Mohammad A. Ali, Faiza Abbas and Rhoda Joseph
This paper intends to argue against the idea of an asocial business arena by reiterating the original philosophical underpinnings of theories on the creation of society, societal…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper intends to argue against the idea of an asocial business arena by reiterating the original philosophical underpinnings of theories on the creation of society, societal institutions and the relationship between society and societal institutions. This paper posits that business and ethics, though initially aligned, have been systematically maligned and distorted. The authors present a theoretically justified argument that business and ethics can and should seamlessly exist in the same realm.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a theoretical study that endeavors to go back to the original theories on business and society to challenge the view that business ethics is an oxymoron. For this purpose, the authors survey and interpret the scholarly works of Adam Smith, Aristotle and John Locke.
Findings
Given the economic debacles faced by the USA and the world economy in the past two decades, this study argues that one significant factor for these financial disasters could be that the original ideas about self-interest, societal interest, the free market system and the relationship between society and its constituting components, i.e. individuals, groups and institutions, have been distorted over time. Based on the interpretation of the original ideas around business and society, the authors find that some distortion of the original theories have indeed occurred.
Originality/value
This study is going against a well-established prevalent idea that business ethics is an oxymoron. It is claimed that the endoxa about business and its place in society often represents misinterpretations of the original ideas on the relationship between business and society. The originality of this work lies in challenging this dangerous idea by revisiting by journeying back in philosophical history to cut through the ideological scar tissue and reach the original arguments surrounding society and societal institutions.
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In this chapter, I will outline the labels of giftedness and underachievement and present the theoretical debates surrounding these labels. A historicist examination of these…
Abstract
In this chapter, I will outline the labels of giftedness and underachievement and present the theoretical debates surrounding these labels. A historicist examination of these labels follows, highlighting how the gifted underachievement (GUA) label emerges through the negation of “giftedness.” Subsequently, I explore the concept of GUA and its negative connotations, stemming from the positive valuation inherent in the term “giftedness” and its implications for what is considered “normal.” This chapter also reviews perspectives on shifting the focus away from the individual within the current paradigm of labeling giftedness and explores insights from systemic thinking and symbolic interactionism (SI). The conclusion underscores the necessity of a symbolic interactionist perspective to address the gaps in research on the labeling of giftedness and underachievement. Finally, I propose a generic definition that can be used in GUA research in the light of SI.
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Building on the forms of immersion in computer games, this chapter argues that games, whether played alone or with others, require a level of engagement equal to that of immersive…
Abstract
Building on the forms of immersion in computer games, this chapter argues that games, whether played alone or with others, require a level of engagement equal to that of immersive artworks. Drawing on concepts from Ernest Adams, Staffan Björk and Jussi Holopainen, the chapter explores how games and digital worlds engage and immerse the viewer through sensory-motoric, cognitive, emotional and spatial elements. These digital spaces position the audience as both participants and co-creators, similar to immersive art forms dating from the 1950s and 1960s, where the shift from passive spectator to active participant, as seen in the works of Allan Kaprow and the Light and Space Movement, is mirrored in contemporary digital practices. This chapter examines how digital tools and new thinking enable unique opportunities for representation, display, engagement and interpretation, where the concept of an expanded narrative, incorporating active spaces and cross-disciplinary collaboration, is crucial for contemporary digital and new media practice. This chapter explores the intersection of art and VR gaming, using Half-Life: Alyx as a case study to demonstrate immersive engagement. Highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this chapter also discusses how cultural and heritage institutions have adopted technology to engage remote audiences. By linking research with practical examples, the chapter illustrates how VR and gaming push the boundaries of immersive experiences, creating novel opportunities for audience interaction and engagement.
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Development has been a long-age phenomenon from the millennium to sustainability. This is because the new millennium ushered in the episode of development in the global economy…
Abstract
Purpose
Development has been a long-age phenomenon from the millennium to sustainability. This is because the new millennium ushered in the episode of development in the global economy from the role of inputs to the role of productivity and knowledge. Thus, understanding the forefront of initiatives to develop better policies for better lives and to find fact-based answers to social, economic, and environmental problems becomes unavoidable.
Design/methodology/approach
The study therefore assesses the impact of labor productivity and investment decisions on human development. A modified production theory was adopted for OECD economies. To address the problem of endogeneity and cross-sectional dependence, a two-step system generalized method of moments, Driscoll–Kraay estimator, and Panel Corrected Standard Error were used.
Findings
The findings reveal that the impact of labor productivity on human development differs significantly from the impact of investment decisions. The result shows that investment decisions will have a positive impact on human development when there is an insignificant capital fixed formation to boost the productivity of OECD economies. Further, the result shows that the organization governments through the provision of social security and essential services have a positive impact on the OECD human development.
Originality/value
This study has contributed significantly to assessing the drivers of human development within the purview of labor productivity, investment decisions and government expenditure in OECD countries.
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Md. Ramjan Ali, Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan, Yasanur Kayikci and Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik
Blockchain technology is one of the major contributors to supply chain sustainability because of its inherent features. However, its adoption rate is relatively low due to reasons…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain technology is one of the major contributors to supply chain sustainability because of its inherent features. However, its adoption rate is relatively low due to reasons such as the diverse barriers impeding blockchain adoption. The purpose of this study is to identify blockchain adoption barriers in sustainable supply chain and uncovers their interrelationships.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-phase framework that combines machine learning (ML) classifiers, BORUTA feature selection algorithm, and Grey-DEMATEL method. From the literature review, 26 potential barriers were identified and evaluated through the performance of ML models with accuracy and f-score.
Findings
The findings reveal that feature selection algorithm detected 15 prominent barriers, and random forest (RF) classifier performed with the highest accuracy and f-score. Moreover, the performance of the RF increased by 2.38% accuracy and 2.19% f-score after removing irrelevant barriers, confirming the validity of feature selection algorithm. An RF classifier ranked the prominent barriers and according to ranking, financial constraints, immaturity, security, knowledge and expertise, and cultural differences resided at the top of the list. Furthermore, a Grey-DEMATEL method is employed to expose interrelationships between prominent barriers and to provide an overview of the cause-and-effect group.
Practical implications
The outcome of this study can help industry practitioners develop new strategies and plans for blockchain adoption in sustainable supply chains.
Originality/value
The research on the adoption of blockchain technology in sustainable supply chains is still evolving. This study contributes to the ongoing debate by exploring how practitioners and decision-makers adopt blockchain technology, developing strategies and plans in the process.
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Anne-Marie Sassenberg and Cindy Sassenberg
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of sport scandals on consumer perceptions of the associated sponsors and sport and to provide a typology of sport celebrity…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of sport scandals on consumer perceptions of the associated sponsors and sport and to provide a typology of sport celebrity scandals to guide management response tactics.
Design/methodology/approach
The study conducted four focus groups that were followed by social media data mining. A total of 8,289 consumer comments were collected from 147 websites, and a total of 224 comments were analyzed in terms of themes and frequency.
Findings
The research found the impact of sport scandals on consumer perceptions of sponsorship evaluations depended on whether the scandal was gender related scandal, recreational drug use, gender violence, unplanned and planned on-field scandals. Gender violence and planned on-field scandals can have an overwhelmingly negative impact on sponsorship evaluations, while unplanned on-field scandals may result in positive effects. Consumer empathy may influence the impact of recreational drug use, and the gender of the sport celebrity can influence the impact of unplanned on-field scandals.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to sponsorship theory by indicating the type of scandal affects consumer perceptions of associated sponsors and sport.
Practical implications
The findings may guide management to develop response tactics to sport scandals. The response tactics may be based on consumer perceptions of the impact of the scandal on the associated sponsors and sport. Sponsor and sport management response tactics may be perceived as a differentiation of the sponsor and sport brands. It may be necessary that sponsorship agreements included pre-determined response tactics that contribute to value formation in the local community.
Originality/value
This study contributes to sponsorship theory by indicating the type of scandal affects consumer perceptions of sponsorship evaluations. Two additional factors may impact these influences: consumer empathy and the gender of the sport celebrity.
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Guanghao Wang, Chenghao Liu, Erwann Sbai, Mingyue Selena Sheng, Jinhong Hu and Miaomiao Tao
The purpose of this study is to examine Bitcoin's price behavior across market conditions, focusing on the influence of Bitcoin's historical prices, news sentiment and market…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine Bitcoin's price behavior across market conditions, focusing on the influence of Bitcoin's historical prices, news sentiment and market indicators like oil prices, gold and the S&P index. The authors also assess the stability of Bitcoin-inclusive hedging portfolios under different market conditions, for example, bearish, bullish and moderate market states.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag model to explore the effects of different factors on Bitcoin's prices across various market situations. This method allows for a detailed analysis of historical trends, investor expectations and external market influences on Bitcoin's price movements and systematic stability.
Findings
Key findings reveal historical prices and investor expectations significantly influence Bitcoin in all market scenarios, with news sentiment exhibiting substantial volatility. This study indicates that oil prices have minimal impacts on Bitcoin, whereas gold is a stabilizing asset in bear markets, with the S&P index influencing short-term fluctuations. At the same time, Bitcoin's volatility varies with market conditions, proving more efficient as a hedging tool in bear and stable markets than in bull ones.
Originality/value
This study highlights the intrinsic correlation between Bitcoin's prices, news sentiment and financial market indicators, enhancing understanding of Bitcoin's market dynamics. The authors demonstrate Bitcoin's weak direct correlation with commodities like oil, the stabilizing role of gold in crypto portfolios and the stock market's indirect effect on Bitcoin prices. By examining these factors' impacts across various market conditions, the findings offer strategies for investors to improve hedging and portfolio management in cryptocurrency markets.
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Mohammad Alta'any, Salah Kayed, Rasmi Meqbel and Khaldoon Albitar
Drawing on signalling and impression management theories, this study aims to examine a bidirectional association between managerial tone in earnings conference calls and financial…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on signalling and impression management theories, this study aims to examine a bidirectional association between managerial tone in earnings conference calls and financial performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample includes non-financial firms listed in the FTSE 350 index during the period 2010–2015. Managerial tone was measured using positive and negative keywords based on the Loughran-McDonald Sentiment Word Lists, while return on assets was used as a proxy for firms’ financial performance.
Findings
The findings indicate that current financial performance positively affects the managerial tone in earnings conference calls. Likewise, the results also show that there is a positive relationship between managerial tone in earnings conference calls and firms’ future financial performance.
Practical implications
The results have important implications for top management to use more virtual communication media (i.e. earnings conference calls) to continue managing their relationships with financial stakeholders and helping them better understand financial performance, especially in countries where holding such calls is not yet part of firms’ policy.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies that explore the relationship between managerial tone in earnings conference calls and financial performance. Overall, this study contributes to managerial tone literature and holds significant theoretical and practical implications.
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Iain Munro, Mehdi Boussebaa and Carl Rhodes
This viewpoint aims to contribute to understanding corporate power in two key respects. First, it provides insight into the ways in which transnational corporations continue to…
Abstract
Purpose
This viewpoint aims to contribute to understanding corporate power in two key respects. First, it provides insight into the ways in which transnational corporations continue to operate as vehicles for neo-colonial projects, which are underpinned by exploitation and racial hierarchies. Second, it highlights the significance of investigative journalism in providing a crucial empirical resource for both activists engaged in holding power to account and scholars engaged in critical research into corporate power and civil society activism.
Design/methodology/approach
This viewpoint combines an interview with an investigative journalist and the academic commentary provided by the authors in response to the interview.
Findings
This viewpoint highlights contemporary mutations in the concentration of corporate power, along three broad themes: the growth of transnational institutions critical to enabling and supporting abuses of transnational corporate power and neo-colonialism; the emergence of corporate-run political territories secured by private security organisations; and the corporate attack on progressive politics. It also analyses the important role of investigative journalism in advancing knowledge of transnational corporate power as well as its role in holding such power to account and the urgent need for new forms of independent journalism to support union activism, whistleblowing and other forms of democratic activism.
Research limitations/implications
This viewpoint engages with an alternative tradition of social critique and the critique of corporate power, which has been underrepresented in the field of international business.
Practical implications
This study highlights the significance of investigative journalism in providing a crucial empirical resource for both activists engaged in holding power to account and scholars engaged in critical research into corporate power and civil society activism.
Social implications
These implications entail developing a critique of transnational corporate power and neo-colonialism, enriching democtratic oversight and journalism, and supporting freedom of expression and democratic activism.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, minimal research has explored the critical role of investigative journalism in uncovering and holding transnational corporate power accountable. This paper therefore offers a highly original contribution by addressing this significant yet underexamined area.