Silvia Ayuso, Xavier Carbonell and Laia Serradell
The purpose of this paper is to assess higher education institutions’ (HEIs) social sustainability by applying Integrated Social Value (ISV) analysis to eight universities…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess higher education institutions’ (HEIs) social sustainability by applying Integrated Social Value (ISV) analysis to eight universities belonging to the Catalan Association of Public Universities in Spain.
Design/methodology/approach
ISV analysis is a social accounting methodology that considers both the economic value and the social value created for all the organisation’s stakeholders through a participatory and systematic process.
Findings
The authors have shown that ISV analysis can be effective to assess the impacts on social sustainability of HEIs. The monetised results facilitate understanding about the valued impacts and allow integration with the universities’ financial data.
Research limitations/implications
The research advances the under-researched topic of social sustainability assessment in higher education.
Practical implications
Quantifying universities’ social impacts in monetary terms may help to transform conventional financial accounting and improve HEIs’ internal strategy and management according to sustainability principles.
Social implications
The process of measuring the social value created by universities provides a way to meet the rising demands for greater accountability and transparency and facilitates engagement with stakeholders on how these institutions are contributing to sustainable development.
Originality/value
ISV analysis represents an innovative approach to assess how HEIs create benefits for its internal and external stakeholders and contribute to solutions to social challenges.
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Adwaith Naimpally, Jatinder Kumar Jha and Abhishek Chakraborty
Does the simultaneous vertical and horizontal alignment of HR systems positively impact innovation? The authors use the “innovation value chain” model to explore the interplay…
Abstract
Purpose
Does the simultaneous vertical and horizontal alignment of HR systems positively impact innovation? The authors use the “innovation value chain” model to explore the interplay between the central strategic human resource management concepts of vertical and horizontal fit of HR systems and their role in positively impacting product innovation management.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the findings from a case study of a large multinational organization in the high-tech sector for the present study. In the first phase, the authors analyse responses to 20 qualitative interviews with senior business and HR executives at the organization using the grounded theory approach. In the second phase, the authors analysed six years of performance ratings and salary data for 4,500–5,500 employees.
Findings
Phase 1 of the study established the importance of innovation management as a strategic priority and the role of vertical and horizontal fit of HR systems and practices in positively impacting innovation management. Phase 2 reinforced the findings from Phase 1 by demonstrating the vertical and horizontal fit of the performance and compensation management processes towards furthering innovation management. Our study findings suggest that both forms of fit boost innovation management and interact to reinforce each other mutually, magnifying their respective positive effects towards improving innovation management.
Originality/value
While past studies have generally focused on the isolated role of either the HR system or that of a bundle of HR practices on innovation, the present study empirically demonstrates the simultaneous role of vertical and horizontal fit of HR systems and practices in furthering innovation management. The authors use interviews with senior executives and objective performance and salary data to provide the first experimental evidence of the mechanism of the interplay between the two forms of fit.
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Shashishekar M.S., Sandip Anand and Arun Kumar Paul
Smart connected products (SCP) are the new archetype of products evolving. SCP are subtly changing the product-centric business to system-centric. Development and monetization of…
Abstract
Purpose
Smart connected products (SCP) are the new archetype of products evolving. SCP are subtly changing the product-centric business to system-centric. Development and monetization of new SCP is an uphill task, it necessitates unique market orientation and business models. The purpose of this study is to establish a framework of variables influencing new smart connected products performance (NSCPP) at the market place, suggest methods to operationalize the framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The study identified key variables influencing NSCPP from existing literature. Conceptualized unique theoretical frameworks of these variables and empirically validated structural relationships. The study performed structural equation modeling using the data collected from 163 respondents having managed the development and monetization of 138 new SCP launches.
Findings
The study established structural relationships among selected variables proactive market orientation (ProMO), new product development proficiency (NPDPro) and business model innovation (BMoI). It revealed that the effect of ProMO is manifested through NPDPro. BMoI and NPDPro significantly influence NSCPP.
Practical implications
The study presented “ProMO Canvas” to plan and operationalize ProMO integrated with new product development (NPD) stage-gate activities. The study suggested the practitioners to execute ProMO activities preceding NPD activities and execute NPD, business model development activities in parallel to attain superior NSCPP.
Originality/value
This study is a novel effort to derive a unique empirical framework of variables ProMO, NPDPro and BMoI to attain superior NSCPP.
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This study aims to analyse the potential confounding and moderator role of job satisfaction on the effect of working hours on self-perceived health and to analyse the effect of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyse the potential confounding and moderator role of job satisfaction on the effect of working hours on self-perceived health and to analyse the effect of transitions between working hours and job satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
Using longitudinal data for the Catalan economy in 2005–2009, first, it runs a linear probability random effects model, with self-perceived health as the dependent variable, on one-year lagged job satisfaction, working hours and its interaction. Second, it estimated an ordered logit model to test the effect of transitions to working hours and different levels of job satisfaction on self-perceived health.
Findings
Short working hours ≤ 20 h/w predict good self-perceived health for women. Long working hours 41–47 h/w predict poor self-perceived health among men and women but not for very long hours ≥ 48 h/w. Interaction effects between working 41–47 h/w and job satisfaction levels were found for men and women. Improvements in job satisfaction for health are reduced when working long hours. For employees, a decrease in job satisfaction may suggest a health risk except if hours also reduce.
Social implications
Workplace practices aimed at gaining flexibility in working hours may be offset, in terms of health outcomes, by lower job satisfaction. Flexible working hours from the employees' side should be favoured to face reductions in job satisfaction.
Originality/value
The novelty of this paper is that highlights differential effect of job satisfaction in the relation between working hours and health status.
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Dharmendra Singh and Garima Malik
Achieving financial well-being is essential for individuals, families and countries as it leads to life satisfaction and happiness. This study synthesizes and identifies financial…
Abstract
Purpose
Achieving financial well-being is essential for individuals, families and countries as it leads to life satisfaction and happiness. This study synthesizes and identifies financial well-being’s key areas and dimensions using a blended systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis approach.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors systematically study a sample of 467 articles from the Scopus database to identify the research trend regarding financial well-being during the last 25 years (1997–2021). Various graphs and networks are presented to understand the publication trends, influential papers, conceptual and intellectual structures and research collaboration status.
Findings
Four clusters in the field of financial well-being were found: conceptualization and antecedents of financial well-being, financial well-being of young adults, the relationship between financial literacy and financial well-being and consequences of financial well-being. Further, emerging themes in financial well-being were identified with a content analysis of the papers published during the last five years.
Practical implications
This study will help financial planners, regulatory bodies and academic researchers in getting a better understanding of financial well-being and in identifying potential areas for future research.
Originality/value
Prior to this study, no such comprehensive bibliometric analysis on financial well-being has been carried out to the best of the authors' knowledge. This gap motivated the authors to combine quantitative and qualitative methods to review the published research and do a content analysis, to identify prominent authors and publications.
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Laura Gutierrez-Bucheli, Alan Reid, Gillian Kidman and Julia Lamborn
This study aims to explore how engineering curricula can address sustainability considerations. Through a cross-case analysis, a hybrid theoretical-empirical model is developed to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how engineering curricula can address sustainability considerations. Through a cross-case analysis, a hybrid theoretical-empirical model is developed to identify and analyse a broad range of possible and actual responses to sustainability within engineering education.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a multiple-case study design to compare the experiences of educators and students engaging with sustainability topics in two contrasting tertiary civil engineering programs. It draws on an original conceptual framework informed by the literature for analysing educational responses to sustainability around the world, which can be applied to a diverse range of educational settings. Conceptual review, fieldwork, case-specific and cross-case analysis have been used to refine the framework, enabling the emergence of a hybrid model.
Findings
The hybrid model suggests three levels of response to sustainability in engineering education, which can be characterised as: 1) incorporation, 2) integration and 3) transformation. Each level is analysed in relation to five dimensions: functions, content, relationships, spaces and time, which influence the nature of the response and its capacity to foster learning. Cross-case analysis findings suggest that the shape and focus of a particular response to sustainability are significantly influenced by both the types of engineering problems, and the diversity and extent of relationships that engineering educators and students engage during teaching and learning.
Practical implications
Cross-case analysis reveals that developing and supporting (inter)subjective relationships can play a pivotal role in fostering a transformation level of response. Engagement with Indigenous, more-than-human and interdisciplinary perspectives in engineering education for sustainability can also be critical to deepening students’ reflexivity.
Originality/value
The study helps ground theory-driven frameworks for analysing the nature and purpose of responses to sustainability in engineering education, and higher education more broadly. The study also offers a novel hybrid model for identifying and classifying responses to sustainability in engineering education and other disciplines.
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Ayesha Shehzad and Kanwal Iqbal Khan
Ecological degradation is causing various medical hazards worldwide. Modern globalization is enhancing several polluting factors that cause ecosystem deterioration. This situation…
Abstract
Purpose
Ecological degradation is causing various medical hazards worldwide. Modern globalization is enhancing several polluting factors that cause ecosystem deterioration. This situation leads to the increasing significance of implementing green environmental practices. Previous studies emphasize various green concepts, mainly in finance, encouraging investors to make ethical and responsible decisions to promote clean ecological practices. But still, emerging concepts like socially responsible investment (SRI) require more understanding and acknowledgment, particularly in developing economies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has focused on exploring the impediments to SRI-adopting practices. It is conducted in two phases. Initially, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the hurdles in promoting SRI. Later, open-ended interviews from the active investors of Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited were executed to explore the barriers to implementing the SRI system. The responses were transcribed and tested through NVivo software.
Findings
The information extracted from the recorded statements was further classified into three themes: initial, subordinate and cluster, which provides an understanding of the identified factors. The findings suggest that the significant complications hindering SRI are a lack of regulatory framework, inadequate conceptual knowledge and limited resources.
Practical implications
The findings state that the identified impediments can help in developing a framework for successfully implementing SRI practices in emerging economies. It can strengthen the stakeholders' knowledge and suggest a guideline for investment decisions, providing them with socially, ethically and financially positive returns. Therefore, this study will inspire active and potential investors to adopt SRI practices, making the economic uplift certain.
Originality/value
This study will add value to the existing body of knowledge related to SRI and highlight the importance of SRI by suggesting it as a source to ensure sustainable green efficiency, particularly in the postpandemic era. It emphasizes the urgent need for a policy framework for effective investment decisions in emerging economies.
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Milagros Isabel Rivas Mendoza, Asghar Afshar Jahanshahi, Luis Alexander Pulido Joo, Mohammad Rashed Hasan Polas, Luis Antonio Paredes Izaguirre and Luis Fernando Espejo-Chacón
This study explores social entrepreneurship as a viable career path for employees facing hostile workplace conditions in Peru. It examines the gender-specific effects of workplace…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores social entrepreneurship as a viable career path for employees facing hostile workplace conditions in Peru. It examines the gender-specific effects of workplace challenges such as hostility, discrimination and sexual harassment on individuals’ aspirations for career transitions and entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 450 Peruvian workers experiencing adverse workplace conditions. Quantitative data analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between perceived workplace challenges, intentions to leave current jobs and the propensity to pursue social entrepreneurship. Gender differences were analyzed to uncover unique patterns in these relationships.
Findings
Results reveal significant gender differences: females report higher levels of discrimination, while males report higher perceptions of workplace harassment. Females intending to leave their jobs demonstrated a stronger inclination toward social entrepreneurship compared to their male counterparts. These findings underline the detrimental impact of hostile work environments on employee aspirations and highlight social entrepreneurship as a meaningful career option for individuals seeking to address societal issues.
Practical implications
This research offers valuable insights for organizations and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of creating equitable work environments. It also underscores the potential of social entrepreneurship to empower individuals disillusioned by conventional workplace structures to drive positive social change.
Originality/value
By elucidating the role of social entrepreneurship as an alternative career path, our study contributes to the growing body of literature on entrepreneurship and social impact, offering valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners aiming to foster more equitable and empowering work environments.