Robert Kwame Dzogbenuku, Evans Sokro and Kwasi Dartey-Baah
This study seeks to assess how a humane leadership style affects customer service orientation among casual employees of financial service institutions in Ghana. Using job…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to assess how a humane leadership style affects customer service orientation among casual employees of financial service institutions in Ghana. Using job satisfaction as a moderator, this study predicts that a humane leadership style influences casual employees’ customer service orientation.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were obtained from 328 frontline casual employees of financial service firms. The structural equation modelling technique of partial least squares was used to test the hypothesised relationships.
Findings
The study found that a humane leadership style positively and significantly drives customer service behaviour. Job satisfaction also had a positive effect on customer service orientation among casual employees.
Originality/value
The study appears to be the first of its kind to explore the moderating role of job satisfaction in the connection between humane leadership and customer service orientation from the perspective of casual employees. The study highlights insightful practical implications for corporate managers, HR practitioners and marketing academics.
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Shira B. Taylor, Liviana Calzavara, Sarah Flicker, Pia Kontos and Robert Schwartz
Immigrant youth face both unique and disproportionate barriers to sexual health. Targeted sexual health education to redress these disparities requires creative and inclusive…
Abstract
Purpose
Immigrant youth face both unique and disproportionate barriers to sexual health. Targeted sexual health education to redress these disparities requires creative and inclusive approaches that consider personal and community challenges and strengths. This study piloted a novel intervention: SExT: Sex Education by Theatre, a theatre-based, culturally-relevant, participatory action research programme delivered in an immigration destination neighbourhood in Toronto, Canada.
Design/methodology/approach
Nineteen youth were trained as peer educators. They participated in theatre-based workshops on sexual health topics which culminated in a performance for local peers. Mixed methods evaluation included surveys which investigated changes in personal and social development over three time-points (pre, post, 4-month follow-up). The impact of the intervention on peer educators was explored in greater depth using qualitative peer interviews and focus groups.
Findings
Quantitative study findings indicated that peer educators experienced significant improvements in personal growth, social inclusion and social engagement after participating in SExT and these improvements were maintained at follow-up. Thematic qualitative analysis further indicates that meaningful involvement in a sex education theatre intervention may protect against adverse outcomes and promote self-actualization, connection and active citizenship.
Originality/value
This research stands out for its innovative approach to addressing sexual health disparities among immigrant youth in Toronto using culturally relevant theatre-based peer education. SExT may serve as a model for sexual health interventions for newcomer youth and other priority groups in diverse contexts.
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Krys Standley and McKenzie Javorka
The purpose of this paper is to propose an explicit decision-making structure that aligns with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many academic and non-profit…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose an explicit decision-making structure that aligns with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many academic and non-profit organizations aiming to advance workplace DEI maintain traditional hierarchies and decision-making structures that can impede DEI principles. Formal consensus decision-making (FCDM) is an alternative decision-making model that aligns with the values of DEI and may benefit groups undertaking workplace DEI efforts.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors are members of a voluntary workgroup formed to promote workplace DEI. In this paper, we offer reflections and insights from group members regarding FCDM and how this practice can contribute to DEI efforts.
Findings
Based on group members’ reflections on using FCDM, we provide three main insights about how FCDM can contribute to organizational DEI efforts: (1) Group dynamics, which include greater psychological safety, increased collaboration and power sharing and reduced competition, (2) Group outputs, including clearer decisions and implementation plans and high-quality products and activities and (3) Challenges and tensions of FCDM, including the time needed for FCDM processes, the learning curve associated with a new way of making decisions and internal cognitive tensions when deciding on proposals.
Practical implications
We recommend organizations consider FCDM as a process that may promote DEI by providing an explicit structure through which to share power and foster deliberative group processing.
Originality/value
Our insights from practice represent a novel conceptualization of FCDM as a strategy for promoting DEI within organizations. We also offer considerations for groups seeking to adopt this form of decision-making.
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Arya Candra Kusuma, Robert Kurniawan, Sri Kuswantono Wongsonadi, Prana Ugiana Gio, Henny Herawaty Br. Dalimunthe and Anan Sutisna
This study aims to analyze the effect of energy consumption by energy source toward the price level of fossil fuels in Indonesia.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the effect of energy consumption by energy source toward the price level of fossil fuels in Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from the Energy Institute and the World Development Indicator, this study applies the error correction model method to analyze the effect of energy consumption on price levels, both in the short and long run.
Findings
The results of this study show that the price of oil, which is one of the energy sources, has increased. In the long run, coal consumption increases oil prices, while geothermal consumption does the opposite. On the other hand, in the short term, only oil consumption increases oil prices. This study emphasizes the importance of renewable energy development, especially geothermal energy and hydroelectricity, for energy price stability in Indonesia.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of Indonesian energy consumption on oil prices. In addition, this study breaks down the analysis of energy consumption by source, making it a valuable reference for the development of renewable energy in Indonesia.
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Martin D. Mileros and Robert Forchheimer
Personal data is today recognized as an asset in the digital economy, generating billion-dollar annual revenues for many companies. But how much value do users derive from their…
Abstract
Purpose
Personal data is today recognized as an asset in the digital economy, generating billion-dollar annual revenues for many companies. But how much value do users derive from their seemingly free apps (zero-price services), and what user costs are associated with this value exchange? By adopting a human-centric lens, this article scrutinizes the complex trade-offs users face trying to capture the benefits and unperceived costs that such usage entails.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed-method research design, this study is anchored in empirical survey data from 196 participants in Linköping, Sweden. The authors investigate users’ willingness to pay for these services in relation to different types of costs.
Findings
The results indicate that users can derive significant value from the use of free services, which can be interpreted as a win-win situation between users and companies. Regarding costs, this research shows that the most significant costs for users are associated with procrastination, sleep deprivation and reduced focus, which can be challenging to identify and evaluate from the users’ perspective.
Research limitations/implications
This study shows that zero-price services provide significant benefits like enhancing social connectivity and offering a wide variety of content. Significant drawbacks, such as increased procrastination and sleep disturbances, highlight the psychological effects of these platforms. These impacts include behavioral changes, emphasizing the influence of online platforms on user engagement. Furthermore, a trend toward single-purchase preferences over free services suggests changing consumer attitudes toward digital payment models. This underscores the need for further research on non-monetary aspects in zero-price markets for better understanding and regulation of the digital economy.
Practical implications
This study shows that users appreciate the accessibility and potential of zero-price services but are wary of privacy concerns. It underscores the need for companies to balance profit objectives with user experiences and privacy requirements. Offering a range of ad-free premium services to meet diverse customer needs can be effective. Users’ high valuation of privacy and transparency suggests businesses should focus on human-centric, privacy-respecting strategies. Increased transparency in data usage and giving users greater data control could enhance the user experience and foster sustainable customer relationships.
Social implications
The study calls for policymakers to focus on non-monetary risks of zero-price services, such as behavioral changes and digital well-being impacts. They should consider implementing regulations to protect users, especially children, from manipulative designs such as “dark patterns”. Policymakers must balance user protection with innovation, leading to a sustainable zero-price economy. For zero-price service users, awareness of non-monetary costs, like procrastination and sleep deprivation, is vital. Understanding that “free” services have hidden costs is important, especially for younger generations. Managing privacy settings and selective service choices can protect privacy and well-being.
Originality/value
This research shifts the focus from simply valuing personal data based on market prices to assessing the worth of free services themselves. By listing various hidden costs, it underscores the need for increased user awareness and greater corporate transparency. Uniquely, it finds that users prefer making one-time purchases over using zero-price services, extending prior assumptions in the field. Additionally, it also characterizes the zero-price economy ecosystem, highlighting differences between market types and provides a deeper understanding of the zero-price market and its related concepts.
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Aasif Ali Bhat, Irfana Rashid, Samir Ul Hassan and Pooja Kansra
The purpose of this bibliometric study is to report research output and publications on the social determinants of health and health outcomes. This study condenses numerous…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this bibliometric study is to report research output and publications on the social determinants of health and health outcomes. This study condenses numerous studies into a single paper, which not only provides insights into the worldwide growth and advancement of the study field but also establishes a research agenda for the future.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the Scopus database, a thorough bibliometric study of the worldwide scientific output on social determinants of health from 2000 to 2021 was conducted. With the assistance of VOS viewer and R-based scientometric software, the worldwide development of research on social determinants of health was analysed through performance analysis and network map visualisation.
Findings
This study identified the most influential authors, studies, journals and affiliations in the field of social determinants of health, as well as the most co-cited authors and journals, based on a bibliometric analysis of 1,203 research papers retrieved from the Scopus database during the past two decades (2000–2021). Beginning in 2000 with one publication and ending in 2021, 274 articles were viewed online, relevant to the social determinants of health. From 2014 to 2021, publications continue to grow at an accelerating pace.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to review the social determinants of health and its outcomes. The findings of the chosen studies represent a novel and important addition to the study of social determinants of health. It offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications, in addition to the identification of vital research trends.
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Taking instances from extant findings from the literature, the study aims to examine the community perception toward renewable energy (RE) off-grid (mini-grid/microgrid…
Abstract
Purpose
Taking instances from extant findings from the literature, the study aims to examine the community perception toward renewable energy (RE) off-grid (mini-grid/microgrid) intervention, the underlying rationales for engagement of communities in RE off-grid projects, the different alternatives/models to engage communities in various phases of RE off-grid project deployment.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has followed the structured literature review to explore the identified research question of the study.
Findings
Based on findings from the review, the framework for effective community engagement in RE mini-grid projects is suggested. Furthermore, the study also draws suggestions and implications for future research and practice.
Practical implications
Based on such understanding the present study offers the framework which suggests the steps for the engagement of the communities in the off-grid projects. The key steps are managing the perception of the community (including generation of awareness among the community), planning for the benefits of the community, linkage the sustainable development goals (SDG), planning for the inclusion of the community and measuring performance (in the line of social and economic criteria and SDG).
Originality/value
This study finds the gap in the literature on the nexus of community, off-grid energy projects and SDG. Following the findings from the scholars in this field, a few gaps in the policy and practice have been highlighted which could be useful for practitioners and policymakers in this area.
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Bülent Doğan, Yavuz Selim Balcioglu and Meral Elçi
This study aims to elucidate the dynamics of social media discourse during global health events, specifically investigating how users across different platforms perceive, react to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to elucidate the dynamics of social media discourse during global health events, specifically investigating how users across different platforms perceive, react to and engage with information concerning such crises.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Initially, thematic analysis was applied to a data set of social media posts across four major platforms over a 12-month period. This was followed by sentiment analysis to discern the predominant emotions embedded within these communications. Statistical tools were used to validate findings, ensuring robustness in the results.
Findings
The results showcased discernible thematic and emotional disparities across platforms. While some platforms leaned toward factual information dissemination, others were rife with user sentiments, anecdotes and personal experiences. Overall, a global sense of concern was evident, but the ways in which this concern manifested varied significantly between platforms.
Research limitations/implications
The primary limitation is the potential non-representativeness of the sample, as only four major social media platforms were considered. Future studies might expand the scope to include emerging platforms or non-English language platforms. Additionally, the rapidly evolving nature of social media discourse implies that findings might be time-bound, necessitating periodic follow-up studies.
Practical implications
Understanding the nature of discourse on various platforms can guide health organizations, policymakers and communicators in tailoring their messages. Recognizing where factual information is required, versus where sentiment and personal stories resonate, can enhance the efficacy of public health communication strategies.
Social implications
The study underscores the societal reliance on social media for information during crises. Recognizing the different ways in which communities engage with, and are influenced by, platform-specific discourse can help in fostering a more informed and empathetic society, better equipped to handle global challenges.
Originality/value
This research is among the first to offer a comprehensive, cross-platform analysis of social media discourse during a global health event. By comparing user engagement across platforms, it provides unique insights into the multifaceted nature of public sentiment and information dissemination during crises.
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Hakan Karaosman, Donna Marshall and Irene Ward
Just transition is a fundamental concept for supply chain management but neither discipline pays attention to the other and little is known about how supply chains can be…
Abstract
Purpose
Just transition is a fundamental concept for supply chain management but neither discipline pays attention to the other and little is known about how supply chains can be orchestrated as socioecological systems to manage these transitions. Building from a wide range of just transition examples, this paper explores just transition to understand how to move beyond instrumental supply chain practices to supply chains functioning in harmony with the planet and its people.
Design/methodology/approach
Building from a systematic review of 72 papers, the paper identifies just transition examples while interpreting them through the theoretical lens of supply chain management, providing valuable insights to help research and practice understand how to achieve low-carbon economies through supply chain management in environmentally and socially just ways.
Findings
The paper defines, elaborates, and extends the just transition construct by developing a transition taxonomy with two key dimensions. The purpose dimension (profit or shared outcomes) and the governance dimension (government-/industry-led versus civil society-involved), generating four transition archetypes. Most transitions projects are framed around the Euro- and US-centric, capitalist standards of development, leading to coloniality as well as economic and cultural depletion of communities. Framing just transition in accordance with context-specific plural values, the paper provides an alternative perspective to the extractive transition concept. This can guide supply chain management to decarbonise economies and societies by considering the rights of nature, communities and individuals.
Originality/value
Introducing just transition into the supply chain management domain, this paper unifies the various conceptualisations of just transition into a holistic understanding, providing a new foundation for supply chain management research.