Civil Society Sector Research Articles

How Effective Are Civil Society Promotion Laws? Mixed Patterns from 3 Mexican States

Abstract Policies constraining nonprofit and civil society activity have been documented in multiple countries. A less widespread phenomenon, but one that is also worth exploring, is the enactment of laws intended to promote civil society. What happens when laws are enacted to promote these organizations? How effective are these laws? Building on insights from the literature on nonprofit formation and organizational ecology, this paper adopts a quasi-experimental approach, to analyze the effect of passing a state-level law of Civil Society (CSO) sector promotion on the number of newly-constituted CSO organizations. Using data from Mexico, between 1990 and 2018, the paper uses the synthetic control method to examine this effect, separately, in 3 Mexican states, against a pool of 13 states which had not enacted a law of this kind during the period under study. The results show quite different effects across states, and point to the need of exploring in depth the policy process surrounding the passing of the law. These mixed patterns also call for further examination of the broader context where CSO laws take effect, and the incentives and disincentives local actors may perceive in the content of the laws.

The use of community-engagement approaches to identify strategies for increasing workplace well-being among LGBTQ+ adults

BackgroundLGBTQ+ individuals often face social stigma and workplace discrimination, negatively impacting their well-being. However, limited research exists on the factors and strategies that enhance their positive workplace experiences. This study was a sequential qualitative mixed-method design conducted in three phases. The study had the following objectives: identifying factors associated with workplace well-being, generating strategies for improving workplace well-being, and obtaining feedback on the identified strategies' acceptability. MethodsIn Phase 1, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 LGBTQ+ who described factors that improved their satisfaction at work. In Phase 2, two focus group discussions were held with 13 participants, including LGBTQ+ adults, scholars in positive psychology, human resource development, and civil rights advocates, to develop strategies for improving workplace well-being based on Phase 1 data. In Phase 3, a survey was sent to a subset of the focus group participants (N = 7) to ascertain the acceptability of the developed strategies. Data analysis was performed using deductive and inductive approaches. ResultsThe study's first phase identified the factors contributing to workplace well-being. These factors were categorized into intrapersonal, interpersonal, and social-ecological. In the second phase and third phase, 11 strategies were developed to improve workplace well-being. These strategies were divided into two sections. The first section includes strategies organizations and agencies can implement to promote employee well-being (such as emphasizing diversity and equity as core values). The second section outlines strategies for government and civil society sectors (such as establishing laws addressing LGBTQ+ equal rights). The Index of Congruence (IOC) assessed the relationship between strategies and workplace well-being improvement. Results showed IOC values from 0.8 to 1 for 11 strategies, indicating high content validity. ConclusionsStrategies to enhance LGBTQ+ workplace well-being were identified through community engagement, but further research is needed for implementation and evaluation.

‘No trees around, but we paint some on our walls’: cultivating the ‘green’ image within schoolscapes in India

ABSTRACT Compared to various market, state, and civil society sectors, schools’ experiences of urban ‘greening’ in India remain curiously under-researched, despite the fact that schoolscapes are emerging as both awareness-raising agents for and fantastical visions of ‘green’ living. The paper seeks to address this lacuna in schoolscape scholarship by examining the experiences of four government schools in suburban Mumbai. Drawing on oral testimonies of teachers, and field observations, the paper elucidates a contrast between the ‘green’ vision, and the ground realities of school practitioners. While the official logic of ‘greening’ might have been predicated on the need to establish harmony between human well-being and planetary health, the actual performance of ‘greening’ schoolscapes brings into play dynamic and multifarious imaginings of school-nature relation arising from signifiers which do not fully reflect urban realities and school life in particular, but still engender a desire for those imaginings.

Prediction of pollutant emission characteristics in ISO50001 energy management in the Americas: Uni and multivariate machine learning approach

The American continent is experiencing significant economic and industrial development driven by sustainability principles. In this context, discussions on improving energy consumption have become increasingly frequent and dynamic across various sectors of civil society, including the implementation of energy efficiency measures as advocated by the ISO50001 energy management standard. However, there is a pressing need to investigate which socioeconomic aspects are responsible for the issuance of this certification in the Americas and how these factors relate to characteristic industrial emissions, especially particulate matter. This study aims to evaluate the socioeconomic factors influencing ISO50001 standard issuance and how these adjusted factors correlate with particulate matter of 2.5 μm and 10 μm dimensions. To achieve this, machine learning techniques were employed, considering the complex nature and risk of data overfitting. Model fitting was performed through multiple lasso regression, and the relationship between the adjusted factors was examined through cross-correlation analysis. The analyses indicate a strong correlation of adjusted macroeconomic indicators, especially with PM2.5, suggesting an association with cardiorespiratory problems and methane-related origins. This work is of great relevance to academia as it proposes new concepts regarding the interaction between energy efficiency standards and particulate matter. For the industrial sector, the adjusted factors provide guidance for standard implementation while also helping to mitigate health issues. Additionally, for the government, these results can assist in formulating policies to address specific health problems related to this area.

Learning Modalities in MENAEvaluating the Non-Governmental Organizations Initiative

With increasing reliance being placed on the civil society sector to respond to rising population needs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it is crucial to strengthen the capacity of workers in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to ensure localized, contextualized, and more effective responses. However, in the absence of systematic evaluation approaches to the capacity-building opportunities offered to NGO workers in the region, evidence on the most effective mode of delivery of these training opportunities remains scarce. We evaluated training courses implemented by the Non-Governmental Organizations Initiative at the American University of Beirut between July 2019 and November 2021 that aims to strengthen the internal capacities of NGOs in MENA, with a focus on comparing online synchronous versus in-person learning modalities. Through a mixed-methods approach, short-term and long-term data was collected from learners including knowledge assessments, course evaluations, and semi-structured interviews. A total of 383 learners participated in the training, 254 of which attended online and 129 attended in-person courses. While differences in knowledge and perceptions regarding the two modalities were relatively similar, in-person modality was preferred over online modality by virtue of it being perceived as being more engaging and more conducive for communication and networking. Details regarding the results covering strengths, challenges, and comparisons between both modalities are expanded on in the manuscript. This study highlights the overall prefer-ence of learners for in-person courses compared to online synchronous ones and highlights the need for research on identifying factors that could contribute to increased engagement in online synchronous learning along with strategies for adoption.

Why do business leaders, senior politicians and civil servants move to leading positions in EU civil society? Exploring capital gains through boundary crossing

ABSTRACT Why do business leaders, senior politicians and civil servants move to leading positions in EU civil society? The article addresses this question through thirteen unique life-work history interviews with leaders of some of the most prominent EU civil society organisations (CSOs). Inspired by sociological approaches in EU civil society research, the article combines insights from the literature on EU lobbying and CSO professionalisation with the Bourdieusian concept of capital to explore the specific social resources that EU civil society and individual elite actors gain through the process of boundary crossing. It shows how EU civil society gains predominantly cultural capital (organisational and procedural knowledge), social capital (professional and personal networks), and symbolic capital (status and publicity), while individual elite actors gain primarily a form of civil society-specific symbolic capital that is associated with the alleged goodness of civil society and the act of ‘doing good’ that might facilitate policy influence. The article provides original, first-hand insights into how the civil society sector seeks to strike a balance between passion and professionalism and raises important normative questions about the integration of elites across economic, political, and civil society fields in Brussels.

The ‘dark side’ of organizational resilience: The civil society sector in Croatia

ABSTRACT This article explores the challenges experienced by civil society organizations (CSOs) in Croatia, as magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the strategies they use to mitigate their effects. ‘Organisational resilience' is discussed based on interviews with CSO representatives from four fields: contemporary arts and culture, environmental protection, women's rights, and educational/youth organizations. Three themes are developed: the ‘normality' of crisis, established practices of resilience, and emergent practices of resilience. Although the pandemic was experienced as a major disruption, there is a lingering sense of persistent crisis in the civil society sector which is constituted by many tribulations: wars and economic crises, piercing insecurity due to lack of stable funding and an antagonistic political climate. Established practices of resilience that help organizations stay afloat encapsulate financial ingenuity, caring about one's work, and good relations within and outside of the organization. Emergent practices include strengthening technology infrastructure and use, establishing a trade union for CSO workers, but also charging for services. The advocacy role of CSOs seems dimmed and their ability to help others comes at the expense of their founding values and personal wellbeing. This suggests a ‘dark’ side to organizational resilience, a concept frequently used to signal a positive ability.

How sociology can help us save ourselves

How sociology can help us save ourselves

Romania's Pioneering Law: Establishing the Right to Personalized Medicine.

This analysis and commentary discuss Romania's landmark law, the first globally, acknowledging the right of citizens and patients to personalized medicine. Initiated following the EU Council's 2015 policy on personalized medicine, the law is a result of intersectoral collaborative efforts led by the Centre for Innovation in Medicine in Romania using a quadruple (later evolved to penta) helix model involving academia, public, private, and civil society sectors. Promulgated on May 24, 2023, the law legally entitles patients to personalized health care and in ways informed by individual genetic and phenotypic consideration. The law mandates informed consent for medical interventions and ensures data protection in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. We suggest that this pioneering legislation paves the way for integrating personalized medicine into Romania's health care system, shaping clinical practice, research, and health policy. In all, it marks a significant step in redefining health care delivery, emphasizing individualized treatment and the political determinants of personalized medicine, and setting a precedent for future health care innovations worldwide.

Voluntary Movements in India: Gandhian Perspectives

Voluntary organizations are part of a larger civil society. The concept of voluntarism is as old as the mankind itself, whereas Gandhian concepts of voluntary work are the product of the twentieth century.voluntary or the civil society sector today is comprised of a very diverse group of institutions ranging from those who want to facilitate the development of the poor and the marginalized, to those who run economic and service delivery activities that privatize public institutions and services.

Institutional arrangements in the promotion of sustainable livestock: an approach from the case of beef and dairy cattle production chains in Jalisco, Chiapas, and Campeche

This study focuses on a policy and practice review of existing institutional arrangements within the beef and dairy cattle production sectors in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Chiapas, and Campeche. Acknowledging the critical role of robust governance frameworks in transitioning towards sustainable livestock agriculture, a collaborative governance approach is employed to holistically address environmental and production challenges. This approach underscores the importance of active participation, stakeholder collaboration, and contextual adaptation in decision-making processes. Classified as explanatory research, the study is grounded in a qualitative approach, covering a synchronous period from 2017 to 2022. Secondary sources such as public policies, international climate commitment reports, sector-specific reports, and databases were utilized to provide context and data regarding the analyzed institutional arrangements. Additionally, semi-structured information-gathering protocols were developed and, in conjunction with participant observation, administered to approximately 30 key stakeholders from public, private, academic, research centers, international cooperation, and civil society sectors involved in institutional arrangements in the aforementioned states. The findings highlight the significance of collaborative governance as a valuable alternative for addressing governance challenges in the livestock sector, particularly when hierarchical or market-oriented approaches are less effective. The diversity of identified institutional arrangements, ranging from hierarchical to polyarchic, emphasizes the need to acknowledge the specificities of the context in which they operate and adapt strategies accordingly. This analysis contributes to the growing discussion on sustainable livestock farming and the fundamental role of institutional arrangements in promoting responsible practices and mitigating environmental impacts. As demands for natural resources and environmental awareness increase, understanding and strengthening these arrangements become essential to balance livestock production and environmental conservation.

Civil society in the context of the EU accession: the case of Montenegro

This study aims to provide evidence on the role of the civil society in the EU integration of the Western Balkans and the involvement of the civil society in the policy-making process, with a case study on Montenegro. We have chosen Montenegro as a case study even though Montenegro is a small state, being a state at the intersection of ma­jor geopolitical clashes. The research was conducted by correspondence in March-May 2023, the questions being addressed online to different non-governmental organiza­tions in Montenegro, with the aim of learning about the role and involvement of civic society, the relationship between NGOs and state institutions, and cooperation among civil society organizations. The analysis shows a weak relationship between civil society organizations and state institutions and a low involvement in policy-making process, usually conducted pro forma, and high-level of dissatisfaction among NGOs concerning the work of the government. The lessons learned by the civil society sector are that it can only rely on international aid, and the sustainability of this sector in the future could only be achieved by relying more heavily on foreign project calls.

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO THE FORMATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERSECTORAL COOPERATION

The article is concerned with the study of theoretical foundations and practical aspects of formation and development of intersectoral cooperation in world practice. The article considers the existent approaches to the definition of the concept of "intersectoral cooperation", in particular from the standpoint of generating innovative solutions to existing problems, as well as its features and types. It is found that intersectoral cooperation is a constructive and mutually beneficial interaction of three sectors: the state, the business sector and institutions of civil society. The conditions for ensuring effectiveness in the process of establishing intersectoral cooperation are determined. The importance of the communication process as the basis of interaction is emphasised. The institutional structure of intersectoral partnership is outlined, including regulatory principles, mechanisms for implementing the principles and corporate social responsibility. The prerequisites and features of the emergence of intersectoral partnership at the regional level are determined. The experience of foreign countries in the development of intersectoral cooperation in various fields, in particular of the EU member states, is considered.

Self-assessment policy and perspectives for learning and organizational innovation in postgraduation programs in business administration in brazilian northeast region

The objective of this research is to investigate how the Self-Assessment Policy is being implemented and the perspectives for Learning and Organizational Innovation in Postgraduation Programs stricto sensu in Business Administration of public Higher Education Institutions (IES – Instituições de Ensino Superior) in Brazilian Northeast Region. Methodologically, a multi-case study was conducted with four Postgraduation Programs; evidence was produced from interviews and documentary research and treated through Content Analysis. The conclusion is Self-Assessment can be translated into an Organizational Learning process, in which the analysis of the knowledge produced can lead to changes and innovations in the Programs. Elements confirming the perspective of learning, based on facilitating aspects, arranged in four dimensions (Experimentation, Interaction with the external environment, Dialogue, and Participatory decision-making) were identified. There was also an assertive perception regarding the perspectives for Organizational Innovation, highlighting, among other aspects, changes in the training process, approximation to other sectors of civil society, and changes in the management model. The results can help discussions about Self-Assessment in the postgraduation scenario and contribute to insights understanding learning and innovation in Postgraduation Programs beyond isomorphic aspects.

Plano estadual de educação de São Paulo (2016-2026): debates e embates

Abstract This study aims to analyze the participation of civil society and political society and the construction of hegemony in the process of elaborating and approving the State Education Plan (PEE-SP 2016-2016). This qualitative research involved semi-structured interviews and documental analysis. The analysis of the construction process of the São Paulo education plan suggests that its Department of Education was effectively uninterested in discussing the São Paulo education policy in a forum that gathered a group of entities that were excluded from educational decisions in the previous two decades, mainly because its interlocutors included sectors of civil society that were linked to capital. In view of this, little progress has been made in educational planning with the PEE-SP 2016-2026.

МЕТОДИ ОЦІНКИ СТАНУ ТА ДИНАМІКИ РОЗВИТКУ НЕУРЯДОВИХ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙ

The article is devoted to the analysis of common methodologies for evaluating the activities of civil society organizations (CSOs). The main two areas of assessment of the sector of the Romanian society are analyzed, namely, a general assessment of the state of development of CSOs in a certain geographical region, which involves a broad study of the landscape of civil society in a specific country or region, which makes it possible to understand the general state and functioning of the sector and the assessment of the activities of individual CSOs. which focuses on the performance and impact of specific organizations or groups of organizations, allowing for a more detailed and individual understanding of their performance. Generalized stages of general assessment, which can be adapted to different types of research, have been studied and defined. The assessment of the overall viability of the civil society sector in Ukraine during 2018–2022 was carried out using the analysis of the Civil Society Organizations Sustainability Index (CSOSI), the most optimal quantitative indicator for the general assessment of the civil society sector, which showed an improvement in the general indicator of the viability of the civil society sector on average by 3% and its individual aspects. Thus, as of 2021, Ukrainian CSOs are at the stage of «sustainability development», which means a sufficiently high level of viability of the sector, as well as a high potential for development. The state of activity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Ukraine during the war was studied. The main problems most often indicated by organizations are the need for financing (in particular, administrative costs), insufficient material and technical infrastructure, emotional burnout, shortage of human resources and insufficient cooperation with local authorities. New organizations established in 2022-2023 were the most affected by the financial shortfall, while those established since 2001 were the least affected. In a significant number of organizations, there was a lack of specialized professional positions.

Interactions between civil society, business and government for environmental sustainability

The article examines the essence of civil society and reveals its main components in cooperation with business and government. The place and role of civil organisations and public are considered in the context of modern environmental requirements. An analysis of national features in the formation and development of civil society is provided. Trends in interactions of civil society, business and government in Ukraine have been revealed through the comparison with other countries. An attempt was made to understand the national civil movement as a prerequisite for the formation of civil society in Ukraine during the years of independence. Tools for assessing the sustainability and general viability of the civil society sector are classified according to various criteria. Global indicators of trust in various institutions of society and its institutional activity are analysed. There was carried out an analysis of the dynamics of the sustainability index for Ukraine. Guidelines for the institutional transformation of the interactions between domestic civil society, business, government have been worked out in order to substantiate the information and analytical provision.

Role of Resource Asymmetry and Collaboration Time in the Governance of Cross-border Collaborative Networks

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the micro-governance of a cross-border Brazil–Uruguay collaborative network and how it contributes to a favorable environment for collaboration. To achieve this objective, a single case study was conducted with a qualitative approach using document analysis and interviews with 19 Brazilian and Uruguayan stakeholders from the public, private, and civil society sectors. The results show that two contextual factors, resource asymmetry among participants and collaboration time, explain the need for greater emphasis on the use of certain governance functions while, at the same time, making other functions less necessary. The behaviors become more predictable and stable with the collaboration time, requiring less emphasis on alignment, monitoring, and conflict arbitration in collaborative networks. However, resource asymmetry requires efforts to integrate, mobilize, and organize the participants and their resources. We contribute to the theory by showing how contextual factors affect the use of micro-governance functions in a cross-border collaborative network and how the governance fosters an environment that stimulates collaboration. Practitioners can also benefit from our study, as it facilitates a deeper comprehension of how collaborative networks can be governed to produce collective results in cross-border contexts.

Organizational citizenship behavior in civil society workplaces

AbstractOrganizational citizenship behavior is argued to be particularly important to civil society organizations (Akhtar, Hakeem, & Naeem, 2017). However, organizational citizenship behavior needs further theoretically driven research in the civil society sector, which is the overarching aim of this study which compared two competing models of organizational citizenship behavior within the New Zealand's civil society sector: Organ (1988) and Williams and Anderson (1991) models. Participants were N = 442 employees from 217 civil society organizations in New Zealand. Confirmatory factor analysis tested these two competing measurement models of organizational citizenship behavior. Results suggested employees of civil society organizations tended to perform citizenship behavior in accordance with Organ (1988) structured five‐factor model, independent of their organization. Results are discussed, with a focus on why employees working in New Zealand's civil society sector seem to be more likely to perform Organ (1988) model of organizational citizenship behavior, and practical implications presented.

Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Calculation for Urban Rail Transit Systems: The Case of Pernambuco Metro

In recent years, the issue of climate change has gained significant attention and become a focal point of discussion in various sectors of civil society. Governments, individuals, and scientists worldwide are increasingly concerned about the observed changes in climate patterns, often attributed to the rising levels of greenhouse gases. In this context, the main objective of this study is to assess the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the railway system in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, and compare them with other national case studies, aiming to obtain greenhouse gas emission parameters specific to the railway system and propose mitigation models to address this environmental impact in the air. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was employed to examine the life cycle of the Pernambuco Metro. This involved conducting an inventory of resource inputs and emissions using actual observed data. Additionally, a comparative analysis of greenhouse gas emissions across different urban rail transport systems is presented to provide valuable contextual insights. The study findings reveal that the total greenhouse gas emissions from the Pernambuco rail system amount to 6170.54 t CO2e. Considering a projected total service life of 50 years, the estimated greenhouse gas emissions for the entire life cycle of the system’s operation and maintenance reach 308,550 t CO2e. The interdisciplinary nature of this research highlights the significance of studying the atmospheric effects of the Pernambuco railway system as a crucial parameter for designing strategies and technologies aimed at reducing air pollution within the region. Through quantifying and analyzing the greenhouse gas emissions of the Pernambuco rail system, this study provides valuable insights that contribute to addressing concerns related to climate change and promoting sustainable practices. It underscores the importance of developing effective strategies to mitigate air pollution and facilitates informed decision-making for the future of urban transportation systems.