John D. Branch and Amy Gillett
This chapter delves into the concept of the “grand tour” as a precursor to modern study abroad programs, illustrating the historical importance of cultural exposure and education…
Abstract
This chapter delves into the concept of the “grand tour” as a precursor to modern study abroad programs, illustrating the historical importance of cultural exposure and education. This chapter then transitions to contemporary study abroad experiences, underscoring their role in nurturing cross-cultural competence, crucial for success in the globalized business world. This chapter introduces virtual exchanges as an innovative solution, overcoming geographical and financial barriers, and providing a flexible, inclusive alternative to traditional study abroad programs. This chapter concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of virtual exchanges for tertiary education.
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.
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Rina Herani and Anggraeni Pranandari
This study aims to investigates the impact of felt obligation for constructive change, constructive voices on social media and social media knowledge competence on digital social…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigates the impact of felt obligation for constructive change, constructive voices on social media and social media knowledge competence on digital social entrepreneurship among Indonesian youth.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses Hayes’ process model to assess the stated hypotheses using survey data gathered from 489 Indonesian youth.
Findings
Youth with elevated social media knowledge competency might display diminished motivation to participate in digital social entrepreneurship, even when their felt obligation for constructive change remains robust. While promotive voice on social media mediates the relationship between felt obligation and digital social entrepreneurship, the notable absence of a mediating role for prohibitive voice on social media contradicts traditional Positive Youth Development (PYD) theory
Research limitations/implications
This research challenges conventional PYD theory by suggesting that youth with high social media knowledge competence may have reduced motivation for digital social entrepreneurship, despite a strong commitment to positive change. While promotive voice behavior mediates the relationship between felt obligation and digital entrepreneurship, the absence of mediation by prohibitive voice contradicts traditional PYD principles. This study expands the PYD framework, highlighting the challenges related to social media knowledge competence and prohibitive voice in engaging youth advocates for digital social entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the need to adapt PYD theory to address the complexities of the digital age effectively.
Practical implications
The findings offer valuable insights for students, aspiring young entrepreneurs, educators and policymakers interested in advancing the development of digital social entrepreneurship in a developing nation.
Social implications
This research offers valuable practical implications for policymakers, educators and society. It suggests the importance of nurturing a sense of responsibility among young individuals, enabling their active involvement in addressing issues like environmental degradation and discrimination. Creating supportive online communities for collaboration and constructive voice behavior on social media can provide judgment-free environments. Additionally, advocating for partnerships between youth and various stakeholders can boost resources, mentorship and funding opportunities, enhancing the prospects for impactful digital social entrepreneurship.
Originality/value
This study contributes to an underexplored area in the field of social entrepreneurship by investigating the intersection of youth, digital advocacy and digital social entrepreneurship. The incorporation of the PYD theory introduces a novel dimension to recent research in this domain
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Judith Callanan, Rebecca Leshinsky, Dulani Halvitigala and Effah Amponsah
This paper examines gender diversity in the Australian valuation industry from the perspective of valuers in senior management and leadership roles and discusses gender diversity…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines gender diversity in the Australian valuation industry from the perspective of valuers in senior management and leadership roles and discusses gender diversity policies and practices in their organisations. Then, it explores the initiatives that can be implemented to improve gender diversity in the Australian valuation industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A focus group discussion was conducted with valuers in senior management and leadership roles from selected large valuation firms and government valuation agencies in Melbourne, Australia. Data collected through the focus group discussion was combined with secondary data sourced from journals, online articles and archival materials.
Findings
The findings reveal that whilst gender diversity in the Australian valuation industry has improved over the years, females remain underrepresented. Nonetheless, whilst some valuation companies have recognised the need to address the underrepresentation of women and introduced specific gender-focussed human resource policies and practices, these initiatives are not streamlined and implemented across the industry.
Research limitations/implications
The study highlights the need for closer collaboration between key stakeholders such as universities, professional associations, valuation companies and government agencies in devising strategies to attract female talents into the valuation industry.
Originality/value
The paper is the first empirical study to assess gender diversity in the Australian valuation industry from the perspective of valuers in management and leadership roles. The proposed policies can inform future initiatives to improve gender diversity in the valuation industry.
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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…
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.
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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…
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.
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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…
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。
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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…
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.