Search results

1 – 5 of 5
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Book part
Publication date: 31 January 2025

Emre Amasyalı and Axel van den Berg

The use of the concept of “agency,” in the sense of action that is to some extent free of “structural” constraints, has enjoyed enormous and growing popularity in the sociological…

Abstract

The use of the concept of “agency,” in the sense of action that is to some extent free of “structural” constraints, has enjoyed enormous and growing popularity in the sociological literature over the past several decades. In a previous paper, we examined the range of theoretical rationales offered by sociologists for the inclusion of the notion of “agency” in sociological explanations. Having found these rationales seriously wanting, in this paper we attempt to determine empirically what role “agency” actually plays in the recent sociological literature. We examine a random sample of 147 articles in sociology journals that use the concept of “agency” with the aim of identifying the ways in which the term is used and what function the concept serves in the sociological explanations offered. We identify four principal (often overlapping) uses of “agency”: (1) purely descriptive; (2) as a synonym for “power”; (3) as a way to identify resistance to “structural” pressures; and (4) as a way to describe intelligible human actions. We find that in none of these cases the notion of “agency” adds anything of analytical or explanatory value. These different uses have one thing in common, however: they all tend to use the term “agency” in a strongly normative sense to mark the actions the authors approve of. We conclude that “agency” seems to serve the purpose of registering the authors' moral or political preferences under the guise of a seemingly analytical concept.

Details

The Future of Agency
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83608-978-0

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 5 December 2024

Tanjina Sharmin

In 2013, Honduras Congress passed the Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDE) Organic Law, along with some constitutional changes, to create ZEDEs, which are…

6

Abstract

Purpose

In 2013, Honduras Congress passed the Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDE) Organic Law, along with some constitutional changes, to create ZEDEs, which are essentially special economic zones with some unique features. Prospera Honduras Inc., a company with substantial United States investment, invested in Honduras relying on the ZEDE Organic Law and the Free Trade Agreement between Central America, the Dominican Republic and the United States of America (CAFTA-DR). In 2022, Honduras cancelled the ZEDE Organic Law, allegedly harming Prospera Honduras Inc.’s investments. Prospera and some other foreign investors have initiated an investor-state arbitration against Honduras for several alleged breaches of CAFTA-DR provisions. Honduras has remained silent and decided not to participate in the arbitration. This paper aims to examine whether the cancellation of the ZEDE Organic Law gives rise to international investment law obligations under the CAFTA-DR.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a doctrinal research and contains qualitative analysis.

Findings

The article concludes that CAFTA-DR preserves some regulatory space for host states; therefore, it would be wrong to assume that the arbitral decision in Prospera Inc. and others v. Honduras will favour only the foreign investors. This article also argues that, drawing insights from this dispute, future International Investment Agreements should better preserve Indigenous people’s rights. Moreover, the host states should reconsider whether they intend International Investment Agreements (IIAs) to apply to special economic zones in future.

Originality/value

There is no existing scholarly work examining the international investment law issues relating to the cancellation of ZEDEs in Honduras. Therefore, the findings of this article will be novel.

Details

Journal of International Trade Law and Policy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-0024

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 February 2025

Dong Mai Tran, Vinh Van Thai, Nguyen Phong Nguyen, Shams Rahman, Lien Thi Ngoc Nguyen, Thao Kim Nguyen and Thanh-Thuy Nguyen

The new era of supply chain management is characterised by key change drivers, e.g. Industry 4.0, and post-COVID-19 VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity…

110

Abstract

Purpose

The new era of supply chain management is characterised by key change drivers, e.g. Industry 4.0, and post-COVID-19 VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) business environment, in addition to the rising requirements for sustainability, responsiveness and customer centrism. An important and topical question in this context is what supply chain managerial competence logistics managers need to possess in order to enhance their individual performance in the new era. This question is addressed in this paper, which also explores the nexus of supply chain managerial competence expectation and possession upon which human resource development strategies are proposed accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey research design is adopted to empirically examine logistics managers’ supply chain managerial competence in the new era, and the forward-backward translation process was strictly followed. Data were collected through a survey conducted with owners or managers of Vietnamese firms whose business is in the logistics and related business areas, and 269 valid responses were used for analysis.

Findings

Results indicated that the proposed profile of four groups (foundation, core, specialist and technology-IT) and 38 competencies are valid and important to the individual performance of logistics managers in the context of Vietnam, which supports the tenet that logistics managers in the new era need to have a well-rounded profile of competencies, including those derived from contemporary change drivers. It was also found that the foundation competency group is perceived as more important than others, which is context specific given the current logistics development in Vietnam. Besides, it was also revealed that respondents in this research currently possess those competencies at a level which is lower than their perceived importance. An Importance-Possession (IPM) Matrix of Competency Development was mapped accordingly.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisation of this study would require further empirical examination from similar studies in other contexts, i.e. in other manufacturing and service sectors as well as in other developing and developed countries where logistics development is at different stages.

Practical implications

This research provides insights into the current competency profile of logistics managers in Vietnam, which can assist senior management with human resources development in their firms. Specifically, it is essential that Vietnamese logistics firms focus on providing education and training opportunities, both internally and externally, to enhance the level of possession of all competencies whose gaps between perceived importance and possession are the largest across the groups, especially those in the Maintaining Sustainably and Growing quadrants of the IPM.

Originality/value

Firstly, this research introduces an improvised framework of logistics managers’ supply chain managerial competence adopting the contingency approach, contributing to expanding the body of knowledge on how the competency profile of logistics managers should be developed. Secondly, the IPM matrix of competencies introduced in this research can be used as both the conceptual and managerial tool to classify and prioritise competencies for various purposes, e.g. education, training and policy implementation based on the nexus of supply chain competence expectation and possession.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 36 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 25 October 2024

Almudena Otegui Carles, José Antonio Fraiz Brea and Noelia Araújo Vila

It is imperative to develop studies on robotics through a gender lens, as gender equality is crucial for advancing innovations within the field of tourism and hospitality. This…

67

Abstract

Purpose

It is imperative to develop studies on robotics through a gender lens, as gender equality is crucial for advancing innovations within the field of tourism and hospitality. This paper aims to open new research questions based on the concept of gender stereotypes in robotics in the field of tourism and hospitality, critically examining how gender and gender stereotypes are being addressed in the current state of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual papers focus on analysing concepts, approaching problems to address “what’s new” and highlighting directions for future thinking. They contribute fresh perspectives to traditional problems. Despite their potential to broaden our thinking, conceptual papers in tourism research are limited.

Findings

The importance of the concept of gender stereotypes in robotics in the field of tourism and hospitality presented in this conceptual paper is evident in recognising that robotics poses numerous ethical challenges aimed at preventing the replication and perpetuation of gendered norms, biases, prejudices and stereotypes prevalent in society. Overlooking these aspects during the design and utilisation of robots could inadvertently amplify discriminatory biases, enable abusive behaviours and contribute to the continued objectification of female workers within the tourism and hospitality sector.

Originality/value

While the concept of gender stereotypes in robotics is not novel, what is indeed novel is the untested relationship between gender stereotypes in robotics and the field of tourism and hospitality. Additionally, the context in which this relationship is presented is fresh, as it has typically been discussed in relation to customer acceptance, believability, perceived quality or satisfaction in interactions with robots. However, this paper’s distinctiveness lies in its exploration of the potential impact of robotics on either reducing or exacerbating gender stereotypes within society.

研究目的

通过性别视角研究机器人技术是至关重要的, 因为性别平等对于推动旅游和酒店业的创新至关重要。本文的目标是基于旅游和酒店业机器人中的性别刻板印象这一概念, 提出新的研究问题, 批判性地审视当前知识状态中如何处理性别及性别刻板印象。

研究方法

概念性论文侧重于分析概念, 提出问题以解决“有什么新意”, 并指出未来思考的方向。它们为传统问题提供了新视角。尽管它们有潜力拓宽我们的思维, 但在旅游研究中, 概念性论文仍较为有限。

研究发现

本文提出的关于旅游与酒店业机器人性别刻板印象这一概念的重要性在于, 认识到机器人技术带来了诸多伦理挑战, 旨在防止复制和延续社会中普遍存在的性别规范、偏见、成见和刻板印象。在设计和使用机器人时忽视这些方面, 可能会无意中放大歧视性偏见, 助长不良行为, 并继续物化旅游和酒店业中的女性员工。

研究创新

尽管机器人中的性别刻板印象并非新概念, 但新颖之处在于尚未验证机器人性别刻板印象与旅游和酒店业之间的关系。此外, 讨论这一关系的语境也是全新的, 通常这类讨论围绕客户接受度、可信度、感知质量或与机器人互动的满意度展开。然而, 本论文的独特性在于探索机器人技术对减少或加剧社会中的性别刻板印象的潜在影响。

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 31 January 2025

Saheed Abdullahi Busari, Jelili Adegboyega Adebiyi and Miszairi Sitiris

Sadaqah, a form of Islamic charity, was widely used to mitigate the adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s socio-economic conditions and well-being. However…

4

Abstract

Purpose

Sadaqah, a form of Islamic charity, was widely used to mitigate the adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s socio-economic conditions and well-being. However, the extent to which Sadaqah served the intended purpose remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perceived effects of Sadaqah on the situational poverty and well-being of tertiary education students in Malaysia during the pandemic. The findings of this study could provide valuable insights into whether and how Sadaqah can address situational poverty and well-being challenges during COVID-19-type emergencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed students at three Islamic universities in Malaysia. A total of 288 complete and valid responses were collected and analysed. The study used the Kruskal Wallis test to examine the relationship between students’ socioeconomic status and their odds of receiving Sadaqah. The chi-square test was used to estimate Sadaqah’s perceived effect on students’ well-being. The repeated measure analysis of variance was used to examine the effect of Sadaqah on the situational poverty and well-being of the respondents.

Findings

The pandemic starkly magnified the situational poverty of students from underprivileged backgrounds and the well-being struggles of those from high-income households. Many students reported pandemic-induced financial and physical well-being issues, including difficulties meeting medical and food expenses. This underscores the pressing need for comprehensive support. However, the Sadaqah received by the students did not cover essential expenses such as rent, tuition and medical bills. This lack of comprehensive support could be a critical factor in Sadaqah’s limited impact on addressing situational poverty and enhancing the well-being of the students.

Originality/value

This study revealed Sadaqah’s limitations in addressing situational poverty during COVID-19-type emergencies and identified promising avenues for improvement. The findings underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach to Sadaqah, which could significantly enhance the well-being of its recipients. This insight could potentially inform policy and practice, inspiring hope for a more effective approach in the future.

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

Keywords

1 – 5 of 5
Per page
102050