Foster Accountability Research Articles

An ethical framework for human-robot collaboration for the future people-centric manufacturing: A collaborative endeavour with European subject-matter experts in ethics

Envisioning humans and (smart) robots collaboratively working on the manufacturing shop floor, sharing spaces, tasks and objectives, reflects the ambitious goal that the ideal factory of the future aspires to attain. However, ensuring the effective implementation of this novel form of labour organisation remains an ongoing area of research. Key aspects such as the future role of workers, potential psychological risks, and the overall ethical considerations of human-robot (H-R) collaboration warrant further investigation until the underpinning safety challenges have been addressed. This study presents a novel ethical framework for H-R collaboration in manufacturing, which involved 30 subject-matter experts in ethics within the European context in a collaborative design process conducted through a year-long three-round data collection qualitative Delphi study. The ethical framework adopts a human-centric approach, recognising the influences that expand beyond the specific context of H-R dynamics on the shop floor, towards organisational and societal governance for a more responsible integration of (smart) robotics into the professional settings. Ethics, in this regard, aims to foster ethical awareness and accountability in the processes and practices of design and innovation, involving all stakeholders who play a role in shaping the future of Industry 5.0.

Climate apartheid: the failures of accountability and climate justice

PurposeSevere inequality from climate change exists between the Global North and Global South. The North significantly contributes to climate change yet retreats to protect itself against its harmful impacts. Conversely, members of the Global South bear the brunt of the climate crisis with limited protection against its destructive effects. Climate justice aims to address this inequality. This paper explores the effects of climate change reforms and policies that have been established to foster accountability and climate justice.Design/methodology/approachThis research follows a qualitative exploratory case study method. It draws on a supply- and demand-led approach and local accounts to analyse the (in)effectiveness with which six national and international reforms and policies have achieved accountability for climate justice. The research analysed a variety of empirical documents including contemporary research, reports, academic literature, non-government and government documents and policies, media releases and Pacific Islander accounts.FindingsClimate change reforms and policies, which come together to form supply-side accountability, have largely failed to engender accountability in the Global North for the impacts of climate change. Nor have they mitigated climate change to any tangible extent at all. This has created a system of modern-day climate apartheid. Improving accountability and remediating climate injustices going forward will require a focus on demand-led instruments and accountability, which includes the voice of citizens.Originality/valueThis paper responds to AAAJ’s special issue call for examining accounting and accountability with regard to environmental and climate racism. Limited research to date explores the issue of climate apartheid and climate justice and its relationship with accountability. This research attempts to fill that gap.

Addressing healthcare vulnerabilities in nursing homes : Insights from human rights monitoring in two Austrian provinces.

Current demographic changes bear challenges for national care systems due to higher life expectancy of older citizens. Largely cut off from society, nursing home residents are at risk for violence, neglect, and other potential human rights violations. This study aimed to investigate healthcare vulnerabilities in nursing homes and evaluate the Austrian National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). Between 2017 and 2019, 55 monitoring visits were conducted in 32 nursing homes. Study outcomes from two Austrian provinces included data on infrastructure, occupancy, staffing, resident's demographics and medical conditions, as well as measures related to the functioning of the NPM. Accessibility with mobility aids was sufficient in 87%, but assistance for persons with visual or hearing impairments solely in 20-40% of the institutions. An understaffing with nursing assistants (-5.2 full-time equivalents in Carinthia) and home helpers (-1.6 in Carinthia and Styria) was present. Less than 20% of the personnel received advanced training related to dementia and neuropsychiatric care. While 50% of the residents were diagnosed with apsychiatric disorder, approximately 36% received support from an appointed legal guardian. Of the monitoring visits 58.1% were conducted due to anonymous complaints and urgent referrals. The median processing times of the NPM and the provincial governments exceeded 250 days. Human rights monitoring reveals critical aspects in nursing home care, including insufficient accessibility, understaffing and inadequate training. Although the authorities' handling times hinder prompt responses, the NPM may foster systemic improvements and accountability within nursing homes.

Stakeholder engagement and nonprofit organizations' (NPOs) accountability: a social media-based study of the Australian 2019/2020 bushfire crisis

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of stakeholder engagement on accountability, within nonprofit organizations (NPOs). Given the pivotal role NPOs play in disaster management and community welfare, it is crucial to gain an understanding of the obligations of NPOs, in terms of their disaster responses and accountability. Design/methodology/approach Using a case-study approach, the investigation features a content analysis of social media comments regarding the Australian Red Cross’ (ARC) funds’ allocation during the 2019/2020 bushfires, followed by a similar analysis of ARC's reports. Inspired by Carnegie et al.'s (2021) definition of accounting as a social science, this study uses dialogic theory and a transformative participatory framework, to evaluate how interactive stakeholder engagement influenced accountability strategies used by the NPO, to ensure its sustainable development. Findings The findings reveal that there was a significant increase in stakeholder engagement on social media, following negative media coverage, with participants voicing concerns over ARC’s method of funds’ allocation, delays in funds distribution and seemingly excessive administrative costs. ARC addressed these concerns by issuing Bushfire Reports, and conducting online Q&A sessions, in a bid to establish transparency. This study emphasizes how dialogic accounting can challenge accounting's limited scope – one that often overlooks ecological concerns and social justice. Originality/value This study uses the perspective of dialogic accounting theory to explore the relationship between stakeholder engagement on social media, and NPO accountability. It demonstrates how robust stakeholder engagement can challenge NPOs to establish accountability, thereby bridging the information gap between themselves and the public. The use of dialogic accounting theory allows the study to shift from the traditional focus of accounting research, which is the financial objectives of powerful entities, to the voices of the marginalized, the stakeholders, who are impacted by NPO decisions, and, in doing so, it highlights the potential for NPOs to foster accountability, and so advance sustainable development initiatives.

Understanding UNITAD

Abstract On 21 September 2017, the United Nations (UN) Security Council established the ‘United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL’ (UNITAD) and tasked it to collect, preserve, and store evidence of international crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq. The creation of UNITAD does not stand alone. Since 1963, the UN has mandated more than 80 non- or semi-judicial ad hoc ‘Investigative Mechanisms’ (IM) in response to atrocities and situations of international concern. Recently, the realm of UN investigation witnessed an ‘accountability-turn’: by lack of other criminal justice avenues, IMs are set up and mandated to gather evidence, qualify conducts, attribute responsibility and pave the way for prosecution. Ample attention has been paid to their output and impact, but how they constitute themselves as a means to their ends — how they in actual practice interpret their mandate — has been severely understudied. This study takes UNITAD as a case and explores why it is doing what it does, how it does it, and what the implications hereof can be. Based on a literature review and expert interviews, this explorative study describes the intended purpose, priorities and principles of the written mandate as agreed upon by the UN Security Council and the Government of Iraq, and analyses UNITAD’s interpretation of these parameters in practice. It concludes that UNITAD has taken a restrictive stance with respect to some aspects of the written mandate while seeking leeway with respect to others. This navigation — informed by politics, practicalities and personality — strongly implicates the prospects of transitional justice: whereas UNITAD was mandated to foster criminal accountability, it has and still can facilitate broader forms of justice too.

"The Other Thousand Hours": A Spinal Cord Injury Self-Management Program Qualitative Analysis.

People with spinal cord injury experience secondary health conditions (SHCs) at a high rate which impacts life expectancy and functional performance. Self-management (SM) is an evidence-based approach to reduce the negative effects of SHCs, but prior SM programs have not been successful for the spinal cord injury (SCI) population. We sought to describe the experiences of participants completing a group-based telehealth program that is tailored to the SCI population: The Spinal Cord Injury Self-Management (SCISM) Program. We conducted interviews using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis to examine participants' experiences. Twenty-two participants completed the interviews. Four themes ("A Sense of Community," "Being Held Accountable," "I'm Still Learning," and "Being Proactive Instead of Reactive") emerged. People with SCI require continued support throughout the chronic stage of SCI particularly at the community level to address mental health as well as the learning and application of SM skills through tailored interventions that foster community and accountability.

Faculty’s perception of peer observation of teaching: the case of a higher education institution in Malta

Peer Observation of Teaching (POT) is one of the areas which is steadily gaining importance in higher education. Nevertheless, it is generally shrouded with uncertainty, doubt, and a lack of procedural understanding, especially in the context of small states where the number of teachers is limited. This study explores faculty perceptions of Peer Observation of Teaching (POT) in a micro higher education institution in Malta. The findings reveal that factors such as smallness, the ‘already known factor’, guardedness, personalism, and fear of being judged shape how faculty view POT. The research advocates shifting from evaluative to developmental or peer-to-peer models of POT to suit the cultural intricacies of small states. It stresses the importance of transparent policies to foster trust and accountability and recommends enhancing relational and dialogic approaches to foster collegiality and offering Higher Education teaching training. These insights transcend small island states and are applicable to various educational settings, offering valuable lessons for teaching and quality assurance globally.

Impact of Food Packaging Materials on the Shelf-Life and Quality of Packaged Food Products

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of food packaging materials on the shelf-life and quality of packaged food products. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to food packaging materials on the shelf-life and quality of packaged food products. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the choice of packaging material significantly influenced the preservation and quality of food items. Various studies demonstrated that different materials, such as plastics, biodegradable polymers, and paper-based materials, offered distinct advantages depending on the specific food product. While plastics provided excellent barrier properties, concerns over environmental sustainability led to increasing interest in alternative materials. The study emphasized the importance of balancing functional requirements with environmental considerations and highlighted the need for ongoing research and innovation in developing sustainable packaging solutions. Overall, the findings underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the safety, freshness, and sustainability of packaged food products. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Diffusion theory, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Conservation of Resources theory may be used to anchor future studies on food packaging materials on the shelf-life and quality of packaged food products. The study provided several recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of food packaging. It recommended further exploration into theoretical frameworks surrounding consumer behavior and perception, as well as the adoption of a holistic approach to packaging design and optimization. Additionally, the study advocated for the development of evidence-based guidelines and regulations, implementation of supply chain traceability initiatives, and labeling regulations to enhance consumer trust and encourage the use of sustainable packaging materials. These recommendations aimed to foster innovation, transparency, and accountability throughout the food packaging value chain to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of packaged food products.

Sustainable supply chain financing models: Integrating banking for enhanced sustainability

Sustainable supply chain financing has emerged as a pivotal strategy in contemporary business paradigms, aiming to harmonize economic growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This review delves into the integration of banking mechanisms within sustainable supply chain financing models to foster enhanced sustainability across diverse industries. In recent years, the concept of sustainability has gained momentum, prompting organizations to reevaluate their operational frameworks to mitigate environmental impacts and address societal concerns. Supply chain financing, a financial tool facilitating transactions among interconnected entities within the supply chain, plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability objectives. By integrating banking institutions into these models, businesses can leverage financial expertise, resources, and networks to bolster sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. This review explores various dimensions of sustainable supply chain financing models, highlighting the significance of banking integration. Firstly, it elucidates the evolving landscape of sustainability in supply chains, emphasizing the imperative for concerted efforts to reconcile profitability with environmental preservation and social welfare. Secondly, it examines the multifaceted benefits of integrating banking institutions into supply chain financing mechanisms, including access to capital, risk mitigation, and expertise in sustainable finance. Moreover, the review discusses the emergence of innovative financial instruments such as green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and supply chain finance programs tailored to promote sustainability goals. These instruments not only provide financial incentives for sustainable initiatives but also foster transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain ecosystem. Furthermore, the review addresses challenges and opportunities associated with integrating banking into sustainable supply chain financing, including regulatory complexities, technological advancements, and stakeholder collaboration. It underscores the need for strategic partnerships between businesses, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies to navigate these challenges effectively and realize the full potential of sustainable supply chain financing. The integration of banking institutions into sustainable supply chain financing models presents a promising avenue for advancing sustainability agendas across industries. By harnessing financial innovation and collaboration, organizations can foster resilience, efficiency, and ethical conduct within their supply chains, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR ACCELERATING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN HVAC SYSTEMS AMIDST CLIMATE CHANGE

Amidst the escalating impacts of climate change, optimizing energy efficiency in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems emerges as a critical imperative. This review explores project management strategies aimed at accelerating energy efficiency in HVAC systems amidst climate change challenges. In response to climate change, the urgency to mitigate energy consumption in HVAC systems has intensified. Project management plays a pivotal role in orchestrating systematic approaches to address this challenge. Firstly, effective project management entails comprehensive planning. This involves conducting thorough energy audits and assessments to identify inefficiencies and prioritize improvement opportunities. Utilizing advanced technologies such as Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) can enhance data collection and analysis for informed decision-making. Secondly, stakeholder engagement is essential for successful project implementation. Collaboration between building owners, facility managers, engineers, and contractors facilitates alignment of goals and resources. Clear communication channels and regular progress updates foster accountability and momentum throughout the project lifecycle. Thirdly, project management methodologies like Agile or Lean can streamline HVAC efficiency initiatives. Iterative development allows for continuous improvement, enabling teams to adapt to evolving requirements and incorporate feedback effectively. Moreover, risk management strategies are vital to anticipate and mitigate potential obstacles. Contingency plans for supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and unforeseen technical challenges ensure project resilience and minimize disruptions. Lastly, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are indispensable for tracking project performance and verifying energy savings. Utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance benchmarks enables stakeholders to measure success and adjust strategies as needed. Effective project management strategies are indispensable for accelerating energy efficiency in HVAC systems amidst climate change. By emphasizing comprehensive planning, stakeholder engagement, agile methodologies, risk management, and continuous evaluation, organizations can navigate challenges and realize substantial energy savings in HVAC operations.
 Keywords: Project Management, HVAC, Climate Change, Energy, Efficiency, Review.

Price Markup in Property Purchase: A Legal Perspective on The Risk of Default and Decrease in Property Value at Auction

Loans or credit are a commonly used financing model for new and existing businesses. The amount of credit granted is determined by the collateralized assets. However, problems often arise when the property used as collateral turns out to be valued below expectations. This occurs because property buyers become victims of price markup crimes. This study focuses on defining the boundaries of this crime in cases of price markup and the legal protections that can be provided to victims of property price markup. Consequently, the general public can avoid the risks of falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. This study delves into the intricacies of price markup crimes, aiming to delineate clear boundaries and legal protections for victims. By shedding light on these issues, we aim to empower the general public with knowledge to recognize and mitigate the risks associated with fraudulent schemes. Through a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework surrounding property price markups, individuals can make informed decisions and safeguard themselves against potential exploitation in property transactions. Ultimately, this research endeavors to foster transparency and accountability in the property market, fostering a fair and equitable environment for all stakeholders involved

Navigating the Ethical Landscape: Implementing Machine Learning in Smart Healthcare Informatics

The integration of Machine Learning (ML) into healthcare informatics holds immense promise, revolutionizing patient care and treatment strategies. However, as this technology advances, it brings forth ethical challenges crucial for careful navigation. ML offers unprecedented abilities to analyze vast healthcare data, leading to personalized medicine and improved outcomes. Yet, ethical concerns emerge, notably in privacy protection, algorithm bias, transparency, informed consent, and data quality. Transparency, explainability, and patient autonomy in decision-making processes are crucial to foster trust and accountability. Striking a balance between innovation and compliance, ensuring data quality, and promoting human-AI collaboration are essential. Addressing these challenges demands adherence to ethical frameworks, continuous monitoring, multidisciplinary governance, education, and regulatory compliance. To fully harness ML's potential in healthcare while upholding ethical standards, collaboration among stakeholders is imperative, ensuring patient welfare remains central amid technological advancements. Ethical considerations must be embedded at every stage of ML implementation to maintain an ethical, equitable, and patient-centered healthcare system.

Enhancing transparency and accountability in public administration through information technology utilization

Many problems regarding the use of information technology to provide and increase transparency and accountability in public administration must be studied more deeply. Based on these problems, this study aims to explore and examine the use of information technology in increasing transparency and accountability in terms of public administration. The method used in this study is the qualitative research method. Data Collection Techniques in this study go through three stages: observation, interviews, and search for supporting written data. After the data is obtained, data analysis is carried out. Data analysis is carried out using qualitative analysis methods. The findings underscore that IT implementation significantly improves accessibility to public information, fosters a culture of efficiency through streamlined administrative practices, and strengthens oversight mechanisms. Moreover, the study identifies challenges related to data security, disparities in IT access, and resistance to technological change within administrative structures. Recognizing the necessity for comprehensive policies, the research emphasizes the need for governance frameworks that embrace technological advancements and address associated challenges. The study advocates for a holistic approach to maximize the positive impact of IT on transparency and accountability in public administration. This research contributes to the discourse on the intersection of technology and governance, providing insights that can inform policymakers, administrators, and researchers in advancing effective strategies for utilizing IT to foster transparency and accountability in public administration.

Directors’ Compensation, Corporate Attributes, and Firm Performance of Selected Listed Firms in Nigeria

This study investigates the impact of Directors' Compensation and Corporate Attributes on firms' performance using data from sixty-seven listed firms on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) spanning from 2012 to 2021. Through regression analysis, the research reveals a negative relationship between Director Compensation and firm performance, measured by returns on assets (ROA). Additionally, firm size exhibits a negative association with performance, while firm value positively influences success. Leverage, on the other hand, is found to negatively correlate with firm performance. The study suggests strategic management overhauls in Nigerian firms, emphasizing optimized financial structures, balanced leverage, and prudent debt management to mitigate financial risks and enhance overall performance. Furthermore, aligning Director's compensation with performance metrics is recommended to foster accountability, efficient resource management, and alignment of individual interests with overall corporate objectives. Highlights: Negative ROA Correlation: Directors' Compensation shows a negative relationship with firm performance measured by ROA. Strategic Overhauling Recommendation: Suggests optimizing financial structures and prudent debt management in Nigerian firms. Compensation-Performance Alignment: Advocates aligning Director's compensation with metrics for accountability and efficient resource management. Keywords: Directors' Compensation, Return on Asset, Corporate Attributes, Performance, Firms Size

EXPLORING THE LANDSCAPE OF EXPLAINABLE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: BENEFITS, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

This research paper delves into the dynamic realm of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), scrutinizing its advantages and limitations. XAI emerges as a pivotal facet in the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, emphasizing transparency to render AI systems comprehensible to humans. The primary objective of XAI is to illuminate the decision-making processes of complex AI models, offering insights into their reasoning mechanisms. Through heightened transparency, XAI aims to enhance human comprehension, instill trust in AI outcomes, and ultimately foster accountability, ethical adherence, and user confidence in AI systems. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the benefits of XAI, explores its constraints concerning individual privacy, and discusses the future perspectives of this rapidly evolving field.

Exploring the Influencing Factors of Harmonious Campus: What are the Roles of Schools, Teachers and Students

Bullying is a pervasive issue in schools, characterized by intentional, hurtful behavior with an imbalance of power. This research draws insights from the film "Better Days" to explore strategies for reducing bullying. The study focuses on the roles of schools, teachers, and students in combatting bullying. It emphasizes the importance of awareness campaigns to break the silence surrounding bullying, the integration of psychological counseling courses to nurture resilience and empathy, and the implementation of an effective reporting system to foster accountability. Additionally, the research highlights the transformative power of teacher-student relationships in raising awareness and modeling positive behavior. It also underscores the significance of students' self-realization and seeking help as a means of empowerment. Finally, the study discusses the complexities of legal action against bullying and the role of bystander intervention in cultivating empathy and unity. By implementing these strategies, schools can create environments where bullying is actively addressed, fostering safer and more compassionate communities.

Lecturers’ Beliefs and Perceptions on Formative Assessment and Their Practice in Training Medical Students in a Malaysian University

Introduction: Formative assessment refers to frequent evaluation of student attainment to identify learning needs. It is crucial for the development of soft skills and improvement in learning progress in the classroom. However, the practice is still lacking and undervalued in medical education. This study aims to determine the level of beliefs and perceived practices of formative assessment among lecturers teaching undergraduate medical programme in a Malaysian university. Methods: A self-administered 27-item questionnaire was distributed to 62 lecturers in a medical school in Selangor, Malaysia. They were required to indicate their agreement and frequency on each item that describes their beliefs on the importance and practice of formative assessment in the medical programme. All data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 26. Results: Majority of the respondents indicated that the assessment was conducted frequently during small group sessions (64.5%), through written examination (59.7%) and during practical classes (53.2%). The respondents rated positively on the importance and practice of formative assessment. The score of formative assessment practice through scaffolding was significantly higher than monitoring (Z = 944.5, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between beliefs and practice of formative assessment (r(62) = 0.213, p = 0.097). Additionally, the duration of service had no significant association with their perception and practice of formative assessment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that regardless of their level of experience, lecturers exhibited a positive perception of and engagement with formative assessment in training medical students. A substantial improvement of peer and self-assessment practices is warranted to foster student autonomy and accountability on their learning.

Exploring a school‐level inclusive practice index for meaningful inclusion in Zambian schools

AbstractThe United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and, in particular, its Sustainable Development Goal no. 4, underline the relevance of quality education that translates into long‐term benefits for all learners. This article reports findings of a collaborative research study that piloted an inclusive practice index to investigate inclusion in schools. We applied a mixed‐methods design to identify potent features of inclusion, and developed an index that measured the extent to which inclusive practices were considered in schools. The index was administered in 168 schools and to 498 teachers. Using exploratory factor analysis, psychometric properties and potency of factors were determined. Our results revealed a two‐factor solution cumulatively accounting for 72% of variation. Based on our findings, we highlight the need for schools to be deliberate in processes that enhance application of inclusive practices. When applied with intention, this will foster accountability for inclusion in the delivery of meaningful inclusive education.

Lessons Learned About System-Level Improvement in Serious Illness Communication: A Qualitative Study of Serious Illness Care Program Implementation in Five Health Systems.

Serious illness communication is a key element of high-quality care, but it is difficult to implement in practice. The Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) is a multifaceted intervention that contributes to more, earlier, and better serious illness conversations and improved patient outcomes. This qualitative study examined the organizational and implementation factors that influenced improvement in real-world contexts. The authors performed semistructured interviews of 30 health professionals at five health systems that adopted SICP as quality improvement initiatives to investigate the organizational and implementation factors that appeared to influence improvement. After SICP implementation across the organizations studied, approximately 4,661 clinicians have been trained in serious illness communication and 56,712 patients had had an electronic health record (EHR)-documented serious illness conversation. Facilitators included (1) visible support from leaders, who financially invested in an implementation team and champions, expressed the importance of serious illness communication as an institutional priority, and created incentives for training and documenting serious illness conversations; (2) EHR and data infrastructure to foster performance improvement and accountability, including an accessible documentation template, a reporting system, and customized data feedback for clinicians; and (3) communication skills training and sustained support for clinicians to problem-solve communication challenges, reflect on communication experiences, and adapt the intervention. Inhibitors included leadership inaction, competing priorities and incentives, variable clinician acceptance of EHR and data tools, and inadequate support for clinicians after training. Successful implementation appeared to rely on multilevel organizational strategies to prioritize, reward, and reinforce serious illness communication. The insights derived from this research may function as an organizational road map to guide implementation of SICP or related quality initiatives.

Building a Trauma-Informed Community: Applying Community Building Circles to an Academic Health Research Setting.

Within health science disciplines, power dynamics exist that can not only perpetuate harm but also foster feelings of powerlessness and disengagement. Although diversity, equity, and inclusion approaches have been prioritized by many institutions to improve student and staff recruitment, few effective structures exist to promote the retention, support, and inclusion of these individuals. Restorative justice circles facilitate a collaborative and personal exercise that welcomes the input of all members, thus acting as a catalyst toward broader and more deeply rooted culture changes and conflict resolution. Restorative justice circles can be applied to strengthen academic learning environments by building community and creating intentional dialog spaces to promote accountability and belonging. The Phoenix Gender-based Violence Lab is an interdisciplinary health research lab composed of diverse researchers who meet monthly for a restorative justice-inspired community-building circle and discussion. The lab members participated in community-building circles from August 2021 to August 2022 during which circle facilitators aimed to prioritize safety, trustworthiness, and transparency and provide collaboration opportunities. All 10 research team members consented to an anonymous evaluation survey to share their perspectives about incorporating this approach into lab time. Research team members expressed many benefits of circle discussions, including mitigated power dynamics (n = 5), increased lab cohesion (n = 9), improved research processes (n = 6), and enhanced honesty and accountability (n = 4). Circle practice has shown promising results within the Phoenix Gender-based Violence Lab, indicating that other academic and medical settings should consider its potential to enhance group dynamics, foster accountability, and cultivate deeper collaboration and appreciation among group members. Further investigation of circle practice in diverse medical and academic settings is needed to fully comprehend the range of outcomes resulting from this intervention and whether they align with the fundamental principles of restorative justice.