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This paper explores corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Thailand and analyses how CSR practice is informed by local values rather than merely driven by CSR practices designed in developed countries.

The analysis is based on a comparative series of interviews of Thai business leaders in 2009–10 and 2019–20 within the conceptual context of Thai CSR discourse/practice, especially Buddhist Economics.

This paper argues that CSR practice in Thailand is substantially informed by local socio-economic context, particularly Buddhist Economics, including the concepts of suffering (dukkha), the Eightfold Path of the Middle Way, and gifting and reciprocal exchange.

Local contexts are crucial not only for understanding local models of CSR but also for challenging what has been perceived as an imperialistic neo-liberal agenda in western-originating CSR.

The wider practical implications of this paper are that, like Thailand, CSR practices in other developing economies and emerging markets (DEEMs) may also have their own distinctive ‘local’ origins, contexts and developments which need to be considered.

The social implications of this paper are that local context is determinant in the development of CSR practice, especially in DEEMs.

This paper contributes to the CSR literature by highlighting the often-marginalised existence of local CSR context and practice in DEEMs and questions CSR based solely on western theorisations.

This paper aims to focus on concerns unique to international medical graduates (IMGs) and doctors from global majority groups pursuing a career in psychiatry in the UK. It specifically addresses challenges affecting the differential attainment of IMGs in passing the Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC) examination – the final assessment for attaining Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, affording entry to specialty training programmes.

Reflections are provided on learning from a CASC examination preparatory course specifically developed for IMGs in psychiatry, particularly those from global majority groups. The rationale for the course is set out as well as some of the challenges in designing and developing the course.

By reflecting on the experience of developing the course, the intersection of medical education, differential attainment and cultural disparities in training is addressed, alongside the role of group practice in exam preparation and support tailored to the needs of IMGs from global majority groups.

The reflections provided illuminate possible means of innovation to support the progression of IMGs and doctors from global majority backgrounds in the CASC, as a high stakes examination in medical training, and to support action to improve overall outcomes for this community in the field of psychiatry.

Techno-empowerment refers to giving intelligent technology a decision-making power. It is a growing trend, with algorithms being developed to handle tasks like ordering products or investing in stocks without human consent. Nevertheless, people may feel averse to transfer decision-making autonomy to technology. Unfortunately, little attention was paid in the literature regarding what tasks people exclude from being performed autonomously by non-human intelligent actors. Our chapter presents two qualitative studies: the first one examining what decisions people think autonomous technology (AT) should not make, and the another asking workers which tasks they would not transfer to AT. Results show people oppose AT making decisions when task is perceived as (a) requiring empathy, (b) human experience, (c) intuition, (d) complex, (e) potentially harming human life, (f) having long-term effects, (g) affecting personal space, or (h) leading to loss of control. Workers are not willing to delegate such tasks to AT they perceive as (1) time-consuming, (2) demanding social interaction, (3) providing pleasure, (4) difficult, (5) risky, and (6) responsible. Exclusions are driven by three types of perceived risks: material, contextual, and competitive.

The purpose of this study is to revisit the conventional wisdom about a key contribution [i.e. strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis] in the field of strategic management. The societal context and the role of academics, consultants and executives is taken into account in the emergence of SWOT analysis during the 1960–1980 period as a pivotal development within the broader context of the satisfactory, opportunities, faults, threats (SOFT) approach. The authors report on both the content and the approach, so that other scholars seeking to invigorate indigenous theories and/or underreported strategy practices will thrive.

Applying a historiographic approach, the authors introduce an evidence-based methodology for interpreting historical sources. This methodology incorporates source criticism, triangulation and hermeneutical interpretation, drawing upon insights from robust evidence through three iterative stages.

The underreporting of the SOFT approach/SWOT analysis can be attributed to several factors, including strategy tools being integrated into planning frameworks rather than being published as standalone materials; restricted circulation of crucial long-range planning service/theory and practice of planning reports due to copyright limitations; restricted access to the Stanford Research Institute Planning Library in California; and the enduring popularity of SOFT and SWOT variations, driven in part by their memorable acronyms.

In the spirit of a renaissance in strategic planning research, the authors unveil novel theoretical and social connections in the emergence of SWOT analysis by combining evidence from both theory and practice and delving into previously unexplored areas.

Caution is advised for scholars who examine the discrete time frame of 1960–1980 through mere bibliometric techniques. This study underscores the risks associated with gathering incomplete and/or inaccurate data, emphasizing the importance of triangulating evidence beyond scholarly databases. The paradigm shift of strategic management research due to the advent of large language models poses new challenges and the risk of conserving and perpetuating academic urban legends, myths and lies if training data is not adequately curated.

This paper examines the engagement of public relations (PR) in advancing sustainability within Turkey, exploring both current contributions and future potential. It analyzes how PR professionals and scholars conceptualize sustainability, revealing divergent perspectives within the industry. The study delves into the perceived roles and responsibilities of PR professionals in driving sustainable initiatives, highlighting the key challenges hindering their impact. Ultimately, the research identifies essential knowledge and skills needed to empower Turkish PR to effectively contribute to a more sustainable future.

This study employs a qualitative research approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews with two distinct groups: experienced PR professionals holding director positions in agencies and corporate communication departments, and PR professors with at least five years of teaching experience in Turkey.

The findings reveal a dynamic, yet complex, landscape of sustainability within the Turkish PR industry. While PR professionals are actively integrating sustainability into strategic initiatives and emphasizing measurable impact, they face barriers to full integration, and their conceptualization of sustainability often differs from that of PR scholars. The findings point to a critical need for targeted education and professional development to better equip Turkish PR practitioners to drive sustainable development.

Methodologically, the incorporation of representative groups, consisting of senior communication professionals and professors, offers valuable insights that can inform improvements in PR practices, enhance PR education, and advance the understanding of sustainability within the field of communication within the specific context of Turkey.