Clayton dos Santos Lima, Debora Londero Kieling, Lucas Veiga Ávila, Arminda Paço and Vinícius Costa da Silva Zonatto
The purpose of this paper is to analyse through a systematic literature review the evolution of the theme of environmental social and governance (ESG) in universities, correlating…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse through a systematic literature review the evolution of the theme of environmental social and governance (ESG) in universities, correlating variables and presenting a panorama for Latin American universities.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a systematic literature review approach. The Web of Science database was used for data collection, and a set of keywords (Environmental, Social and Governance × Universities) and a classification method were used, resulting in 111 articles classified in the Zotero software. After classification, these publications were analysed in the VOSviewer software.
Findings
The main evidence about ESG and universities shows that its relevance has been growing worldwide with an emphasis on England, the USA, Spain, followed by Brazil in fourth place regarding the number of papers published worldwide. The most representative areas identified were governance, sustainability, higher education, sustainable campus, environmental science, ecology, science and technology. The journals presenting more published papers under the topic are International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainability. As for the most relevant authors, the Europeans Lozano and Leal Filho, Velasquez from Mexico and Brandli from Brazil were identified. As for institutions, the University Durham, State University System of Florida and State University of Campinas do Brazil stand out.
Research limitations/implications
As the main limitation of the study is related to the sample of articles. This study is focused on the analysis of publications from the last decade, presenting only 111 results. However, this restriction in the timeline is justified as it is a new topic; this study was also limited to the use of a single database; in this sense, future research can carry out a more comprehensive review of the sustainability literature covering periods prior to a decade and an analysis in other databases.
Originality/value
These results provide a basis for improving sustainability in universities and ESG in Latin America. It also allows to explore and reflect on several indicators, enabling the evaluation and planning of actions to improve competitiveness.
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Ana Nave, Arminda do Paço and Paulo Duarte
This study aims to carry out a systematic literature review to identify the factors stimulating the adoption of sustainable practices by wine tourism companies, from two…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to carry out a systematic literature review to identify the factors stimulating the adoption of sustainable practices by wine tourism companies, from two perspectives: supply and demand.
Design/methodology/approach
To carry out the systematic literature review, a search in two databases – ISI Web of Science and SCOPUS – was performed to collect wine tourism and sustainability-related papers. This search allowed to identify 60 papers published during the period 2005–2020.
Findings
The analysis revealed three factors explaining the adoption of sustainable practices by wine tourism companies, from the supply perspective: competitiveness, innovation and territorial development. From the demand perspective, two factors that emerged are as follows: awareness and recognition. Sustainability strategies contribute to improving companies’ competitiveness; innovation is associated essentially with reducing the ecological footprint, whereas adaptation to new forms of consumption and territorial development is connected to economic and social development. Consumers are increasingly aware and choose sustainable and responsible lifestyles; this being reflected in their new preferences and the recognition given to firms that implement sustainable practices. The findings also show that companies are increasingly establishing goals and objectives taking sustainable development into consideration, and consumers are also aware of sustainability issues at the moment of acquiring products and services. In addition, the wine tourism sector was found to be growing worldwide.
Originality/value
The originality of the current study is based on focussing the supply and demand sides simultaneously. Furthermore, as no previous review was made in the subject of sustainability in the wine tourism sector, the findings are both innovative and original and provide valuable guidance for future research.
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Arminda do Paço and Ana Cláudia Nave
Given the increased awareness about the social issues in organisations and the need for more research, particularly in the area of employee voluntary activities, the purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the increased awareness about the social issues in organisations and the need for more research, particularly in the area of employee voluntary activities, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the motivations that lead employees to agree to participate in the corporate volunteering activities promoted by their companies, as well as to assess their level of satisfaction and happiness with the activity of volunteering.
Design/methodology/approach
This research had the collaboration of a company to develop the case study about its volunteering programme and for the collection of data through an electronic questionnaire.
Findings
The results indicate a similar hierarchical organisation of the motivations when compared with some previous studies. The volunteers’ experience is satisfactory in all aspects, and is positively related to feelings of happiness. However, the results evidence a weak/moderate relation between volunteers’ motivations and happiness/satisfaction.
Practical implications
More efforts are needed to improve the volunteers’ training and formation, which was pointed as the less satisfactory aspect (similarly to other studies). Thus, it is necessary to question the methods usually used in the training provided, which may involve the restructuring of the training plan to adapt it to the employees’ needs and to guarantee the quality of the work.
Originality/value
A great part of the existent research is focused on the motivations of “conventional” volunteers which collaborate occasionally with non‐profit organisations. Thus, present study will expand the research in the area of corporate volunteering, contributing to better understand what really motivates, satisfies and makes volunteers happy with this activity.
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Ana Cláudia Nave and Arminda do Paço
Given the current importance of corporate social responsibility, this research is designed to discover the motivations that lead employees to agree to participate in the corporate…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the current importance of corporate social responsibility, this research is designed to discover the motivations that lead employees to agree to participate in the corporate volunteering activities promoted by their companies and to understand whether demographic variables such as gender and age have an influence on different types of motivations.
Design/methodology/approach
This research had the collaboration of a company to develop the case study about its volunteering programme and for the collection of data through an electronic questionnaire.
Findings
The variables related with the factor values were identified as the most important motivational category for people to engage in volunteering, which shows that what these volunteers want is to contribute to the success of the event and the respective social cause. On the other hand, the motivational category related with career was considered the less important.
Practical implications
The participation in volunteering activities enable employees to broaden their communication skills, increase their aptitude for helping others, adapting, negotiating and working as a team, while also increasing their confidence, creativity, leadership capacity, their desire for continuing improvement and their problem‐solving skills.
Originality/value
A great part of existing research is focused on the motivations of “conventional” volunteers which collaborate occasionally with nonprofit organizations. Thus, the present study will expand the research in the area of corporate volunteering, contributing to a better understanding of what really motivates employees to volunteer.
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Arminda do Paço and Mário Raposo
The purpose of this paper is to identify distinct market segments based on several environmental variables. Given the complexity and the range of variables that may determine the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify distinct market segments based on several environmental variables. Given the complexity and the range of variables that may determine the characterisation of these groups, as was made evident in the literature review, it was decided to focus this research mainly on analysing the environmental and demographic criteria.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected through a survey of Portuguese consumers, aged over 18. The model of data collection was a survey conducted by self‐administered questionnaire. A total of 887 were considered valid (the final sample). The questionnaire is composed of two sections. In the first part, data are collected about the demographic characteristics of respondents. The second part examines the environmental dimension (concern, affect, knowledge, environmentally friendly behaviours, information search, activism, green products buying behaviour, sensitivity to price, waste separation/recycling, perceived efficiency, scepticism, etc.). After collection, the data were statistically analysed and interpreted using the statistical software Statistical Package for Social Sciences 15.0. The data obtained were submitted to a multivariate statistical analysis, which included the following sequence of statistical treatment: factor analysis, cluster analysis and discriminant analysis. After this, a characterisation was made of the segments found.
Findings
The results of this study show that there are consumers who buy green products and that certain environmental and demographic variables are significant for differentiating between the “greener” segment and the other segments. Yet, generally speaking, one is left with the impression that the Portuguese, despite their support for policies designed to improve the environment, do not translate their concerns into actions: they rarely join environmentalist associations and they do not take part in policy making. Their participation is often based on protecting the environment by saving electricity and water, which shows that these concerns may be more closely related with economic factors than with an environmental consciousness. It can be concluded that Portuguese consumers understand the challenges currently placed before the environment, and that they are aware of the existence of environmental problems, even though their concerns are not always translated into environmentally friendly behaviour. It was also noted that there are consumers who are prepared to base their buying decisions on purchasing products that do not harm the environment. In fact, it was seen that there is a segment of “greener” consumers in the sample that differs significantly in some aspects from the other market segments.
Originality/value
The importance of market segmentation is highlighted, together with a presentation of the most relevant criteria for differentiating individuals in terms of their environmental behaviour. The results of this study show that there are consumers who buy green products and that certain environmental and demographic variables are significant for differentiating between the “greener” segment and the other segments.
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Mário Raposo, Arminda do Paço and João Ferreira
This paper aims to identify the profile of the potential entrepreneur student in what concerns the personal attributes and motivations for start‐ups' creation.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the profile of the potential entrepreneur student in what concerns the personal attributes and motivations for start‐ups' creation.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of literature related to the entrepreneur profile is made in order to justify the importance of the theme. Through some studies it was possible to identify a diversity of works and authors that present some aspects which contribute to the characterisation of entrepreneur individuals. The present research uses primary data obtained by means of a questionnaire, involving a sample of students, which were currently engaged in a graduation course at the University of Beira Interior. The questionnaire was administrated by interviews conducted in the classrooms of the University's faculties. The collected data were submitted to a multivariate statistical analysis.
Findings
Research findings include the existence of a typology of two distinct groups of students, respectively designated by “The accommodated independents” and “The confidents”, according to the most outstanding characteristics related with several attributes and motivations presented by each of them.
Practical implications
The identification of the entrepreneurs' characteristics and the knowledge of the potential business creator students' profile may be important for the development of an adequate educational programme directed to the entrepreneurship education and start‐up processes.
Originality/value
The paper identifies some important characteristics that are common in entrepreneurs. The findings could be used both to promote entrepreneurship in our education systems and to identify the best practices.
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Anabela Dinis, Arminda do Paço, João Ferreira, Mário Raposo and Ricardo Gouveia Rodrigues
The purpose of this paper is to test a model of entrepreneurial intentions among secondary students based on their psychological characteristics. Furthermore, this seeks to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test a model of entrepreneurial intentions among secondary students based on their psychological characteristics. Furthermore, this seeks to determine whether teenage students (14-15 years old) possess entrepreneurial characteristics and whether these characteristics correspond to entrepreneurial intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of secondary students was chosen ranging from 14 to 15 years old. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analysed by univarite statistics and structural equations modelling (PLS) to measure the relationship between the psychological characteristics and entrepreneurial intentions.
Findings
The results demonstrate there is a relationship between (some) psychological characteristics and entrepreneurial intentions. The propensity to risk negatively influences entrepreneurial intentions, meanwhile self-confidence and the need for achievement positively influence the construct. The relationship between tolerance and ambiguity, locus of control and innovativeness with entrepreneurial intentions reported no statistical significance.
Research limitations/implications
The results reinforce the idea that psychological characteristics (trait approach) influence entrepreneurial intentions. However, the model needs further development through the incorporation of behavioural characteristics. This would allow for the understanding of whether behaviour and trait theories oppose or complement each other.
Originality/value
The paper provides important evidence for improving entrepreneurship education for young students. First, it is important to incite and develop some psychological characteristics in order to promote entrepreneurial intentions. Second, entrepreneurship curricula should jointly develop both entrepreneurial characteristics and the awareness among students about the viability of an entrepreneurial career. This may be achieved not only by presenting entrepreneurs as role models, promoting an entrepreneurial culture but also by developing entrepreneurial skills that improve self-confidence.
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Florian Kragulj, Anna Katharina Grill, Raysa Geaquinto Rocha and Arminda do Paço
Sustainable management requires companies to build up new knowledge to acquire the competencies needed for action. This chapter aims to deliver knowledge about sustainability and…
Abstract
Sustainable management requires companies to build up new knowledge to acquire the competencies needed for action. This chapter aims to deliver knowledge about sustainability and knowledge for sustainability. Firstly, we systematically analyse the sustainability literature in the social sciences through a bibliographic analysis and topic modelling using VOSviewer and Mallet software. We outline research directions, themes and critical contributions for each research cluster identified. Additionally, we categorise over 30 definitions of sustainability identified by Meuer, Koelbel, and Hoffmann (2020). Secondly, we enumerate knowledge types needed for effective sustainability transitions of organisations. We trace typologies of sustainable business models and their distinct evaluations of sustainability. In this chapter, we argue that integrating the triad of social, ecological and economic goals is central for sustainability attempts as well as long-term thinking. Therefore, our research offers a comprehensive overview of sustainability in the social sciences supporting researchers and practitioners to navigate this miscellaneous and scattered field. Accordingly, our study is precious to young scholars researching sustainability who want to use the term in an informed and meaningful way.
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João J. Ferreira, Mário L. Raposo, Ricardo Gouveia Rodrigues, Anabela Dinis and Arminda do Paço
The field of entrepreneurship is dotted across different paradigms. Measuring entrepreneurial intention automatically needs to incorporate insights from the psychological approach…
Abstract
Purpose
The field of entrepreneurship is dotted across different paradigms. Measuring entrepreneurial intention automatically needs to incorporate insights from the psychological approach and behavioural approach. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a comprehensive structural equation model which combines both psychological and behavioural perspectives aiming to identify what variables have influence on entrepreneurial intention of secondary students.
Design/methodology/approach
This research was developed involving a sample of secondary students. The method of data collection was a survey by self‐administered questionnaire, to two secondary student classes, with several groups of questions related to demographic characteristics, behavioural and psychological constructs and entrepreneurial intention. Data was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).
Findings
The results show that need for achievement, self‐confidence, and personal attitude positively affect entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, subjective norms and personal attitude affect perceived behavioural control. These findings could have a significant impact on knowledge of the contributions of behavioural and psychological theories to the entrepreneurial intention.
Research limitations/implications
Understanding of the ways in which several psychological and behavioural characteristics influence the entrepreneurial intention could help to advance our knowledge of the entrepreneurial process. Educational systems need to be oriented to emphasize and value entrepreneurship in order to promote an enterprise culture. Methods to teach entrepreneurship should also be explored further.
Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to provide evidences of the entrepreneurial intention explained by several constructs related to psychological and behavioural characteristics in a 14‐15‐year‐old student population. Additionally, most studies of the entrepreneurial intention associated to these approaches have been mostly conceptual, and the few empirical studies have not used structural equation modelling. The use of these statistical tests helps to overcome the limitations evident in conceptual studies and provide evidence of the relationships between behavioural and psychological traits simultaneously.