Diverse Stakeholders Research Articles

Insights into frankincense and myrrh research: A comprehensive analytical study of patterns and perspectives

ObjectiveFrankincense (Boswellia) and Myrrh (Commiphora) are natural substances that have a long history of traditional use and potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the literature on Frankincense and Myrrh research (FMR) by examining patterns, perspectives, and research trends within the research landscape. MethodsThis bibliometric study utilized MeSH-generated terms, followed the PRISMA guidelines, and analyzed English-based bibliographic data from original studies retrieved from the Scopus database. The VOSviewer and Bibliometrix applications were employed to analyze the CVS and BibTex data consisting of 955 records. This study focuses on publication trends, research topics, citation counts, research impacts, and collaboration dynamics. ResultsThe analysis revealed a steady increase in FMR, indicating growing interest in these substances. Egypt, the United States, and Saudi Arabia are the most prolific countries in terms of research output. FMR primarily focuses on chemical composition, pharmacological properties, and medicinal applications. Key research topics include identification and analysis of bioactive compounds, optimization of extraction techniques, and evaluation of their therapeutic potential. Surprisingly, the thematic map was overwhelmed by the niche, motor, basic, and emerging themes. Trending topics in FMR include “Myrrh oil”, “sesquiterpene”, “tapping”, “triterpenoids”, and “allergic contact dermatitis”. Collaboration networks highlight the involvement of diverse stakeholders, indicating the importance of multidisciplinary and international collaboration in advancing the field. ConclusionsThese insights contribute to a better understanding of the research landscape of FMR, guiding future studies and facilitating the utilization of these natural substances for the benefit of society.

Understanding The Nature And Role Of Public Participation In Environmental Decision Making In Uganda

Public participation is a key element of sustainable environmental governance, especially in Uganda, where engaging diverse stakeholders is essential to addressing environmental challenges. This paper explores the nature and role of public participation in Uganda’s environmental decision-making, focusing on its legal framework, practical implementation, and effectiveness. It examines how the public helps shape policies, assess environmental impacts, and influence decisions at both local and national levels. Despite Uganda's progressive laws, such as the National Environment Act, public participation faces challenges like limited access to information, low awareness, and weak institutional support. This research highlights the importance of meaningful public involvement in improving environmental outcomes and fostering equity, transparency, and accountability. Strengthening public participation through capacity building, stronger legal enforcement, and partnerships between government, civil society, and communities is essential for achieving sustainable environmental governance in Uganda.

Local and national stakeholders collaborate to take on Prosopis invasions with biological control and biomass use in South Africa

Research that directs the way stakeholders act and how they collaborate is essential when addressing complex environmental challenges in the field of sustainability science. For example, researchers attempting to manage Prosopis invasions through biological control in South Africa have historically faced challenges from stakeholders. In this study, we illustrate the importance of stakeholder engagement and social learning by outlining the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders to promote effective, integrative and sustainable management of Prosopis invasions in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Through a community of practice approach, stakeholders worked together over the past half-decade in an attempt to develop a National Strategy for Prosopis management and improve its control. This strategy aimed not only to emphasise the need for integration of biomass use (aimed at offsetting the costs of mechanical clearing and necessary herbicide use) but also to underscore the significance of biocontrol alongside other management approaches. Stakeholders also identified that adequate farm-scale planning is necessary to provide a sense of purpose and assist in monitoring of progress. We worked alongside land managers and experts to develop such plans. The engagement of local champions played a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and learning among stakeholders, emphasising the significance of inclusive approaches in addressing complex sustainability challenges. In addition, we gained an understanding of how to develop the community of practice to enhance collaboration that ensures the implementation of plans to better manage Prosopis. Our findings underscore the necessity of meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaboration in effective invasive species management. By promoting understanding and involvement of diverse stakeholders, initiatives can have a greater impact in addressing broader sustainability issues.

Policy implementation and strategic effects: Assessing the impact of parliamentary thresholds on Indonesia’s political system and governance

This study examines the impact of parliamentary thresholds on the Indonesian political system through the lens of the Routine Policy Implementation Model and the Strategic Policy Implementation Model. The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of parliamentary thresholds in managing political fragmentation, assess their impact on stability and representation in the legislative system, and understand their implementation’s technical and strategic implications. Using a qualitative approach supported by interview studies and field observations, this research combines analysis of election data in the 2009, 2014, and 2019 elections with a qualitative assessment of policy changes and political dynamics. The Routine Policy Implementation Model focuses on the technical aspects of threshold implementation, including vote counting procedures and seat allocation efficiency. Meanwhile, the Strategic Policy Implementation Model examines the broader implications of these thresholds for political consolidation, government effectiveness, and the representation of minor parties. The results show that the parliamentary threshold has significantly reduced political fragmentation by consolidating the number of parties in Parliament, resulting in a legislative system that is cleaner and easier to administer. However, this consolidation has also marginalized small parties and limited political diversity. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of how parliamentary thresholds affect administrative efficiency and strategic political stability in Indonesia, compared to democratic countries in transition, such as Slovenia and Montenegro. In conclusion, although parliamentary thresholds have increased political stability and government effectiveness, they have also raised concerns about the reduced representation of small and regional parties. The study recommends maintaining balanced thresholds that ensure stability and diversity, implementing mechanisms to review thresholds periodically, and involving diverse stakeholders in adjusting policies to reflect evolving political dynamics. This approach will help balance the need for a stable legislative environment with broad representation.

A development and implementation of a preconception counseling program for black women and men in the southeastern United States: a pilot protocol.

Racial/ethnic disparities in maternal mortality rates represent one of the most significant areas of disparities amongst all conventional population perinatal health measures in the U.S. The alarming trends and persistent disparities of outcomes by race/ethnicity and geographic location reinforce the need to focus on ensuring quality and safety of maternity care for all women. Despite complex multilevel factors impacting maternal mortality and morbidity, there are evidence-based interventions that, when facilitated consistently and properly, are known to improve the health of mothers before, during and after pregnancy. The objective of this project is to test implementation of pre-conception counseling with father involvement in community-based settings to improve cardiovascular health outcomes before and during pregnancy in southeastern United States. This study has two components: a comprehensive needs and assets assessment and a small-scale pilot study. We will conduct a community informed needs and assets assessment with our diverse stakeholders to identify opportunities and barriers to preconception counseling as well as develop a stakeholder-informed implementation plan. Next, we will use the implementation plan to pilot preconception counseling with father involvement in community-based settings. Finally, we will critically assess the context, identify potential barriers and facilitators, and iteratively adapt the way preconception counseling can be implemented in diverse settings. Results of this research will support future research focused on identifying barriers and opportunities for scalable and sustainable public health approaches to implementing evidence-based strategies that reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in the southeastern United States' vulnerable communities. Findings will demonstrate that preconception counseling can be implemented in community health settings in the southeastern United States. Furthermore, this study will build the capacity of community-based organizations in addressing the preconception health of their clients. We plan for this pilot to inform a larger scaled-up clinical trial across community health settings in multiple southeastern states.

Enhancing International Trade Security: Real-Time Risk Assessment in Brazilian Customs with Blockchain Technology

This study introduces an innovative approach by integrating blockchain technology with risk analysis methods for international trade. The practical application and tangible improvements observed in a real case study highlight the originality and value of this approach, offering a robust framework for future research and practical implementation. The security of exports presents a challenge for customs authorities, requiring the analysis of vast volumes of data from diverse sources and stakeholders. Blockchain technology offers a viable solution by facilitating the sharing of reliable and secure data among participants in the international supply chain. This study proposes a distributed risk analysis method based on Blockchain to detect and prevent fraud and irregularities in Brazilian exports. The technique aims to enhance efficiency and protection in customs clearance, providing real-time risk analysis feedback at various supply chain stages. The method includes four stages: data collection, risk classification, validation, and feedback. It employs a Model Form for Insertion into the Blockchain, the DBSCAN algorithm to identify out-of-pattern transactions (outliers) at the manufacturing stage, and a Monte Carlo simulation to analyze the volume and specific products exported from Rio Grande do Sul. We applied this method in a case study of beef exports from Brazil. Using this method led to significant improvements in processing times, operational costs, transparency, and security in the supply chain. The blockchain-based approach identified fraudulent activities, such as value tampering and undeclared goods, enhancing compliance and trust among trade partners. Implementing this method can significantly reduce operational costs and processing times in international trade while increasing security and transparency. This approach benefits customs authorities and private operators, promoting a more reliable and efficient commercial environment. Adopting blockchain technology in international trade can reduce fraudulent and illicit practices, promoting greater fairness and equity in commercial transactions. Increased transparency strengthens trust among various actors in the supply chain, fostering a sense of social responsibility.

Abstract B107: Community scientist research advocacy program: Training our research community

Abstract Community Scientist Research Advocacy (CSRA) training programs serve as fundamental bridges between communities and researchers. By engaging community members, these programs leverage networks, knowledge, and community perspectives to enhance research endeavors. This approach facilitates trust-building between disadvantaged populations and cancer researchers, particularly in the context of clinical trials participation and tissue donation. The purpose of our program was to develop and evaluate an innovative, bi-coastal, and bilingual program to inform, educate and encourage community members to become cancer research advocates in Florida (FL) and California (CA). Our program was culturally tailored for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino/a adults. Primary objectives were to increase manpower for cancer research advocacy and increase multi-directional communication between cancer advocates with cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, community members, academic scientists, and policy makers. The CSRA program is a 13-week hybrid program implemented by the CaRE2 Health Equity Center, a bi-coastal partnership between the Florida A&M University, University of Florida, and University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Participants studied into cancers disproportionately affecting Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino/a groups, completing pre- and post-surveys to measure knowledge, self-efficacy, and program satisfaction. Additionally, participants concluded mentored advocacy projects for community implementation, with follow-up implemented at three months post-program completion. To date, a total of 45 adults have graduated from our CSRA program. We present data from the 2023 CSRA cohort (pre, N=21, post, N=19) that included participants from FL and CA, which are among the top five states in the U.S with the largest Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino/a populations. Regarding race and ethnicity, 6 participants were Black/African American, 13 Hispanic/Latino/a, 1 Asian, 1 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 9 White, with 95% female participants. This cohort had 90% program completion and 7 advocacy projects: 2 on lung cancer, 2 on pancreas cancer, and 3 on prostate cancer. Participants showed an increased in knowledge, from pre- mean 68.1 to post- mean 74.0, and a p-value of 0.018. There was an increased in self-efficacy; program satisfaction and evaluation were rated as high. In summary, our study depicts the effectiveness of a unique CSRA program tailored for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino/a adults, fostering robust communication channels between cancer research advocates and diverse stakeholders. We emphasize the potential of such initiatives in addressing cancer health disparities and advocating to address specific inequalities by imparting educational initiatives in cancer research advocacy. We look forward to evaluating and enhancing our training program with an additional 21 research advocates in our cohort of 2024. Citation Format: Brooke Hensel, Ileana Guzman, Carolina Aristizabal, Eduardo Ibarra, Rosa Barahona, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, Mariana C. Stern, Sandra Suther, Fern J. Webb. Community scientist research advocacy program: Training our research community [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B107.

Navigating the Currents: Land Use Challenges Amidst Water and Food Security Debates and Social Media Misperceptions

This research aims to understand the complexities of energy deployment requiring nexus governance solutions. Nexus governance involves coordinating decision-making across policy areas and sectors, seeking compromise among stakeholders with varying positions. The challenge lies in coordinating diverse sectors and stakeholders amidst potentially conflicting priorities and interests. Moreover, social media significantly influence stakeholders’ perceptions and actions, serving as a platform for idea exchange and mobilization but also contributing to echo chambers and polarization. This study examines the impact of social media on perceptions of the oil shale project in Al Attarat, Jordan, focusing on the intersections of social, economic, and environmental concerns. The findings highlight that social media significantly influences public discourse, often skewing perceptions with misperceptions about land use, water, and food security. Analyzing key social media narratives reveals that food security is a primary concern, with energy and water security also gaining attention, though less prominently. Furthermore, misinformation has exacerbated tensions among stakeholders, leading to polarized views and resistance to proposed governance solutions. This research underscores the need for effective strategies to counter misinformation and promote informed dialogue.

Ontological Analysis to understand the Interplay between Ecosystem Services, Human Well-being, and Climate Change

This study employs an ontological analysis to critically examine the integration of ecosystem services and human well-being within the context of climate change. The principal objective is to identify research gaps within the existing literature and to propose potential avenues for future research. Our findings reveal significant deficiencies in policy, legal, and procedural frameworks, with a predominant focus on local-level case studies and objective measures of well-being. Notably, cultural and supporting services remain underexplored. These gaps highlight the need for comprehensive research incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives, adaptive capabilities, and robust policy frameworks to enhance resilience against climate change. The study underscores the urgent need for broader and more inclusive investigations to effectively inform policy-making and sustainable management practices.

Between control and complexity: RRI in the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board

This paper investigates the integration of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles with focus on public engagement within the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board (NBAB). RRI, as an inherently relational set of practices, requires flexibility and adaptability from the State to promote responsible innovation. The NBAB case study provides insights into the complexities and tensions of State intervention, highlighting the necessary shift from rigid control to a more flexible approach. This shift is crucial for effectively fostering RRI among citizens, firms, and organizations. By examining NBAB's role in evaluating and advising on the ethical implications of biotechnology, this study demonstrates the importance of inclusive and deliberative governance. The findings suggest that public institutions must adapt to changing societal needs and engage diverse stakeholders to promote responsible innovation practices effectively.

Implementing a pragmatic randomised controlled trial in a humanitarian setting: lessons learned from the TISA trial

IntroductionHigh-quality evidence is crucial for guiding effective humanitarian responses, yet conducting rigorous research, particularly randomised controlled trials, in humanitarian crises remains challenging. The TISA (“traitement intégré de la sous-nutrition aiguë”) trial aimed to evaluate the impact of a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) intervention on the standard national treatment of uncomplicated Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children aged 6–59 months. Implemented in two northern Senegalese regions from December 22, 2021, to February 20, 2023, the trial faced numerous challenges, which this paper explores along with the lessons learned.MethodsThe study utilised trial documentation, including field reports, meeting minutes, training plans, operational monitoring data and funding proposals, to retrace the trial timeline, identify challenges and outline implemented solutions. Contributions from all TISA key staff—current and former, field-based and headquarters—were essential for collecting and interpreting information. Challenges were categorised as internal (within the TISA consortium) or external (broader contextual issues).ResultsThe TISA trial, executed by a consortium of academic, operational, and community stakeholders, enrolled over 2000 children with uncomplicated SAM across 86 treatment posts in a 28,000 km2 area. The control group received standard outpatient SAM care, while the intervention group also received a WASH kit and hygiene promotion. Initially planned to start in April 2019 for 12 months, the trial faced a 30-month delay and was extended to 27 months due to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, national strikes, health system integration issues and weather-related disruptions. Internal challenges included logistics, staffing, data management, funding and aligning diverse stakeholder priorities.Discussion and conclusionDespite these obstacles, the trial concluded successfully, underscoring the importance of tailored monitoring, open communication, transparency and community involvement. Producing high-quality evidence in humanitarian contexts demands extensive preparation and strong coordination among local and international researchers, practitioners, communities, decision-makers and funders from the study’s inception.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT04667767.

Virtual Social Labs – Requirements and Challenges for Effective Team Collaboration

In response to the challenges posed by the complex field of food safety, the FOODSAFETY4EU project established four social labs conducting multi-actor co-creation processes. These labs served as platforms for developing and piloting innovative ideas aimed at addressing these challenges. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the lab process, typically held in-person, had to be converted to the virtual space. This means that all workshops, meetings, and collaboration processes and pilot activities solely took place online. This resulted in the novel situation of teams collaborating virtually throughout the entire social lab processes. Virtual collaborations were already on the rise before the pandemic, evidenced by an increase in virtual meetings and workshops. This study examines the requirements and challenges for effective team collaboration in virtual social lab processes. It investigates virtual collaboration, team dynamics, and the use of online tools. Findings reveal advantages such as increased participation, but also drawbacks including technical issues and role accountability. Despite challenges, all four virtual social labs finally succeeded in engaging diverse stakeholders and achieving significant outcomes addressing food safety challenges.

Multilateral analysis of stakeholder integration, project complexity and project performance on information technology (IT) projects

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the influence of stakeholder integration and project complexity on information technology (IT) projects in Kenya. The following research question guided our inquiry: what is the influence of project complexity and stakeholder integration on the performance of IT projects in Kenya?Design/methodology/approachTo advance the current understanding of the effect of stakeholder integration and project complexity on IT projects, multiple regressions were used to predict how project complexity and stakeholder integration influence project performance. Both government-funded and privately funded IT projects from a developing country were examined.FindingsThe study found that any project’s complexity and stakeholder integration levels offer a distinctive contribution to its success. Theoretically, the study contributes to linkages between stakeholder integration and project complexity concerning IT project performance. Through the adoption of actionable research and theoretical elaboration, we have shown that the successful execution of IT projects is driven by the successful integration of stakeholders and monitoring the level of complexity at each phase of the project.Originality/valueThe findings of this study add to the burgeoning literature on the performance of IT projects and come with several managerial implications as well. It brings to the fore the concept of stakeholder integration as an essential element of project success. The findings suggest that the inclusion of stakeholder integration into corporate decisions, strategies and policies can be an asset to the production of sustainable competitive advantages needed during the implementation of IT projects in government entities and organisations. As shown in this study, all the above require a collaborative platform allowing for data sharing among diverse stakeholders to ameliorate distrust or lack of information.

Revised Tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Using AI (QUADAS-AI): Protocol for a Qualitative Study.

Quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS), and more recently QUADAS-2, were developed to aid the evaluation of methodological quality within primary diagnostic accuracy studies. However, its current form, QUADAS-2 does not address the unique considerations raised by artificial intelligence (AI)-centered diagnostic systems. The rapid progression of the AI diagnostics field mandates suitable quality assessment tools to determine the risk of bias and applicability, and subsequently evaluate translational potential for clinical practice. We aim to develop an AI-specific QUADAS (QUADAS-AI) tool that addresses the specific challenges associated with the appraisal of AI diagnostic accuracy studies. This paper describes the processes and methods that will be used to develop QUADAS-AI. The development of QUADAS-AI can be distilled into 3 broad stages. Stage 1-a project organization phase had been undertaken, during which a project team and a steering committee were established. The steering committee consists of a panel of international experts representing diverse stakeholder groups. Following this, the scope of the project was finalized. Stage 2-an item generation process will be completed following (1) a mapping review, (2) a meta-research study, (3) a scoping survey of international experts, and (4) a patient and public involvement and engagement exercise. Candidate items will then be put forward to the international Delphi panel to achieve consensus for inclusion in the revised tool. A modified Delphi consensus methodology involving multiple online rounds and a final consensus meeting will be carried out to refine the tool, following which the initial QUADAS-AI tool will be drafted. A piloting phase will be carried out to identify components that are considered to be either ambiguous or missing. Stage 3-once the steering committee has finalized the QUADAS-AI tool, specific dissemination strategies will be aimed toward academic, policy, regulatory, industry, and public stakeholders, respectively. As of July 2024, the project organization phase, as well as the mapping review and meta-research study, have been completed. We aim to complete the item generation, including the Delphi consensus, and finalize the tool by the end of 2024. Therefore, QUADAS-AI will be able to provide a consensus-derived platform upon which stakeholders may systematically appraise the methodological quality associated with AI diagnostic accuracy studies by the beginning of 2025. AI-driven systems comprise an increasingly significant proportion of research in clinical diagnostics. Through this process, QUADAS-AI will aid the evaluation of studies in this domain in order to identify bias and applicability concerns. As such, QUADAS-AI may form a key part of clinical, governmental, and regulatory evaluation frameworks for AI diagnostic systems globally. DERR1-10.2196/58202.

Heritage Regeneration Models for Traditional Courtyard Houses in a Northern Chinese City (Jinan) in the Context of Urban Renewal

The fundamental disputes in urban heritage regeneration stem from variations in power dynamics and inherent value systems among stakeholders. Addressing conflicts and power differentials involving governmental bodies, market forces, community residents, experts, and scholars is crucial for fostering sustainable urban heritage development. Recently, these contradictions have grown more pronounced as China’s urbanization has transitioned from rapid expansion to a phase focused on existing urban assets. In the present research, the typical traditional courtyard-style residential buildings in Jinan, a historic city in northern China, were selected as the object of study. These houses often suffer from problems such as outdated infrastructure and low living conditions and have become difficult to adapt to contemporary urban life. A case study approach was employed focusing on a representative courtyard house to develop models for renewing and regenerating urban heritage, specifically tailored to traditional courtyard houses. The aim was to address conflicts and power disparities among urban heritage stakeholders through diverse mechanisms. Methodologically, the research integrates historical study and field investigation, participatory analysis, and policy analysis. Primary data sources include field surveys, historical research, oral interviews, and drone aerial photography. Models were constructed in the present study—namely, the heritage self-renewal, heritage revitalization, and heritage transformation models—for traditional courtyard houses. These models were designed to foster sustainable urban heritage development through collaborative efforts across various stakeholders and administrative levels. They will optimize the renewal mechanism of urban heritage, thus providing diversity and multiple possibilities for the preservation and reuse of architectural heritage in China. They aim to realize comprehensive urban heritage values, including vitality, health, efficiency, and equity, while accommodating the interests of diverse stakeholders.

A Quantitative Assessment Approach to Implement Pneumatic Waste Collection System Using a New Expert Decision Matrix Related to UN SDGs

An innovative decision matrix has been developed to guide the selection and implementation of Pneumatic Urban Solid Waste Collection Systems (PUSWCS) in smart city projects. This study comprehensively collects and analyzes data on the advantages and disadvantages of pneumatic collection systems from technical, economic, and social perspectives. A decision-making tool was created to address the complexities of evaluating the desirability of incorporating PUSWCS in municipalities or specific areas, using a holistic approach. The tool assesses the technical, economic, and social feasibility of implementing PUSWCS, aligning it with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specific variables are measured to assess compliance with the SDGs, distinguishing technical aspects from economic and social aspects. The methodology includes surveys of system users and technicians, expert assessments, and the development of a decision matrix that cross-references study variables and SDGs. The matrix assigns numerical values to the Magnitude (M) and Impact (I) of each variable, enabling quantitative interpretation. This holistic approach accommodates the complexities of waste management and diverse stakeholder perspectives. The results demonstrate the matrix’s effectiveness in accurately assessing the desirability of implementing PUSWCS. This confirms the matrix’s ability to optimally integrate with innovative smart city concepts and align with long-term sustainability goals. The study concludes that the design of the decision matrix allows the collection of information from experts, users, and stakeholders about economic, social, and environmental variables and relates them to the SDGs, to obtain a numerical result that allows to decide whether in a given urban environment it is advisable to implement a PUSWCS.

Organizational communication for social change on social media: NPOs’ social media strategies based on their perception of three stakeholder networks in collective and connective action

Abstract Social media transform and complicate nonprofit organizations’ (NPOs) traditional communication to engage and lead stakeholders for collective action. Stakeholders can self-organize for connective action on social media and form stakeholder networks of varied potential and structures that NPOs may leverage for collective goals. Facing such networks, NPOs may communicate in diverse ways to accommodate and take advantage of the diverse stakeholder networks. Through two surveys conducted with 375 (Study 1) and 74 (Study 2) NPOs, this study suggests that NPOs diversify their communication to leverage different potential from each stakeholder network by crafting different types of social media activities based on their perception of different networks. This study develops a comprehensive theoretical understanding of NPOs’ transformed and complex communication strategies for stakeholder engagement in driving social change, opening up new avenues for organizational communication and collective and connective action scholarship.

Including a wider range of values in healthcare policy: how can public value evaluation help?

To meet future healthcare challenges a broader range of values need to be included in analysis, debate and policy. Different modes of governance foreground and facilitate different values. Collaboration, the governing principle of the newly formed integrated care systems, values the contribution of diverse stakeholders in discussions and decisions, to foster creativity and produce durable solutions to complex problems. Approaches to evaluation reinforce particular values, as captured in the adage 'what's measured is what matters'. New approaches are needed to support the collaborative aims of integrated care systems. Public value evaluation proceeds through values inquiry, establishing what is important to different stakeholders (including policy makers, healthcare staff, patients and communities) as a backdrop to understanding the effects of policies and programmes.

Collective vision-making practice: A long-run dynamic process model for geothermal market transitioning

Michael Porter’s work on competition highlights how firms can become stagnant or ‘stuck.’ This study extends that concept to markets or fields of institutional activity, examining what occurs when an entire market becomes 'stuck.' Focusing on the geothermal energy market, the research investigates achieving long-term collective action by cultivating a shared vision and mutual understanding among stakeholders with diverse interests. The study employs a longitudinal ethnographic approach, presenting a long-run dynamic process model of collective vision-making practice. This model consists of six first-order dimensions and twelve second-order interactive behavioural practice, illustrating how stakeholders can collaboratively construct and enfold a long-term collective vision. The findings demonstrate the institutional capacity to engage stakeholders and strategically consider whole market possibilities, enabling the creation of a broadly defined collective vision. The research advances a dynamic process model that emphasises sustained institutional interactional practice. The study’s implications are to motivate thought leaders and policymakers, prompting two strategic questions: First, “How can market actors collaborate to unlock value co-creation and shape the future of a ‘stuck’ market?” This involves engaging diverse stakeholder perspectives and exploring future market-making opportunities. Second, “How can all market actors pivot in harmony with a collective vision, fostering long-term shared understandings and commitments in pursuit of market-making efforts?”, This alignment is important for progressing from research and development to the successful implementation of pilot projects and the realisation of sustainable market opportunities.

Deciphering CEO disclosure tone inconsistency: a behavioural exploration

PurposeThis research employs a behavioural approach to investigate the determinants of CEO disclosure tone inconsistency. By examining CEO characteristics and psychological attributes, the study aims to unravel the complexities underlying tone variations in Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) reports. Through this exploration, the research seeks to contribute to understanding ethical considerations in corporate communications and provide insights into the nuanced interplay between personal, job-related and psychological factors influencing CEO disclosure tone.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilises a dataset comprising 1,411 MD&A reports from 143 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange between 2012 and 2021. Multiple regression analyses with year- and industry-fixed effects are employed to examine the relationships between CEO gender, tenure, duality, ability and psychological attributes such as narcissism, myopia, overconfidence and tone inconsistency. Data analysis involves MAXQDA software for analysing MD&A reports and Rahavard Novin software for document analysis, supplemented by audited financial statements.FindingsThe findings reveal significant relationships between CEO characteristics, psychological attributes and tone inconsistency. Female CEOs exhibit reduced tone inconsistency, contrasting with previous research trends. CEO tenure correlates negatively with tone inconsistency, whereas CEO ability shows a positive correlation, indicating a nuanced relationship with performance. However, CEO duality does not exhibit a significant association. Psychological attributes such as narcissism and myopia are positively associated with tone inconsistency, while no substantial connection is found with managerial overconfidence.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the inaugural exploration of CEO disclosure tone inconsistency through a behavioural lens, advancing measurement precision in the field. By delving into CEO characteristics and psychological attributes, the study offers unique insights into the roots of tone inconsistency. Applying comprehensive lexicon and phraseology enriches the methodological approach, fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders and adding distinct perspectives to the discourse on ethical issues in business. Through its meticulous examination of behavioural underpinnings, this study becomes a catalyst for reflection, dialogue and progress in corporate communications and ethical considerations.