study, highlighting the role of SRHRM and its impact on achieving companies' CSR strategies.
Practical implications
The study's findings are helpful for firms looking to implement SR-HRM to enhance some employees' performance and promote organisational sustainability. In Egypt, there is a dire need for responsible leadership in the public and private sectors, which is crucial in the market and industry sectors. In addition to updating all policies, urge the younger generation to participate in them. For example, new hires to the company must demonstrate that they have engaged in volunteer work as part of their social obligation to the community, and this is required for recruitment.
Social implications
Furthermore, refreshing all the policy encourage the young generation working or before working to take part in these policy, such as newcomers to the companies have to show that they have conducted some social responsibility towards their community as voluntary work. A study conducted by Cristina del-Castillo et al. (2022) confirmed that regarding the performance of different factors, the results show that the organizations under study are investing too much effort in improving CSR factors that are less relevant to achieving positive legitimacy assessments. On the one hand, resources destined to improve policies related to health, security and social benefits and those regarding the improvement of the relationship paths between managers and employees are excessive considering the relevance that they represent compared to the rest of the CSR policies. According to Hazzi and Maldaon (2023), stakeholders (including the general public and policymakers) might make an informed choice about how much organizations with CSR could safeguard their well-being if they had access to transparent CSR information. Talking about the sustainability behaviour of SRHRM as crucial for embedding sustainability in the business, a study by Abutaleb et al. (2021) evidence that subjective norms and attitudes, followed by perceived behavioural control and personal norms had the greatest influence on intentions towards behavioural HR. Attitudes towards sustainability practices were significantly influenced by economic advantages and sustainability. A good model fit was demonstrated by measurement and structural models (Abutaleb et al., 2021).
Originality/value
This paper is unique in that it participates in presenting the concept of the social responsibility of HRM as an intervention and approach for SD. It also participates in presenting unique findings related to Egyptian companies. There is a scarcity of literature related to research and studies on SRHRM in Egypt.
Details
Keywords
Roberto Salvatore Di Fede, Marivel Gonzalez-Hernandez, Eva Parga-Dans, Pablo Alonso Gonzalez, Purificación Fernández-Zurbano, María Cristina Peña del Olmo and María-Pilar Sáenz-Navajas
The main aim of this study is to characterise and identify specific chemo-sensory profiles of ciders from the Canary Islands (Spain).
Abstract
Purpose
The main aim of this study is to characterise and identify specific chemo-sensory profiles of ciders from the Canary Islands (Spain).
Design/methodology/approach
Commercial samples of Canary ciders were compared to ciders from the Basque Country and Asturias. In total, 18 samples were studied, six for each region. The analysis comprised their sensory profiling and chemical characterisation of their polyphenolic profile, volatile composition, conventional chemical parameters and CIELAB colour coordinates. In parallel, the sensory profile of the samples from the Canary Islands was first compared with their Basque and Asturian counterparts by labelled sorting task. Then, their specific aroma profile was characterised by flash profile. Further quantification of sensory-active compounds was performed by GC–MS and GC-FID to identify the volatile compounds involved in their aroma profile.
Findings
Results show that Canary ciders present a specific chemical profile characterised by higher levels of ethanol, and hydroxycinnamic acids, mainly t-ferulic, t-coumaric and neochologenic acids, and lower levels of volatile and total acidity than their Asturian and Basque counterparts. They also present a specific aroma profile characterised by fruity aroma, mainly fruit in syrup and confectionary, and sweet flavours related to their highest levels of vinylphenols formed by transformation of hydroxycinnamic acids.
Originality/value
An integrated strategy to explore the typicity of the currently existing Canary ciders in the market was developed. The results are important in that they will help other regions to identify specific typical chemo-sensory profiles and to promote the creation of certifications supporting regional typicity.
Details
Keywords
Domingo de-Pedro-Jiménez, Esther Foncubierta-Sierra, Esther Domínguez-Romero, Juan Vega-Escaño, Marta Hernández Martín and Cristina Gavira Fernández
This paper aims to study the influence of leisure-time physical activity on depression crises and the difficulty in performing light household tasks.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the influence of leisure-time physical activity on depression crises and the difficulty in performing light household tasks.
Design/methodology/approach
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2020 European Health Survey in Spain. A total of 1,076 individuals diagnosed with depression were selected. ANOVA, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U test were applied, and a simple moderation analysis was conducted using the SPSS PROCESS 4.0 macro.
Findings
Women had higher percentages of some or much difficulty in performing domestic activities (p = 0.007). Differences were found between experiencing a crisis in the past 12 months versus not having one (p < 0.001): less physical activity was performed, perceived health was worse and difficulty in performing domestic activities increased. The moderation analysis confirmed the moderating effect of physical activity on the relationship between experiencing a crisis and having difficulty with domestic activities (p = 0.017).
Research limitations/implications
The usual limitation of descriptive cross-sectional studies, which cannot establish causal relationships, must be added to low sample sizes in some categories.
Practical implications
The analysis with gender differentiation, promoting gender-specific adapted practices, considering age and personal circumstances of the patient, appropriate exercise prescription, as well as its evaluation and follow-up, are areas where specialist nurses need to delve deeper to enhance the quality of care.
Originality/value
Leisure-time physical activity moderates the relationship between experiencing a crisis and having difficulty with light household tasks: those who engage in occasional physical activity have less difficulty compared to those who do not engage in it.
Details
Keywords
Cristina Calvo-Porral and Sergio Rivaroli
Ultra-processed food products are omnipresent in our homes and in grocery stores, and everybody consumes these food products once in a while. In this context, the present study…
Abstract
Purpose
Ultra-processed food products are omnipresent in our homes and in grocery stores, and everybody consumes these food products once in a while. In this context, the present study aims to analyse what factors influence the consumption behaviour of ultra-processed food products and, more precisely, what factors drive consumer satisfaction and purchase intention of these food products in one specific market – Spain-.
Design/methodology/approach
A model of consumer behaviour of ultra-processed food products is proposed and analysed through structural equation modelling on a sample of 608 consumers.
Findings
Findings indicate that the effortlessness of ultra-processed food products, as well as their affordability, are the factors that exert the higher influence on consumer satisfaction and purchase intention of ultra-processed food products. On the other hand, the product quality and the ability to save time show a negative influence on both consumer satisfaction and intention to purchase. Contrary to the initial expectations, product convenience and the hedonistic nature of ultra-processed food products do not influence consumer behaviour.
Practical implications
Food policymakers and public health interventions may consider possible actions to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed food products, the reduction of their affordability through taxation or the compulsory inclusion of nutritional warnings in the front of the package to confront marketing actions developed by food companies.
Originality/value
This study examines the factors that drive the purchase and consumption of ultra-processed food products in one European mature market: Spain.
Details
Keywords
Cristina Blanco González Tejero, Klaus Ulrich and Samuel Ribeiro-Navarrete
Organizational sustainability in the changing market requires adequate management of resources and opportunities; thus, entrepreneurship and digitization have acquired special…
Abstract
Purpose
Organizational sustainability in the changing market requires adequate management of resources and opportunities; thus, entrepreneurship and digitization have acquired special relevance as key elements in the training programs offered for employee’s development. In order to analyze whether employee motivations influence corporate entrepreneurial development and consider the influence of this type of training program on intrapreneurial activity, a survey of 241 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Community of Madrid was carried out.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis was conducted using the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methodology.
Findings
This analysis provides a new perspective for the research of the training programs proposed and puts forward recommendations to achieve an approach that favors entrepreneurial development. The paper concludes by discussing the implications for managers and business leaders and showing actions to integrate digitalization with transversal value for continuous and sustainable development.
Originality/value
The value of this article lies in demonstrating that training in entrepreneurial skills or digital tools is not a necessary variable for the presence of entrepreneurship in the organization; however, an absence of training in these areas does imply that intrapreneurial characteristics do not develop.
Details
Keywords
P. Pragha, Krantiraditya Dhalmahapatra and Thamaraiselvan Natarajan
The metaverse is considered an evolution of the Internet, and it engages users with digital content more seamlessly due to its enhanced immersion and diverse applications. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The metaverse is considered an evolution of the Internet, and it engages users with digital content more seamlessly due to its enhanced immersion and diverse applications. The current study examines factors affecting the intention to adopt the metaverse. Existing studies on metaverse were found insufficient in explaining users’ intention to adopt metaverse, for which the companies are investing vast amounts of money for its implementation. The study fills the research gaps in the literature and applies the UTAUT2 (Unified Theory Of Acceptance And Use of Technology) and PAD (Pleasure, Arousal, Dominance) theory in the SOR (Stimulus-Organism-Response) framework. The study proposes a conceptual model by including effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, social influence, security personalization as stimuli, arousal, dominance, pleasure, immersive experience and perceived value as organismic variables and intention to adopt metaverse as the response variable, with gender as a moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used purposive non-probability sampling approach and total of 420 responses were collected to examine the model. The partial least squares (PLS) technique is used for data analysis using Smart PLS software.
Findings
The study’s findings suggest that social influence and immersive experience have the highest impact on perceived value which affects users’ intention to adopt metaverse. Results indicate that individuals perceive value on using metaverse when it provides enjoyment and fun as well as security. Hence, it is important to ensure not only that individuals feel hedonically motivated but also feel secured and exert less effort to use the metaverse.
Research limitations/implications
The study contributes to the existing literature on metaverse and extends its association with immersive experience and the theories applied. The fundamental qualities of metaverse that contribute to its immersive and enjoyable nature can influence users' behavioral responses. Our research emphasizes the importance of executives acknowledging the development of organismic experience within metaverse.
Practical implications
The insights derived from this study will serve to expand the knowledge of metaverse application developers, offering valuable guidance in incorporating these factors into their development processes. By prominently displaying security measures, metaverse brands can demonstrate their commitment to mitigating risks associated with virtual interactions. This includes clearly communicating the security protocols in place to protect user data and privacy and providing detailed information about security features can build trust and alleviate concerns.
Social implications
The study highlights how the metaverse features affect individuals toward its adoption intent. Specifically, the study reveals that social influence and security affect the metaverse, further affecting the adoption intent of the metaverse. This has implications for enhancing customer relationships and value cocreation with different stakeholders. The research also recognizes that security measures are necessary for metaverse technology. These reactions could include placing regulations and standards in place to deal with the social and economic effects, making sure that data is collected and used ethically, and giving privacy and security measures priority.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the body of knowledge as it is the first of its kind to explore and link immersive experience, pleasure and perceived value from the metaverse’s point of view to explore the user’s adoption intention. The study also contributes to the SOR framework with UTAUT2 and PAD theories by applying it to the metaverse context, which is used in limits.
Details
Keywords
Julia Anamaria Sisu, Andrei Constantin Tirnovanu, Cristina-Claudia Patriche, Marian Nastase and George Cristian Schin
This study explores the enablers of students “entrepreneurial intentions by identifying the factors that raise students” interest in embracing an entrepreneurial career.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the enablers of students “entrepreneurial intentions by identifying the factors that raise students” interest in embracing an entrepreneurial career.
Design/methodology/approach
Entrepreneurship education is increasingly attracting attention as a means of fostering entrepreneurial activity and creating a culture of innovation. Developing students' entrepreneurial intentions is critical to promote entrepreneurship. This research is built on a mixed method approach of partial least squares structural equation modelling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.
Findings
The factors that influence students ‘entrepreneurial intentions are identified: business incubation programmes, non-reimbursable grants for entrepreneurial students, networking events to promote entrepreneurship, mentoring services, innovation labs for business idea validation and entrepreneurship courses. This knowledge can help develop effective entrepreneurship education programmes. The study also provides actionable insights for educational institutions and policymakers. It underscores the need for innovative educational platforms such as entrepreneurial bootcamps. It also highlights the value of advanced learning environments such as decision theatres to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the body of knowledge on entrepreneurship education. It highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand the factors that shape students’ entrepreneurial intentions.
Details
Keywords
Caroline Krüger, Marina Lourenção, Fábio Henrique Correa Bogado Guimarães, Marco Meneguzzo, Claudia Souza Passador and Adriana Cristina Ferreira Caldana
This paper aims to develop a cross-border regional brand management model to help enhance cooperation for developing such localities. It analyzed its applicability in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a cross-border regional brand management model to help enhance cooperation for developing such localities. It analyzed its applicability in the Brazil–Argentina and Italy–Austria cross-border regions comprising several cities.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted to obtain a theoretical basis and select elements for creating the cross-border regional brand management (CRBM) model. To apply the model, in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 specialists of different nationalities and distinct expertise on cross-border governance and regional branding. In addition, to validate the proposed model, a focus group was carried out, and specialists were consulted using forms, providing 22 additional opinions.
Findings
The results show good managerial practices and gaps that must be overcome to create and manage the brands from the two regions analyzed.
Research limitations/implications
The theoretical contributions consist in extending the literature in place branding by presenting the first CRBM model and the conceptual explanation of each of the model's elements.
Practical implications
The study's practical implications occur through the suggestion of good management practices for the studied localities arising from the applicability of the CRBM model. Furthermore, it is expected that the model developed can be applied in other locations, bringing practical contributions to the management and creation of cross-border regional brands in other countries.
Originality/value
This study presents the first CRBM model and its applicability to two cross-border regions.
Details