This paper aimed to research attitudes of women working in the Croatian public relations (PR) industry regarding office culture (networking, banter, dress codes, etc.).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aimed to research attitudes of women working in the Croatian public relations (PR) industry regarding office culture (networking, banter, dress codes, etc.).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses Bourdieu's habitus theory and analyses the experiences of women working in the Croatian PR industry with a focus on office culture. The study is based on 21 in-depth interviews with women working in the Croatian PR industry. Thematic analysis has been used to analyse data.
Findings
Although female employees (76.84%) dominate the PR industry in Croatia, the so-called masculine patterns still prevail in the PR sector. Results show that women are often exposed to gender discrimination but at the same time, they also perpetuate gender-based prejudices.
Practical implications
Employees in the PR industry should consider working on their own gender stereotypes that impact their patterns of behaviour. Relinquishment of the ideas of patriarchal essentialism would consequently change career progression opportunities, and it would particularly improve networking among women, which could lead to career advancement opportunities.
Social implications
Structural changes are needed in society to avoid women perpetuating inequality through masculine behaviour and unrealistic expectations that many women cannot meet.
Originality
To the best of the author's knowledge, this paper is the first paper that explores gender-biased office culture in the Croatian PR industry. In doing so, the paper also applies Bourdieu's habitus theory, thus contributing to studying cultural masculinities from a Croatian perspective. The paper also introduces the concept of gender-biased behaviour.
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Mirela Holy and Marija Geiger Zeman
This study examines the critical role of central banks, specifically the Croatian National Bank (CNB), in promoting environmental sustainability within the financial sector. While…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the critical role of central banks, specifically the Croatian National Bank (CNB), in promoting environmental sustainability within the financial sector. While banking activities may seem unrelated to environmental concerns, they are pivotal in supporting the green transition and mitigating climate change. Building on Weber (2019) argument that sustainable development should be integral to banking strategies, this paper explores how the CNB communicates its environmental responsibilities. This study aims to examine how the CNB frames its environmental communication (EC) and explore the broader implications of such communication in fostering systemic change toward a low-carbon economy. By addressing this, the study fills a theoretical gap in understanding the role of central banks in EC within the context of sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts a qualitative approach, including an in-depth interview with the CNB’s Deputy Governor and a content analysis of the CNB’s Climate Strategy based on the media and visual framing theory (Entman, 1993; Messaris, 1997). The analysis focuses on the framing of EC through key dichotomies such as anthropocentric vs. biocentric, local vs. global, pragmatic vs. constitutive, instrumental vs. intrinsic and techno-centric vs. eco-centric. Additionally, the study examines the targeted audience of these communications to understand the CNB’s approach to fostering broader engagement with sustainability goals.
Findings
The study reveals that the CNB’s EC incorporates both pragmatic and constitutive dimensions, emphasising a balance between immediate, practical financial considerations and broader systemic ideological shifts. The CNB’s Climate Strategy highlights a clear focus on reducing negative environmental impacts, supporting socially responsible business and promoting a low-carbon economy. However, while some elements of the communication are globally oriented and techno-centric, the findings suggest a need for deeper engagement with eco-centric and intrinsic value-based messaging to support a truly transformative green transition.
Research limitations/implications
A limitation of the paper is that analysis may be constrained by the lack of longitudinal data, making it difficult to assess the long-term effectiveness of these communication efforts. Finally, the study focuses solely on one institution, which limits the generalisation of the findings to other banks or industries within the European Union and Western countries, where EC strategies might differ significantly.
Practical implications
Practical implications of the research include highlighting the need for central banks and financial institutions to adopt more comprehensive and balanced EC strategies, as well as that by refining EC strategies, central banks can play a key role in raising public awareness of climate change issues.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the limited literature on central banks' role in climate change communication by offering a critical examination of how environmental responsibilities are framed within the financial sector. It underscores the importance of a systemic shift in EC strategies to move beyond pragmatic concerns and drive long-term ideological change. The paper provides valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions on how to align communication strategies with the broader goals of sustainable development and the green transition while offering avenues for future research on the evolving role of central banks in sustainability.
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Marija Geiger Zeman, Geran-Marko Miletić and Martina Topić
The topic of well-being has been visible in academic and other discussions in recent years, but the gender aspects of well-being are often neglected. Research on well-being is…
Abstract
The topic of well-being has been visible in academic and other discussions in recent years, but the gender aspects of well-being are often neglected. Research on well-being is related to different specific domains, whereby well-being is positioned in the context of work in the manuscript. Gender divisions and gender differences permeate the labour domain at all levels and sectors, producing and maintaining gender inequalities and gender-based asymmetries. This chapter presents a descriptive analysis of data obtained from an online well-being survey in the PR and communication sector in Croatia. Data related to three dimensions of well-being at work are presented: (1) employee relationships at work (relations with supervisor and co-workers), (2) work–life in/balance and (3) gender in/equality (gender-based discrimination and harassment). A gender perspective is also included for each dimension. It was established that most respondents: (1) work in a working environment where relationships are still based on solidarity and mutual support, (2) have problems in harmonising work and life, (3) at some stage of their career witnessed or personally experienced some forms of gender discrimination and/or sexual harassment. Gender differences are identified in every researched dimension. These gender differences produce greater challenges for women and invite work organisations to change and introduce gender sensitive policies and inclusive procedures.
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Jelena Budak, Edo Rajh and Mirela Holy
This research investigates the determinants of public perception of contribution of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Croatia disaggregated by subsectors and the…
Abstract
This research investigates the determinants of public perception of contribution of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Croatia disaggregated by subsectors and the perceived role of government policy on cultural and creative industries. Based on the survey data, it empirically explored how well citizens/consumers are familiar with cultural and creative industries, their usage of cultural and creative industry products and services, and their attitudes towards cultural and creative industries. Findings that many people use them without being aware they are consuming cultural and creative industries' outputs and that benefits of cultural and creative sectors are not recognized by the public in Croatia indicate that future sectoral policy should, among others, include the public campaigns about cultural and creative industries. A well-thought-out and systematic policy for the development of the cultural and creative industries in Croatia is lacking despite public opinion on the key role of the government in that matter. Low public awareness of cultural and creative industries might stand as one of the reasons why this sector in Croatia is lagging behind the European Union. Therefore, the findings are framed to facilitate policy decision-making to encourage cultural and creative industries in Croatia.
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Mirela Holy, Marija Geiger Zeman and Zdenko Zeman
Purpose: This paper aims to present the case study of the SHE (Šibenik Hub for Ecology) hub project, ecofeminist business practice in Croatia. The SHE hub is a sustainable tourism…
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to present the case study of the SHE (Šibenik Hub for Ecology) hub project, ecofeminist business practice in Croatia. The SHE hub is a sustainable tourism project based around issues of ‘ethical consumerism’ and sustainable development and shows that is possible to implement ecofeminist ideas in business.
Method: Paper is divided into two parts. The first part is theoretical and presents an overview of relevant literature regarding ecofeminism, sustainable development, corporate social responsibility and green consumerism. The second part is a case study of the SHE hub project, based on analysis of the project website, content analysis of the media coverage regarding the project and an in-depth interview with project initiator.
Findings: The results show that strengthening of the ethical consumerism movement has given a new impetus to the realisation of ecofeminist projects in real life and that SHE hub is a good example of this. Although the SHE hub has insufficient transformative social potential, it is important to notice that sustainable change always begins with small steps.
Originality/value: The topic of the relationship between social corporate responsibility and ecofeminism has not been researched, so this case study represents a valuable contribution to the research of this relationship.