Alternative Opportunities Research Articles

THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF SPORTS BETTING ON YOUTH IN GASHUA, YOBE STATE

Sports betting have emerged as a widespread phenomenon among Nigerian youths, offering both opportunities and challenges. In Gashua, Yobe State, where unemployment and limited recreational activities prevail, sports betting has become a popular pursuit. This study examines the socio-economic effects of sports betting on youth, focusing on its implications for financial stability, social relationships, and overall well-being. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 300 youths through surveys and supplemented with in-depth interviews with local betting agents and community leaders.The findings reveal a dual impact: on the one hand, sports betting provide a source of entertainment and occasional income for some participants, alleviating short-term financial pressures. On the other hand, it poses significant risks, including financial instability, gambling addiction, and strained interpersonal relationships. Over 60% of respondents reported consistent financial losses, while 28% exhibited addictive behaviors. Socially, the activity has contributed to increased tension within families and a rise in petty crimes linked to gambling debt.The study concludes that while sports betting has become a coping mechanism for many young people, its negative effects outweigh the benefits. Addressing this issue requires a combination of public awareness campaigns, stricter regulations on betting platforms, and the introduction of alternative income-generating opportunities for youths. These measures will help mitigate the risks associated with sports betting and promote a more sustainable socio-economic environment in Gashua.

Intangible resources of rural development policy: pyramid of opportunities

Political phenomena and processes occurring in rural areas, which were largely neglected by political scientists, are attracting more attention and they present promising problems, which are associated both with ongoing geopolitical transformations and with public discourse on food security and demographic processes. The formation of political rural studies as a sub-branch of political science stands is in its infancy. The purpose of our study is to identify the influence of intangible resources on rural development policy. Development policy is presented as a non-linear process associated with the search and institutional design of alternative development opportunities that take into account the diversity of meanings and dimensions of social well-being. The empirical research methodology underlying this paper combines qualitative and quantitative strategies and is based on an expert survey, traditional document analysis, statistical data analysis, focus group interviews in 12 rural settlements in the Krasnodar Territory and a mass survey. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis allowed us to present a set of intangible resources as a pyramid, in which the broad base, the foundation, is made up of first-order resources - local identity, human potential and leadership; the second tier of the pyramid consists of second-order resources - social capital, development institutions; and at the top are third-order resources - civil solidarity, trust and subjective well-being. A comprehensive analysis of intangible resources has allowed us to identify four empirical models of development policy: a responsible development model, a fragmented development model, a distant development model and a stagnant model.

Priorities in Strategic Personnel Management in Tourism and Hospitality

Topicality of problems of strategic HR management in complicated and uncertain current conditions is proved by importance of personnel in the field of tourism and hospitality and affected by professional qualities of employees, which stipulates the level of tourist satisfaction, efficiency and competitiveness of organization as a whole. The goal of the research is to identify priorities among alternative opportunities in strategic HR management in enterprises of tourist and hospitality industry. Methodology of the research is based on integration of systemic and strategic management. The model of strategic HR management and empiric data at enterprises of the hotel type show high personnel turnover, uneven employment, absence of social ways of stimulation, importance of economic ways of motivation usually available in large hotels. Therefore, each enterprise elaborates its own system of employee retaining on the basis of balancing material and non-material incentives and forms a complex approach to methods of HR management. Working-out of priorities in strategic HR management rests on provisions of strategy of organization development and its key components. As alternative opportunities the following trends were proposed: innovation HR management with IKT elements, research and analytical approach, Well-being concept.

Organizational culture as an explanation for job search effort across small, medium, and large firms

This study examines whether organizational culture influences employees to seek alternative job opportunities and explores the moderating effect of firm size on the relationship between organizational culture and job search effort. Conducted in Sri Lanka, the research focuses on employees from small, medium, and large private firms, categorized by the number of persons employed. A total of 252 valid responses were analyzed. The findings reveal that organizational culture significantly impacts employees’ job search effort and that firm size plays a moderating role in this relationship.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor treatment has differential effects on the incidence of various malignancies: Evidence from a spontaneous adverse reaction database.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitors are expected to demonstrate secondary effects against malignancy. However, long-term and large-scale data are required to evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on malignancy, which has not been sufficiently studied in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and malignancy using the spontaneous adverse reaction database. The United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database between 1997 (4Q) and 2020 (2Q) was used in this study. Reporting odds ratio (ROR) was selected as the safety-signaling measure. An inverse signal suggesting potential alternative therapeutic opportunities was defined when the upper limit of 95% confidence interval (CI) was < 1. The association between SGLT2 inhibitors and malignancies was evaluated. The total number of reports in the database during the study period was 13,106,455. SGLT2 inhibitors showed significant associations with pancreatic cancer (ROR: 3.08. 95% CI: 2.68 - 3.55), and kidney cancer (ROR: 1.39. 95% CI: 1.13 - 1.72). SGLT2 inhibitors showed significant inverse associations with breast cancer (ROR: 0.32. 95% CI: 0.27 - 0.39), lung cancer (ROR: 0.47. 95% CI: 0.37 - 0.59), liver cancer (ROR: 0.68. 95% CI: 0.50 - 0.93), and malignant melanoma (ROR: 0.49. 95% CI: 0.34 - 0.70). SGLT2 inhibitors may increase the incidence of pancreatic cancer and kidney cancer, and decrease the incidence of breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, and malignant melanoma. These associations need to be further examined in other clinical studies and research in the future.

Understanding employee retention in the age of AI and robotics: a study of technology competencies and turnover intentions in the hotel sector

Purpose This study leverages the frameworks of the conservation of resources theory frameworks and Person-Organization Person-Job Fit Theory to scrutinize the direct effects of employee STARA (smart technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics and algorithms) competencies on turnover intentions. Concurrently, this study aims to investigate the mediating influence of the intention to use technologies in the aforementioned relationship. Design/methodology/approach Data were amassed from 547 employees in the US hotel industry and subjected to structural equation modeling for analysis. Findings The results reveal that there is no significant correlation between employee technology competencies and turnover intentions. However, mediation analysis elucidates that technology competencies among employees are positively and significantly correlated with turnover intentions via the intention to use technology. Moderation analysis further substantiates that this positive correlation is augmented when employees perceive a high level of alternative job opportunities. Research limitations/implications This research suggests that hotel businesses should not only focus on technological adoption but also consider how employees’ techno-competencies and their perceptions of fit within the organization can impact their willingness to stay or leave, thereby offering a more comprehensive approach to employee retention strategies. Originality/value Unlike previous research that primarily viewed STARA technologies as job replacers and threats, this study reframes them as complements to employees’ roles.

Dual career athletes and psycho-physiological stress

Introduction: The high-level athletic careers frequently conclude significantly earlier than those in other fields, and at times, despite the considerable efforts exerted, they do not consistently flourish as anticipated. Consequently, numerous athletes concurrently pursue academic pathways to adequately prepare for alternative professional opportunities beyond the realm of sports. Objective: Accordingly, the objective of the current investigation was to examine the efficacy of Yoga in ameliorating the stress levels experienced by student-athletes. Methodology: A cohort of 50 dual-career athletes with ages ranging from 18 to 25 years, was selected from five universities. The participants in the experimental group participated in a Yoga regimen in addition to their standard training protocol. In contrast, the participants within the control group continued to engage in conventional sport-specific training. Preceding and after the Yoga intervention, the students underwent psycho-physiological assessments, including the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) and vagus-mediated heart rate variability (HRV). Results: The results indicated a significant Time x Group interaction effect for both the SMS and HRV, suggesting a substantial enhancement in the treatment groups. Discussion: This study confirmed that meditative practice through Yoga can be a source of improvement of psycho-physiological parameters in the context of interventions aimed at improving the well-being of dual career students Conclusions: In conclusion, there is a need to support and increase research in this area to have new and adequate information about the reality of the Dual Career and to be able to help student-athletes to reconcile school and sports paths.

Anteseden Niat Karyawan Meninggalkan Umkm dengan Persepsi Peluang Kerja Alternatif sebagai Variabel Moderasi

The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of job satisfaction on organizational commitment and intention to leave MSMEs which is moderated by perceptions of alternative job opportunities. A total of 89 questionnaires were distributed to MSME employees in Malang City. The collected data was then analyzed using the descriptive-associative method with the help of PLS ​​version 3.0 software. The results of this research analysis show that job satisfaction has a significant positive influence on organizational commitment. Apart from that, job satisfaction also has a negative effect on the intention to leave the company, both directly and through organizational commitment. Perceptions of alternative job opportunities can weaken the influence of job satisfaction on organizational commitment and strengthen the negative influence of organizational commitment on intentions to leave MSMEs.

Destination Image of Lake Salda in the Lens of Tourists and Locals

Salda, included in the World's Top 100 Geological Heritage List in 2024 and declared as the representative of Mars on Earth, is a remarkable destination thanks to its natural beauty and rare features. The number of visitors seeking to discover this unique destination is increasing day by day, driven by its uniqueness and promotional activities. In this context, it is important to determine the image of this destination. The study aims to determine the destination image of Lake Salda from the perspective of domestic tourists and locals. A qualitative research design was adopted, and interviews were conducted with a total of 30 participants using the purposeful sampling technique. The data was examined through reflexive thematic analysis using the MaxQDA program. It was concluded that Lake Salda has a positive destination image with its natural beauties and safe environmental perception, but the problems experienced in the conservation and promotional processes of the area, the deficiencies in the infrastructure and superstructure in the destination, and the unconscious behaviors of individuals are factors that negatively affect this image. Future studies can examine the sustainability of the destination in more detail, determine strategies for awareness-raising practices, and focus on the current status of alternative accommodation opportunities in the area.

Social Analysis of NTFP (Non-Timber Forest Products) Dependent Livelihoods of South India

Aim: This study explores the socioeconomic factors influencing the collection of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) among tribal communities in Wayanad, Kerala, South India. It also examines their perceptions of the decline in NTFP availability and their awareness about the conservation measures necessary to address the issue. Methodology: The data was collected from 105 households to assess NTFP dependency, and their perceptions. Multilinear regression was used to analyse the factors affecting NTFP collection and Likert scale was utilized to understand their perception and awareness. Results: Results revealed significant gender disparities, with men primarily involving in physically demanding NTFP collection activities. The findings indicated a relatively low interest among the youth towards NTFP collection, with younger generation increasingly disengaging in favour of alternative employment opportunities linked to higher education. variables such as tribal group, land ownership, total marketing expenditure, income from wages, agricultural income, and overall annual income significantly influenced total NTFP income levels. Majority of tribals had a medium level of awareness, recognizing the primary causes of decline but lacked a comprehensive understanding. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the urgent need for integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation practices, promoting sustainable harvesting methods, enhancing market infrastructure, and the need for targeted interventions that empower women in NTFP-related livelihoods, offering them training and access to higher-value NTFP collections. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the social upliftment of tribal communities and sustainable management of NTFPs.

Composition-Tunable Bandgap Engineering of Horizontally Guided CdSxSe1-x Nanowalls for High-Performance Photodetectors.

Composition-adjustable semiconductor nanomaterials have garnered significant attention due to their controllable bandgaps and electronic structures, providing alternative opportunities to regulate photoelectric properties and develop the corresponding multifunction optoelectronic devices. Nevertheless, the large-scale integration of semiconductor nanomaterials into practical devices remains challenging. Here, we report a synthesis strategy for the well-aligned horizontal CdSxSe1-x (x = 0-1) nanowall arrays, which are guided grown on an annealed M-plane sapphire using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approaches. Microstructural characterizations demonstrate these structures as horizontally guided nanowalls with high-quality crystallinity. Microphotoluminescence (μ-PL) reveals the CdSxSe1-x nanowalls exhibiting continuously tunable spontaneous emissions from 509 nm (pure CdS) to 713 nm (pure CdSe), further confirming that CdSxSe1-x alloys have a continuously tunable bandgap. Notably, a photodetector based on CdSxSe1-x nanowalls displays excellent photoelectric performance, such as high responsivity (3 × 102 ∼ 1 × 103 A/W), high external quantum efficiency (1.01 × 103 ∼ 2.93 × 103), and fast response speed in the millisecond magnitude. Furthermore, the CdS nanowall-based photodetectors exhibit a remarkable image-sensing capability, indicating potential applications in high-performance image sensing in the future. Bandgap continuously tunable nanowall arrays with high-quality crystallinity inject great vitality into the manufacturing of high-performance integrated optoelectronic devices.

Development of discounted value in accounting

The article analyzes the evolution of the concept of discounted value in accounting, ranging from simple mathematical models to modern analytical tools and a variety of approaches to the study of discounted value, emphasizing the activity of the scientific community in this area and the importance of introducing discounting methods in accounting. The relevance of this topic is justified by the need to take into account the time value of money, which makes it possible to effectively assess the current value of future cash flows. Discounted value based on the principle of time value of money implies the use of a discount rate that reflects market conditions and specific risks. FSBU5/2019, FSBU6/2020, FSBU26/2020, which confirms the importance of this instrument in accounting. The effective use of discounting requires consideration of multiple factors such as inflation, risks and alternative investment opportunities, making the valuation more complex and multifaceted. The correct application of discounted value contributes to a more realistic view of assets and financial liabilities, improving the accounting and management decision-making process.

Development and Assessment of a High-Fidelity Simulator for the Microsurgical Dissection of the Sylvian Fissure

BackgroundThe dissection of the Sylvian fissure (SF) is a crucial technique requiring considerable expertise and skills traditionally acquired through years of experience. The continous decline in surgical case-load necessitates the development of efficient alternative training opportunities. However, building a realistic and effective training simulator for the microsurgical dissection of the SF as an integral part of the neurosurgical curriculum, remains a challenging endeavor. This work aims to develop and evaluate a high-fidelity phantom simulator for effective and transferable training of the SF dissection with a focus on middle cerebral artery aneurysm clipping. MethodsA phantom simulator replicating the anatomy and tactile properties of the human skull, brain and meninges was developed incorporating additive manufacturing, neurosurgical expertise, and tissue engineering. Neurosurgical residents and experienced vascular neurosurgeons (n = 16) tested and rated the simulator’s face and content validities and answered questions on the model’s educational usefulness. ResultsThe resulting Sylvian fissure model is anatomically and haptically faithful, reusable and modifiable. The simulator overwhelmingly received positive ratings in face and content validity, with mean scores of 4.8 and 4.7 out of 5, respectively. Neurosurgeons deemed the simulator as highly accurate in respect to anatomical and tactile accuracy. Neurosurgical residents and neurosurgeons rated the simulator as superior in comparison to traditional teaching and training mehtods. ConclusionsThe presented methodology demonstrates that the development and assessment of a high-fidelity hands-on simulator for the focused training of one of the most delicate neurosurgical procedures is achievable in a timely manner and without extensive investments.

Examining Socio-environmental Impacts of Illegal Gold Panning in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe

Illegal gold panning has become a significant socio-environmental challenge in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe. The study objectives are to examine the socio-environmental impacts of illegal gold panning activities, focusing on the detrimental effects on the natural environment, local communities, and the overall socio-environmental structure of the district as well as to evaluate the strategies implemented to regulate or mitigate illegal gold panning in Gwanda District and assess their effectiveness. The research is guided by the understanding that while illegal gold panning provides livelihood opportunities to many rural residents due to high unemployment and poverty rates, it also leads to severe environmental degradation and socio-economic disruptions. This study employs a mixed-method research approach, utilizing a case study design. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations from key stakeholders, including gold panners, local residents, officials from the local authority, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and representatives from the government. A total sample of 160 respondents participated in the study, with 150 representing gold panners, mine owners, and local residents, and 10 serving as key informants. The findings of the study indicate that environmental impacts include deforestation, soil erosion, siltation of rivers, and the contamination of water bodies with mercury and other toxic chemicals used in gold extraction. These activities threaten biodiversity, reduce agricultural productivity, and undermine water security for both domestic and agricultural use. The social consequences of illegal gold panning are equally alarming. It exacerbates conflicts over land use, increases crime rates, and creates unsafe working conditions that often lead to injuries or fatalities. Moreover, while it has both positive and negative impacts on the livelihoods of community members, the lack of regulatory oversight fosters the growth of informal markets and encourages criminal activities such as theft and corruption. These issues undermine local governance and law enforcement efforts, further complicating the socio-economic landscape of the region. The findings reveal a complex interaction between poverty-driven survival strategies and the urgent need for sustainable natural resource management. These findings have significant implications for policy formulation and development strategies in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. The research concludes that illegal gold panning in Gwanda District has caused significant environmental and social damage. To mitigate these negative impacts, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, including the formalization of artisanal mining, strict enforcement of environmental regulations, and the provision of alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities. The study underscores the importance of balancing socio-economic needs with environmental sustainability to protect the region's natural resources while supporting the well-being of local communities.

The many sides to performativity

Performance will dominate the 20th and the 21st century just as discipline did in the 18th and 19th centuries. Performance can be seen as a global formation of power and knowledge, challenging us to perform . . . or else. The technology of performativity exposes the jargon and practices of efficiency, effectiveness, quality assurance, control, inspection, and accountability in contemporary education. Any undertaking must be justified by an increase in productivity, measured by a gain in time. The technology of performativity, based on systems of rewards and sanctions, makes us both perpetrators and victims. It erodes the professional soul of teachers and academics, with metric adequacy becoming the primary focus. Performativity leads to fabrications in which individuals present themselves in specific registers of meaning, valuing only certain possibilities of being and becoming. In this article, I argue that while the technology of performativity is dominant in universities and broader society, performativity does not have a single meaning. It is a polysemous term with many meanings. I discuss various meanings of performativity, including Edward Said's notion of performance as an extreme occasion, slow scholarship, Judith Butler's concept of gender performativity, the performativity of knowledge, the performativity of method, and posthuman performativity. These different meanings create alternative opportunities for being and becoming, suggesting that the dominance of the technology of performativity does not preclude other possibilities. I explore how these interpretations could counter the technology of performativity in the neoliberal university during a time of polycrisis.

Development of a creative digital curriculum for the elderly: A participatory approach to enhance potential for alternative career opportunities in the digital era

This research aimed to develop a curriculum for empowering the elderly to create alternative careers in the digital society era through digital platforms and to study the effects of the curriculum and online educational channels on enhancing the elderly’s capabilities. Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods combined with qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed in this study. The study involved 555 participants including personnel and elderly individuals in Lampang Province that were selected by using multi-stage sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and compare the group mean by t-test. The research findings revealed that the “Creative Digital Retirees” curriculum for empowering the elderly to use digital technology, digital media literacy and utilizing digital media to create alternative careers met the effective criteria, the 80/80 efficiency criteria with E1 = 80.00 and E2 = 87.16. The effective curriculum consists of five learning units including Unit 1: Using technology media for the elderly, Unit 2: Understanding and digital literacy for the elderly, Unit 3: Creating social media for the elderly, Unit 4: Accessing, efficient use of technology and technology management for the elderly, and Unit 5: Electronic law. The elderly’s capabilities significantly improved at a significance level of 0.05. For curriculum users’ satisfaction, the result showed the highest level of satisfaction with an average score of 4.59. It is concluded that the curriculum is effective and can genuinely enhance the elderly’s learning achievements.

From Crisis to Recovery: Successful Experiences in the Eradication of Narcotics in Afghanistan Local Communities

Afghanistan, as one of the world’s largest producers of narcotics, faces significant social, economic, and health challenges. Despite numerous efforts to combat the cultivation and consumption of narcotics, the issue remains a major problem in many local communities. However, some of these communities have succeeded in achieving remarkable progress in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption through participatory programs and alternative economic development. This research aims to identify and analyze the successful experiences in narcotics eradication in local Afghan communities and to evaluate the factors contributing to these successes. A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with local community members, experts, and government officials. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings of the research indicate that educational programs, awareness-raising initiatives, the development of alternative economic opportunities, and active community participation have played a crucial role in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption. Nevertheless, challenges such as financial constraints, administrative corruption, and cultural resistance remain significant barriers to the successful implementation of these programs. The study concludes that with increased international support, administrative transparency, and strengthened educational and economic programs, the dependency of local communities on narcotics cultivation can be significantly reduced. This research provides a foundation for the development of effective national policies in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan.

It's Time to Break Up: Dynamics Surrounding Young-Established Firm Alliance Duration

While young firms often benefit from their relationships with established firms, these relationships can be risky. Hence, during their relationship with established firms, young firms must constantly monitor signs of a failing partnership and terminate it before being in a disadvantageous position. However, discontinuing the alliance with an established firm can also be risky, especially if the young firm has limited alternative collaborative opportunities. Our study adopts the young firm's perspective and dynamically weighs the tradeoffs between the risks of continuing and discontinuing its relationship with established firms, thereby deciding on its termination. We first develop an analytical model to understand how the alliance duration (time from alliance formation to termination) between young and established firms is affected by alliance, firm, and industry characteristics. We then test the resulting hypotheses on a sample of 1,111 alliances with licensing deals formed between 159 established pharmaceutical firms and 448 young biotechnology firms during the 1986 to 2000 period, which straddles the technological discontinuity of combinatorial chemistry. Our empirical results provide partial support for the hypotheses derived from the analytical model, informing us of firms’ rational alliance duration decisions as well as their deviations from rationality. In presenting both optimal alliance duration decisions and suboptimal alliance duration practices, our mixed-method approach offers important implications for theory and practice.

The adoption and implementation of local government planning policy to manage hot food takeaways near schools in England: A qualitative process evaluation

IntroductionAccess to hot food takeaways, particularly near schools, is of growing concern for policymakers seeking to reduce childhood obesity globally. In England, United Kingdom (UK), local government jurisdictions are implementing planning policies to reduce access by restricting or denying planning permission for new takeaway outlets near schools. We used a qualitative approach to explore local government officers’ perspectives on the barriers to and facilitators of the adoption, implementation, and perceived effectiveness of these policies. MethodsIn 2021–2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 local planning (‘planners’) and public health government officers from 15 different local authorities across England who adopted a policy to restrict new takeaways. Data were analysed thematically. ResultsParticipants explained that they mostly thought the policies facilitated the refusal of applications for new takeaways near schools. However, participants speculated that businesses identified alternative opportunities to operate including functioning as ‘restaurants’ or within other locations. Effective working relationships between planners and public health officers were important for adoption and implementation, although planning and public health agendas did not always align and there were tensions between economic development and health improvement goals. The policy was adapted to suit local needs and priorities; in some cases, the policy was not used in areas where economic growth was prioritised. Clarity in policy wording and establishing a formal process for implementing policies including a designated individual responsible for checking and reviewing takeaway applications helped ensure consistency and confidence in policy implementation. ConclusionAlthough sometimes challenging, the policies were commonly described as feasible to implement. However, they may not completely prevent new takeaways opening, particularly where takeaways are relied upon to enhance local economies or where takeaway businesses find alternative ways to operate. Nevertheless, the policies can serve to shift the balance of power that currently favours commercial interests over public health priorities.

To reform or not reform? Competing energy transition perspectives on Indonesia's monopoly electricity supplier Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN)

This paper maps the opposing rationales for reforming or not reforming the giant monopoly electricity provider in the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia's state-owned power company, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), distributes electricity to 98 % of the country's households. Only 13 % of the company's power generation is from renewable sources, while 60 % is from coal-fired power plants. PLN is sometimes cast as the main obstacle to the energy transition in Indonesia, which has a more carbon-intensive electricity sector than both China and India. How PLN evolves is therefore important for global climate mitigation. Based on document analysis and rare interviews with the high-level policymakers who govern PLN, we find that keeping consumer prices low and maintaining security of supply are the utility's dominant concerns. Indirect costs, negative environmental externalities and alternative business opportunities in renewable energy are rarely taken into consideration. This is due to entrenched elite interests and what is referred to in the theoretical literature as ‘collective conservatism’. Three measures that could change PLN's approach to decarbonisation are: redirecting government financial support, introducing more stringent carbon pricing regulations and leveraging growing private business interest in renewable energy to change the framework within which PLN operates.