Morrison's Beloved presents a complex anatomy of guilt. This is the perception that underwrites Slavoj Zizek's recruitment of the 1987 novel in his recent discussion of ethics and…
Abstract
Morrison's Beloved presents a complex anatomy of guilt. This is the perception that underwrites Slavoj Zizek's recruitment of the 1987 novel in his recent discussion of ethics and politics. In Zizek's Fragile Absolute (2000), he claims that Sethe's murder of her child as a privileged instance of what he terms “the ethical act.” Drawing on Lacanian psychoanalytic ethics to articulate a relation between the psychic and the political, Zizek argues that the only truly ethical act is one that breaks with the cycle of law and transgression, evading the superego through a suicidal “shooting oneself in the foot.” This paper argues that while Zizek's reading of Beloved is in some ways illuminating, Morrison's novel itself offers a profound analysis of Zizek's conception of the “ethical act,” exposing the limited nature of this act as part of a larger political strategy. I propose a reading of Morrison's novel that focuses on its exploration of violence and guilt, reading it both alongside and against dominant psychoanalytic conceptions derived from Freud, Lacan, and Zizek's deployment of both.
It is widely recognized by scholars that superhero stories tend to glorify vigilante justice; after all, these stories often maintain that extralegal acts of violence are…
Abstract
It is widely recognized by scholars that superhero stories tend to glorify vigilante justice; after all, these stories often maintain that extralegal acts of violence are necessary for combatting existential threats to personal and public safety. This scholarly common sense fosters a widespread dismissal of superhero stories as uncomplicated apologia for an authoritarian politics of law and order that is animated by hatred of unpopular people and ideas. However, some prominent contemporary Batman stories, including those told in the graphic novels of Grant Morrison and in the blockbuster movies of Christopher Nolan, are ambivalent: in their portraits of Batman and Joker as dark twins and secret colleagues, these stories both legitimize and challenge the countersubversive politics of American law and order.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate store‐switching behaviours for main food‐shopping consequent on a change in operator for a major superstore; to relate results to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate store‐switching behaviours for main food‐shopping consequent on a change in operator for a major superstore; to relate results to previous research findings on store‐switching levels; and to use the results to emphasise new directions and dimensions for store‐switching research.
Design/methodology/approach
A two‐phase random household postal survey on main food‐shopping behaviour was conducted in a central Scottish city. The two phases, separated by one year, bracketed the change of a main food store from Safeway to Morrisons. A proportion of respondent households in the two phases (45 per cent) was common and represents matched subjects, allowing investigation of store‐switching behaviour.
Findings
The aggregate switching rate is higher (27.4 per cent) than found in previous UK research, despite the locational/accessibility component being held constant. No aggregate differences between switchers/non‐switchers on socio‐economic or demographic grounds were found, confirming previous US research. The high level of switching is ascribed to a re‐evaluation of store choices/attributes consequent on the store changeover, confirming the notion of a “trigger” mechanism.
Practical implications
The research has implications for competition authorities, other policy makers and retailers. It reveals the transient nature of a component of store‐switching and the store‐specific nature of store‐switching behaviour. Policy makers need to understand the baseline or natural switching rate amongst retailers generally and specifically in their area. Retailers can exploit further the store‐specific element of switching.
Originality/value
Research on store‐switching behaviour over time is rare both generally and specifically in the UK. This research provides evidence of switching rates which can be subject to confirmation/disconfirmation in other circumstances.
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This article seeks to describe apprenticeship training for butchers and bakers at UK supermarket Morrisons, and a skill‐improvement program for 500 recruits at the supermarket's…
Abstract
Purpose
This article seeks to describe apprenticeship training for butchers and bakers at UK supermarket Morrisons, and a skill‐improvement program for 500 recruits at the supermarket's Woodhead Brothers meat‐processing subsidiary, both of which were winners in the latest National Training Awards.
Design/methodology/approach
The article details the reasons for the programs, the form they took and the results they have achieved.
Findings
The article explains that the Morrisons apprenticeship program aims to ensure that there are craft‐skilled employees in every store at a time when the company's strategy is to become truly national, while the training at Woodhead Brothers aimed at providing around 500 new employees with the skills they need to operate effectively in a meat‐processing plant.
Practical implications
The article stresses the practical approach taken in the two programs, highlighting the Morrisons claim to train more butchers and bakers than any other UK retailer. It highlights the Morrisons tradition of providing its employees with the skills they need to progress in the company.
Originality/value
A variety of training programs tailored to the needs of people from different backgrounds is described in the article.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore a number of marketing issues, such as consumer buyer behaviour and distribution channels, in relation to buying halal meat (HM) from local…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore a number of marketing issues, such as consumer buyer behaviour and distribution channels, in relation to buying halal meat (HM) from local shops versus supermarkets in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
A consumer survey (300 participants) and observation of three local halal shops and a Morrisons supermarket were successfully undertaken in London, Brighton and Edinburgh.
Findings
The majority of UK Muslims do not trust big supermarkets when buying HM. They will only trust a Muslim selling halal products in their local shops. Most respondents did not know that supermarkets in their local area sold HM.
Research limitations/implications
In order to increase the sales of HM ranges, supermarkets need to improve their marketing efforts, for example by advertising in Islamic newspapers, mosques and other relevant sources. Supermarkets need to stock other complementary halal products to get a mass response from this market segment, as well as enhancing/improving their services, for example, there should be sales people who are able to advise customers on particular halal products.
Originality/value
The study reveals that the majority of UK Muslims are at odds with most UK shoppers and increasingly prefer to shop at small shops, rather than big supermarkets. The paper helps to emphasise the major issues that frame the current state of marketing HM in the UK; contributes to a better understanding of such an important customer sector; and raises the necessary commitment to restructuring HM business activities in the UK and Europe.
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Describes two award‐winning training programs for warehouse employees at UK supermarket Morrisons.
Abstract
Purpose
Describes two award‐winning training programs for warehouse employees at UK supermarket Morrisons.
Design/methodology/approach
Explains the reasons for the programs, the form they took and the results they have achieved.
Findings
Details how Morrisons trained 800 new staff in six months with the skills to operate a large new warehouse designed to deliver fresh produce to up to 65 supermarkets in Southern England. Also describes how Morrisons trained more than 3,000 of its warehouse staff across the UK to use a voice‐controlled warehouse picking system.
Practical implications
Reveals that the two programs have helped the company to achieve huge efficiencies.
Social implications
Highlights the way in which the first of the two programs provided warehousing skills for employees who largely lacked experience of working in this type of environment.
Originality/value
Reveals how the programs supported the “can do” culture that prevails at Morrisons.
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This chapter provides a retrospective and prospective exploration of some of the challenges faced by doctoral education, specifically as they relate to advanced studies of…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter provides a retrospective and prospective exploration of some of the challenges faced by doctoral education, specifically as they relate to advanced studies of educational administration (EA).
Methodology
It applies a critical stance to the current status of knowledge in the ‘leadership field’ and the intellectual underpinnings that inform the studies available as reference for doctoral students.
Findings
Nested within wider changing conditions for university and doctoral education, it is argued that the published field as currently constituted suffers from both banal and ‘non-wicked’ leadership orthodoxies that might lead to doctoral stagnation.
Practical implications
Reasons are suggested and prospects considered for revitalising scholarship for the upcoming generation of EA alumni, scholars and practitioners.
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Eva Collins, Kate Kearins, Helen Tregidga and Stephen Bowden
Chris Morrison and two partners introduced the first Fairtrade bananas in New Zealand in a bid to improve the social and environmental impacts of banana consumption. The trio…
Abstract
Synopsis
Chris Morrison and two partners introduced the first Fairtrade bananas in New Zealand in a bid to improve the social and environmental impacts of banana consumption. The trio started All Good Bananas in 2010. Using social media as a key marketing tool, the startup had grown to take a 5 percent market share in a fiercely competitive industry dominated by big players. In 2012, the entrepreneurs needed to decide the best way to increase sales of ethically sourced products under the All Good brand. Should they expand their share of the banana market or diversify into drinks?
Research methodology
The case is primarily based on tape-recorded interviews by the authors with the founding entrepreneur and three employees of All Good from May to July 2012 and an analysis of the company’s website and social media activities. Other publicly available information sources were drawn upon, and a discussion held with a New Zealand national grocery chain CEO.
Relevant courses and levels
This case has been written for use in classes in undergraduate and graduate level entrepreneurship, strategic management and sustainability. The case can be used to illustrate how very small resource-constrained startups can compete in an industry dominated by large multinational corporations, and how Fairtrade might provide a worthy differentiation focus. It is open to a consideration of judo economics. While several of the questions ask students to consider the New Zealand context in which this case is set, knowledge of New Zealand and the various industries beyond what is offered in the case is not necessary.
Theoretical bases
At a broad level the case illustrates how a small, resource-constrained startup can compete against much, much larger players through a niche Fairtrade product focus and the use of alternative marketing strategies such as guerrilla marketing and social media. In relation to the competitive dynamics within an industry, this case can be used to illustrate the concept of judo economics (also referred to as judo strategy). Both the utility and potential limits of judo economics can be demonstrated through the case by considering current activities and potential future dynamics.
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Leanne J. Morrison, Trevor Wilmshurst and Peter Hay
Environmental philosophies have guided cultures throughout history and continue to do so. This paper uses a framework of environmental philosophies drawn from history and the…
Abstract
Purpose
Environmental philosophies have guided cultures throughout history and continue to do so. This paper uses a framework of environmental philosophies drawn from history and the present, to analyse contemporary corporate environmental reporting. The purpose of this paper is to interrogate the philosophical underpinnings of corporate reporting allows for a nuanced understanding of the relationship between corporate activities and nature, and in so doing demonstrates the moral practices of accounting for nature.
Design/methodology/approach
Three themes are extracted from a historical review of western environmental philosophy: dualism, transcendence and interconnectivity. These themes are applied to a sample of corporate environmental reports through discourse analysis, enabling the illustration of otherwise obscured moral characteristics of the corporate relationship with the natural environment.
Findings
This paper uses environmental philosophies to better understand some of the implicit messaging of corporate environmental reporting. Evidence of each of the three themes is found in a sample of environmental reports, predominantly dualism and interconnectivity.
Research limitations/implications
Understanding that accounting is not just a technical, but also a social and moral practice expands the way the authors can interpret the outcomes of accounting. By presenting an exemplar of how accounting practice such as the corporate sustainability report can be analysed through a moral lens, this paper offers new insights intentioned to inform a more meaningful approach to environmental reporting.
Originality/value
A novel framework to explore the corporate sector’s relationship with the natural environment is presented. In light of current and predicted environmental changes, much of which has been attributed to the impact of corporate activities, the importance of a detailed explication of this relationship – such as the one proposed here – becomes imperative.
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Vida Y. Saa, Emmanuel A. Morrison, Douglas A. Adu and Damilola Joseph
Although listed firms in Africa are increasingly establishing board sustainability committees, their impact on corporate outcomes in the region remains relatively understudied…
Abstract
Purpose
Although listed firms in Africa are increasingly establishing board sustainability committees, their impact on corporate outcomes in the region remains relatively understudied. This study investigates the effect of executive compensation (EC) and board sustainability committee initiatives (BSCIs) on both self-reported greenhouse gas emission reduction initiatives (SRGI) and actual greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE).
Design/methodology/approach
Through the lens of resource-based view and legitimacy and stakeholder theoretical perspectives, the study conducts a fixed-effects model over a dataset of 2,310 firm-year observations from African countries between 2002 and 2022.
Findings
The findings show that while EC has a negative impact on SRGI, it does not have a similar effect on outcome-based GHGE reduction. The study observes that SRGI has no effect on actual GHG emissions. We add a fresh dimension to the literature by documenting that BSCIs are associated with greater outcome-based GHGE but do not seem to improve symbolic SRGI. The evidence shows that BSCIs have no moderating impact on the association between symbolic SRGI and outcome-based GHGE. Finally, the study establishes that the predicted associations vary across different periods.
Originality/value
This study helps unpack the role of the board sustainability committee, which Orazalin et al. (2024) show has key economic implications. The findings help stakeholders including corporate boards, executives and regulators to understand how board sustainability committee characteristics and EC are associated with GHG emissions. The results are particularly essential as this study demonstrates the need for specific standards for disclosing GHG emission-related information, notably in the non-existence of mandatory GHG reporting.