Formal Channels Research Articles

Implementasi Kebijakan Pembangunan Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya Terpusat di Daerah Permukiman Wilayah Pesisir Kota Bontang

This study examines the implementation of centralized Solar Power Plant (PLTS) development policies in the coastal area of Bontang City as part of efforts to meet the increasing national energy demand. PLTS was chosen due to its renewable, environmentally friendly, and efficient nature, leveraging Indonesia's abundant solar radiation. Using a qualitative approach, the study reviews policy implementation based on the four main dimensions of George C. Edward III's theory: communication, resources, implementers’ disposition, and bureaucratic structure. The findings reveal that communication among policy implementers, the community, and stakeholders has been effective through various formal and informal channels, although challenges remain in disseminating information to remote coastal communities. In terms of resources, facilities and information related to the policy are deemed adequate, but there is a shortage of technical personnel and local operators, impacting policy execution. Additionally, limited government budgets pose a significant barrier to PLTS maintenance and operations. The disposition of implementers reflects strong commitment and responsibility, including the recruitment of local labor as operators, although heavy workloads and equipment theft issues hinder effectiveness. The bureaucratic structure, based on standard operating procedures (SOPs), has supported systematic coordination and policy implementation. Overall, the study concludes that the implementation of centralized PLTS development policies in the coastal area of Bontang City has been relatively effective. However, enhancements in human resources, increased budget allocation, and stricter supervision and facility protection are required. The study recommends closer collaboration among central and local governments, communities, and the private sector to ensure the sustainability of PLTS as an innovative and environmentally friendly energy solution for coastal areas.

Obtaining Effective Political Agency through Informal Access: Using Volumnia from Shakespeare’s Coriolanus as a Model

Past studies have examined Shakespeare’s historical plays through the lenses of political theory in multiple ways, focusing primarily on formal access to policymaking — official, structured channels of influence. This paper hereby uses Volumnia from Shakespeare’s Coriolanus as a model to examine the attainment of effective political agency through the perspective of a politician with only informal access to policymaking. Volumnia’s success in preserving the city of Rome contrasts with the failed attempts by other male characters’ sole reliance on formal political channels. Through her interactions with her son Coriolanus, a politician with formal access to policymaking, she exemplifies how effective political agency can be achieved by her use of rhetoric, body language, and indirect influence to manipulate politicians with authority to achieve her private political pursuits. Volumnia’s certified success under a patriarchal narrative exemplifies possibilities for politically marginalized minorities in modern society, especially the female body.

Manajeman Pendidikan Karakter dalam Membina Akhlak Siswa: Studi Kasus di MA Al Zaytun Indramayu

This study examines character education management at MA Al-Zaytun Indramayu, recognized as a pioneer of character education in Indonesia since 1999. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this research explores four management aspects: planning, organizing, implementation, and supervision. The findings reveal that character education planning at MA Al-Zaytun was formulated by a dedicated team led by AS Panji Gumilang and realized through a modern boarding school system with a “one pipe system” approach. Organizing involves the Indonesian Pesantren Foundation (YPI), the Board of Teachers, and all teaching staff, utilizing modern education management principles. Implementation is conducted comprehensively through formal, non-formal, and informal channels, such as the study of Statecraft and Human Rights (KHAM) and extracurricular activities. Supervision is systematically carried out through observation, direct inspections, and regular discussions, led by AS Panji Gumilang. This study highlights the critical role of management in the successful implementation of character education based on values of peace and tolerance.

Compliance with food safety measures and their economic impact on smallholder dairy farmers: Evidence from the Indo-Gangetic plains of India

This study examines the adoption and economic impact of compliance with food safety measures (FSM) using cross-sectional farm-level data from three key states in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, Bihar, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, in 2023. The majority of the farmers were operating on marginal and small plots. A Food Safety Index (FSI) derived from 71 distinct practices was used as a quantitative measure of adoption of compliance with FSM. The study assigns 0.60, 0.23, and 0.17 wt to microbiological, physical, and chemical safety measures, respectively, to derive FSI. Determinants of compliance with FSM were analysed using multiple linear regression and ordered logistic model, while Generalized propensity score (GPS) was used to assess the economic impact of compliance with FSM on farm-level performance indicators. The findings indicate that farmers are adopting a moderate level (0.48–0.58) of the FSI. Various socio-economic and demographic factors, such as education, income, marketing channel, training exposure, awareness level, and infrastructure, significantly influence the adoption of FSM. The impact assessment reveals that compliance with FSM correlates with milk prices, productivity, and profitability. However, a lower level of compliance may not yield significant improvements in milk productivity. The study suggests incentivization through pricing reforms, improving infrastructure, strengthening formal marketing channels, and raising awareness through training.

Penyelesain Sengketa Tindak Pidana Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga di Desa Taman Sampang

This study aims to analyze the settlement of domestic violence disputes (KDRT) in Taman Village with a non-litigation approach and the role of the village government in the process. The research method used is a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies related to the handling of domestic violence cases in the region. The main issues discussed are how the mechanism for resolving domestic violence through non-litigation channels and the active role of the village government in supporting victims and perpetrators to achieve conflict resolution without involving formal legal channels. The results show that non-litigation approaches, such as mediation and counseling, are an effective alternative in handling domestic violence cases at the village level. The Taman Village Government plays an important role in facilitating communication between the parties involved and providing psychological and social support for victims. In addition, the involvement of the village government in resolving domestic violence cases shows proactive efforts in creating a safer and more harmonious environment for the community. It is hoped that this approach can be a model for other regions in resolving domestic violence cases quickly and effectively without having to go through a court process that tends to take a long time.

A mixed methods qualitative approach outlining a strategic and operational agenda for the pawpaw value chain in the eastern US

Abstract The latest global scale occurrences — COVID-19 pandemic and bellicose conflicts — have weakened stable value chain relationships and forced international leaders to reassess commitments to sustainability. From these experiences, it became evident that the success of sustainability initiatives encompasses strengthening local and short value chains while creating means for engaging smallholders in formal food channels. Taking international and national policies as motivations, this article examines the emerging pawpaw value chain in the Eastern United States. We employ a mixed-mode approach with two aims. First, we demonstrate how complementing qualitative methods can be articulated to prepare a strategic agenda to foster the development and resilience of local ag-food chains. Second, through the application of the devised methodology, interview records and survey answers are evaluated to map value chain relationships and describe stakeholders’ perceived challenges and opportunities. On the empirical front, this article proposes four macro strategies and 22 actionable projects. We argue that the representative association of pawpaw growers may adopt a broader leadership role to coordinate the necessary changes for sustaining long-term growth and promoting economic gains in rural communities dedicated to pawpaw production. The mixed-mode approach presented in this study can be replicated to analyze local and short chains elsewhere.

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATION OF GREEN AND NON-GREEN COMPANIES IN DIGITAL ERA

This study aims to understand the corporate sustainability communication of green and non-green companies in Indonesia. This research examines 20 Indonesian companies divided into two subgroups of sample: green and non-green companies, which are classified according to their sustainability performance. The categorization indicator is obtained from CSRHub, a global database source aggregating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores. The paper analyzes the implementation of formal communication channels and social media during two months (June-July 2023) as a novel digital communication channel at the stakeholder information strategy level. This study found green companies engaged in more active sustainability communication through formal and digital channels. In the formal communication, green companies routinely prepared standalone sustainability reports and annual reports reflecting sustainability values in each Board of directors' and commissioners' letters. In digital channels, green companies own social media accounts on many platforms to engage with stakeholders. Some of them have reflected their sustainability value publicly through the new media.

The Magnitude Of The Informal Remittances Flow To Kenya: An Augmented Gravity Model Approach.

Background: In Kenya remittances are now a proper source of external finances. Kenya received $4.19 billion in form of diaspora remittances in year 2023. Over the years, remittances are proving to be more stable, well diversified and are promising more growth relative to foreign direct investments, official development assistance, private capital and exports. On the micro scale the remittances are helping achieve Kenya’s developmental goals of having a globally competitive human resource and an adequately and decently housed population as outlined in the country’s development blueprint - The Kenya Vision 2030. Though the remittances are these important, official remittance data in Kenya, as well as in many African countries, only include remittances sent through formal channels such as banks and Money transfer Operators. Remittances through the informal channels such as hawalas and hundis are not recorded. This means that the recorded remittances are grossly understated impeding the capacity of policy makers to design appropriate policies aimed at encouraging remittances. The study employed panel data analysis and a thought experiment on remittance data between 2013Q1 and 2022Q4. Through a thought experiment, the study asks what impact a reduction of the costs of sending remittances would have on remittances if the transaction costs were reduced to that of the informal channels of sending remittances. The analysis revealed that the size of the informal remittances in Kenya is between 20% and 26% of the formal remittances. On the determinants of remittance flows to Kenya, the study establishes that Kenyan migrants send more when the economic freedoms and economic conditions improve in their host nations but send less when economic freedoms back at home improve. Accurately measuring informal emittances in Kenya is vital for creating effective government policies. This data would reveal the true extent of remittances' impact on the economy, allowing policymakers to develop strategies that fully utilize their potential for development. By encouraging people to send money through official channels, the government can increase tax income, improve access to financial services, and better monitor these transactions. Additionally, understanding the size of informal remittances is essential for combating financial crimes like money laundering and ensuring that resources are used efficiently

Informal Foreign Currency Market Rate Coordination and Remittance Flows

ABSTRACT An unintended consequence of remittance flows to economically troubled countries may be the exacerbation of parallel foreign currency market activities. Studying clandestine markets is often hobbled by a lack of data on informal market coordination mechanisms. This paper examines the impact of the sudden cessation of an informal foreign currency exchange reference rate in Zimbabwe on inward remittance flows and public attention to money transfer operators. While the reference rate existed, there was bi-directional feedback between black market currency rates and retail diaspora remittance flows, but not with the flows of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The abolition of the informal reference rate did not stall retail diaspora remittance flows. NGO remittances reacted negatively to the ban, suggesting concerns with government policy. Online attention on money transfer operators increased after the reference rate’s cessation suggesting remitters shifted to formal channels. Accordingly, remittance costs reduced significantly.

Communication Styles and Leadership Conflicts in the Legio Maria Church, Ugenya, Kenya

This study explored the impact of communication styles on leadership conflicts within the Legio Maria Church in Ugenya. Effective communication is crucial for organizational dynamics, particularly in religious institutions where spiritual authority intersects with hierarchical structures. The Legio Maria Church faces persistent leadership conflicts, often exacerbated by differences in how leaders convey, interpret, and act upon information. These conflicts are influenced by the church's complex web of formal and informal communication channels, which shape power dynamics and organizational cohesion. This research identifies the diverse communication styles employed by church leaders, ranging from direct and open to indirect and informal methods. It examined how these styles impact decision-making processes, conflict-resolution strategies, and overall leadership dynamics. By understanding personal and organizational communication preferences, the study provides insights into the root causes of leadership conflicts. Practical recommendations are proposed, including communication training programs, clear communication protocols, and fostering a culture of openness and respect for diverse communication styles. These measures aimed to enhance leadership cohesion and improve the church's ability to serve its members effectively. This research contributes to the broader discourse on effective communication in religious organizations, offering valuable insights for fostering sustainable leadership practices and organizational harmony within the Legio Maria Church.

Various Components and the present Scenario of Skill Development

Literacy enhances people's knowledge and abilities. Literacy as a fundamental human right is becoming more widely recognized across the globe. Because of this, learning never ends. Having skill makes any task easier to do. Practical education builds on previously gained information, and the two go hand in hand. Formal and informal channels of information dissemination have both been used by educational institutions. Making a student financially independent is one of the primary goals of formal education. College degrees are a boon to society in many ways, both financially and otherwise. Higher education students who participate in skill development programs get insight into themselves while also gaining practical knowledge, increasing their productivity, and realizing their full potential. Undergraduate students who were previously aimlessly pursuing higher education now have an alternate schooling option because to the social logic of these programs. But for skill development programs to be accessible, equitable, informative, and engaging for undergraduates—who "...have miles to go before they sleep"—and to be meaningful and effective in light of the changing global scenario, careful planning is essential.

User-generated accountability: Public participation in algorithmic governance on YouTube

Despite opaque automated systems and few formal channels for participation, YouTubers navigate algorithmic governance on the platform through a strategy we call user-generated accountability: the generation of publicity via content creation to reveal failures, oversights, or harmful policies. Through an analysis of 250 videos, we identify common strategies, concerns, and targets of accountability. Creators primarily upload vlogs that acknowledge the platform’s positive aspects, even as they express concern with YouTube’s policies, automated enforcement systems, poor communication practices, and discrimination against certain creators or content. In publicizing critiques of platform operations, videos enroll creators and audiences as active stakeholders in platform governance that can coordinate actions to draw the company’s attention to matters of concern. We argue that user-generated accountability practices offer a productive starting point for understanding how platform governance disputes come to be and how systems might be shaped or rebuilt to better serve the needs of competing stakeholders.

Optimization of reverse logistics network for end-of-life vehicles: A Shanghai case study

With the surge in car ownership, the end-of-life vehicles recycling market has shown enormous development potential. As the reverse logistics network for recycling end-of-life vehicles suffers from high operating costs and low recycling rates, there is an urgent need to upgrade the actual recycling measures for end-of-life vehicles to an operable level. This article first uses the OGM (1, N) model to predict the number of end-of-life vehicles in the coming years. At the same time, a reverse logistics network model with the second-hand car market as the recycling centre was constructed with the goal of minimizing the total cost of the end-of-life vehicles reverse logistics network. The network model was simulated using mixed integer programming (MILP), and the optimal solution was solved through LINGO 12 programming. Through an example analysis of Shanghai, it is found that the market of end-of-life vehicles will embrace growth, and it is verified that the optimized reverse logistics network can effectively reduce the operation cost and logistics cost of recycling centres, and can effectively improve the actual recycling rate of end-of-life vehicles. Finally, the optimized site selection results are obtained, and a specific traffic distribution scheme is proposed, which is crucial for promoting cars that meet scrap standards to be recycled through formal channels and reducing logistics costs for recycling enterprises.

Financial inclusion and household consumption behaviour in Ghana

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between financial inclusion and household expenditure behaviour among Ghanaian households, by taking into account both formal and informal financial inclusion channels.Design/methodology/approachPropensity score matching as well as instrumental variable techniques are applied to data from the Ghana Living Standard Survey to investigate the effect of financial inclusion on the share of total expenditure devoted to different categories, including food, health, education, housing, durables, temptation goods and other goods.FindingsInformal financial inclusion seems to have no substantial effect on households’ consumption behaviour, whereas formal financial inclusion significantly affects it. The study finds that formal financial inclusion is inversely related to the budget share devoted to short-term expenditure (food, temptation goods and other goods such as transport and recreation). Conversely, financially included households spend more on long-term expenditure such as education, housing and consumer durables, thus, suggesting a diversion effect towards investment in long-term physical and human capital.Practical implicationsThe investigation of the heterogeneous impact across households (male vs female headed, rural vs urban) has essential policy implications on how financial inclusion can be improved among the disadvantaged groups, and with what effects.Originality/valueThe study focuses on the importance of financial inclusion in Ghana, considering both formal and informal financial inclusion channels. Previous studies only examined the overall effects on household welfare, overlooking the impact on household expenditure composition and consumption shares. The analysis also considers the heterogeneous impact of financial inclusion on households based on the gender of the household head and the location where households reside (rural, urban).

When socialization fails: breaking the habit of engagement with China

Abstract Why do states sustain failing policy? The literature on path dependency and cognitive habits shows how foreign policy logics become axiomatic. Yet these explanations focus too much on people and not enough on policies. We argue that the content of policies matters for the degree and depth of their entrenchment. Policies with long-term time horizons, immeasurable objectives and diffuse effects are especially vulnerable to stasis. Engagement policies toward China are a paradigmatic example. We focus on Canada's engagement policy, which exhibits both stasis and change, and refer to similar policies of other countries. Drawing on primary evidence including interviews with high-level diplomats and decision-makers, we find that engagement aimed at socializing China was sustained despite growing evidence of its failure—including through a multi-year diplomatic crisis. Change only became possible through ‘institutionalized debate’, meaning the purposeful creation of formal channels for debate. The article makes three contributions. First, we identify a novel explanation of stasis, showing that the content of policies matters. Second, we introduce a practical pathway—institutionalized debate—that can disrupt stasis once a policy logic is habituated. Finally, we identify an aspect of socialization ignored in the literature: when operationalized as policy, it becomes resistant to reversal.

La Persona y el Marketing Científico Digital

Introduction: Examines the implications of marketing in improving content related to scientific production, focusing on Academic Search Engine Optimization (ASEO) and highlighting the role of Digital Scientific Marketing. Methodology: It presents the constructive stages of Digital Scientific Marketing from the ASEO perspective, considering the Author dimension and the formal and informal channels that constitute digital information environments. Results: Describes the stages of Planning, Persona Definition, Content Creation and Definition, Content Distribution, Content Evaluation, and Result Measurement for the application of Digital Scientific Marketing in the ASEO context. Conclusion: The application of Digital Scientific Marketing requires reflection on the target audience and the proper delivery of content, taking into account social media metrics and effective audience engagement. Integrating Digital Scientific Marketing with Academic Search Engine Optimization (ASEO) provides new perspectives for scientific research, aiming to reach audiences beyond the specialized public. This approach can foster research in various knowledge areas and lead to the development of new lines of investigation.

Research on the impact of information sharing and government subsidy on competitive power battery recycling

From the perspective of promoting the compliant recycling of retired power batteries, this paper considers a power battery recycling supply chain dominated by the electric vehicle battery (EVB) manufacturer, where the formal and informal recyclers compete for recycling. Battery information sharing between the EVB manufacturer and the formal recycler is proposed firstly and based on this, government subsidy for the formal recycler is proposed then. By establishing models and comparing the equilibrium results, the recycling prices, recycling quantities and profit changes of supply chain members under different scenarios are obtained. The study shows that battery information sharing and government subsidy can promote more retired power batteries to enter formal channels and inhibit the development of informal recyclers. In addition, under the battery information sharing model, government subsidy can improve the formal recycler's profit loss due to battery information sharing. The proposal of these measures provides a development direction worthy of reference for the recycling of EVBs and is conducive to building a benign power battery full life cycle system.

Decoding the networking strategies of Asian and Black workers in the London Insurance Market

PurposeThis study utilizes Bourdieu’s concepts of field, capital and habitus to investigate the networking strategies of Asian and Black knowledge workers in the London Insurance Market. It also examines the factors contributing to the success or failure of these strategies. The trading activities of the London Insurance Market are underpinned by interdependent relations among its participants. It provides an appropriate context for examining the networking strategies adopted by Asian and Black workers to accelerate their careers.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed a qualitative methodology, gathering data from 24 participants through semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected using purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling methods. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data and develop aggregated concepts from the identified themes and subthemes.FindingsThe London Insurance Market accords great importance to networking. Interpersonal connections significantly influenced career progression, often overshadowing educational attainments. Asian and Black workers faced systemic nepotism and limited access to influential networks in this field. Participants strategically used their interactions to overcome these challenges and advance their careers. Many believed that their careers had a better chance of progressing through informal networks than through formal channels such as Human Resources. Some participants declined to engage in the commonly accepted networking practices, choosing alternative ways to further their careers.Practical implicationsFindings underscore the need for implementing specific organizational policies to address systemic biases and nepotism, particularly in front-office recruitment. Such policies could include prioritizing merit-based hiring practices and developing targeted initiatives to reduce the underrepresentation of minority ethnic workers in front-office positions. By adopting these measures, organizations can create more equitable career advancement opportunities and leverage the full potential of their diverse workforce.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature on minority ethnic workers' careers, networking theory and workplace diversity. It provides insights into the networking strategies of Asian and Black workers within the London Insurance Market, revealing that these strategies are dependent on contextual factors. The study also highlights the pervasive practice of nepotism deeply ingrained in the habitus of the London Insurance Market and which acts as a barrier for gaining access to influential networks.

Are remittances “resilient?” Evidence from Sri Lanka between COVID-19 and the crisis

Remittances have been characterized as resilient flows of capital that provide financial relief to migrant households and emerging economies during downturns, crises and other periods of hardship. This article examines patterns of remittance transfer to Sri Lanka between January 2020 and December 2022, drawing on Central Bank statistics and online remittance surveys with migrant workers to test prominent assumptions about the drivers of remittance behavior. Findings indicate little evidence to support explanatory factors linked to the resilience hypothesis, instead pointing to the likelihood that fluctuations in official remittance figures reflect shifts between formal and informal remittance channels.

What makes consumers buy from the informal rather than formal retail market? A consumption value perspective

Purpose This paper aims to understand consumption values buying from informal retail markets (i.e., street vendor retailing). It also explores why consumers prefer daily necessary goods from the informal compared to the formal retail market (such as supermarkets, retail chain outlets and e-commerce). Design/methodology/approach Employing the qualitative research approach, this study collected data from nine respondents in two areas in Malaysia. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Only representative verbatim codes were presented under five themes of consumption value theory. Findings Consumers are triggered by the convenience, ease, and exclusive products (conditional value), friendly and known relationship with informal sellers, as well as the availability of some particular food items (emotional value) and lower price and freshness of groceries (functional value) while buying from informal compared to formal retail vendor. Research limitations/implications This study provides knowledge implications to the consumption value theory. Functional, emotional, and conditional values are the dominant components of purchase behaviour in informal compared to formal retail channels. Social values are common, whereas epistemic value is more substantial in formal retailing. Practical implications Findings are helpful for informal retail businesses to understand consumers' buying behaviour. Informal retail owners should ensure that commodities are fresh, highly affordable and available in the local communities. Building a friendly relationship with consumers would be a key to the success of this retail sector. Social implications Authorities should support informal sellers to set up mobile retail stores in residential areas. This effort would offer greater convenience to both parties in informal businesses and ensure informal sellers' financial and social well-being. Originality/value Despite the widespread acceptance of buying goods from informal retail vendors, research on consumption value in informal retailing is largely overlooked. Previous research primarily deals with formal market phenomena due to their size and economic contribution. Consequently, current literature lacks an understanding of why consumers prefer to buy from informal retail vendors for their daily groceries when the formal retail channel could fulfil similar needs. Using a qualitative research design, this research uncovers consumers' buying motives from informal compared to formal vendors.