Governance Framework Research Articles

Translating official documents: an art of governance by translation in the Qing dynasty

State governance is, in many ways, a discursive practice that relies on the creation, translation, and transmission of governance-oriented texts. The act of governance by translation typically occurs in multi-ethnic, multilingual, and unified political contexts. When translation adheres to established patterns and effective regimes, it forms a governance technique known as “translation governmentality.” In the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), confronted with the challenge of governing a vast territory with diverse ethnic groups speaking different languages, the Qing authorities prioritized the translation of official documents to implement this translation governmentality. Despite its significance, a comprehensive overview of official document translation in the Qing dynasty within the framework of governance by translation has not received sufficient attention. This study employs documentary analysis to understand the historical contexts of official document translations, interpret the motivations behind these translations, and reconstruct the organized regimes of translation practices in the Qing period. The findings reveal that the Qing dynasty developed a relatively organized and mature translation regime for official documents by establishing translation agencies, appointing specialized translation officials, and adopting multilingual translation modes. This governance-oriented translation regime effectively shaped the core concepts, institutional systems, and organizational mechanisms of state governance in the Qing dynasty. Additionally, it contributed to establishing the legitimacy of state governance during that era.

Horti-IoT: a new data framework for Dutch horticulture

Abstract Consistency issues limit the sharing of horticultural data across multiple systems, resulting in challenges for users to analyze data effectively across various systems utilizing artificial intelligence technology. Introducing data governance principles can help standardize and unify data practices, making it easier for analysts to locate, comprehend, transfer and integrate data from diverse sources to enable data-driven horticulture. Implementing data governance and principles specific to horticulture can assist in standardizing the layout and format of data structures from different sources. This study aims to propose a new governance framework, Horti-IoT, based on the Data Management Body of Knowledge and several structured frameworks for the Internet of Things (IoT) governance that will lead to data-driven horticulture. This study is empirical in nature. The Dutch horticulture stakeholders are involved in this initiative, providing the data, knowledge, and experiences needed for this study. The data stream from various sources, including camera images, sap flow sensors, climate sensors and manually measured growth data. The key findings following the implementation of the Horti-IoT framework’s principles are reduced workload for data analysts, efficiency in plant monitoring, savings time in pre-processing, enhanced water resource management, reduced system administrator contacts and compliance with General Data Privacy Regulation. The new proposed Horti-IoT framework, compatible with Dutch horticulture, is presented. The data were obtained from the Lab greenhouse at the World Horti Centre in the Netherlands, in the framework of the Regionale SIA RAAK MKB call March 2022-September 2024 subsidy funds for project title ‘Gewasgroei Goed Gemeten (GeGoGe). This project is a collaboration between three educational institutions. Inholland University of Applied Science, the Hague University of Applied Science, Lentiz Vocational School, and stakeholders.

The global food security conundrum through the lens of the right to food

Working through the complexities of food insecurity with the intention to address issues requires taking a step back to the drawing board to firm up the understanding of food security through the principles that inform the governance framework of the right to food in the context of the current global food security crisis. Considering the multi-dimensional nature of food security in relation to the right to food alongside concepts such as food sovereignty, and issues such as climate change, food loss and food waste, economic and political turmoil is paramount in determining exactly why all people at all times do not have access to adequate food, or the means for its procurement. This commentary delves into the intricacies of the concept of food security, and the hindrances to realising food security for all by considering what food security is, and where, therefore, the challenges in effecting the right to food are. Through careful consideration of the components of the food security equation, this commentary seeks to show how the right to food comes down to more than ensuring that food is physically available. By connecting the right to food to the factors that affect food security and exploring the ways in which those factors can be broken down and addressed separately, this commentary ultimately advocates for the realisation of food security through collaboration. The consideration of the singular concepts that form the food security equation in solving the multi-dimensional food security problem through conjoined and synchronised efforts influenced by obligations of states and international organisations with mandates directly connected to, and influencing the different aspects of the food security equation. Using reports, statistics, theories and academic opinions, this commentary seeks to explore the different components, which form the concept of food security to draw conclusions and analyse existing systems in an attempt to determine what approaches could be considered in addressing the growing food security crisis and the concerns attached to it. Key words: Food security, right to food, climate change, crisis, malnutrition, food loss, food waste

The Public Interest in the Digital Age: Exploring the Emerging Roles and Governance Models of the AI as a Common Good

With the continuous development of artificial intelligence, we are living through the era of digital transformation, and the fourth Industrial Revolution is a paradigm change with unprecedented speed, scale, scope and complexity, and is fundamentally transforming production, consumption and society as a whole. As the basic unit of public management research, data has established a strong connection between the promotion of digital revolution and the change of public management research paradigm. The rise of AI technologies has enhanced AI governance and brought unprecedented help to policymakers. This study has used a cross-sectional quantitative design to capture perception and attitude towards AI as common good from a sample of 400 Chinese responders coming from diverse age, group and occupation categories. The key factors which measured were public awareness of AIGC, the extent of its utilization in government policy, public attitudes toward AIGC, and public participation in policy development. The findings indicated that public understanding and trust are paramount to successfully integrate Ai as common good in governance framework. Public enthusiasm and participations are highly affected by trust and public understanding. To deliver policies without much resistance, heightened awareness, participations and trust becomes essential.

Exploring the Nexus between Endogenous Development and Local Economic Development: The Experience of Tamale Metropolis in Ghana

This paper explores the relationship between Endogenous Development (ED) and Local Economic Development (LED) in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. ED emphasises locally driven initiatives that leverage indigenous knowledge, resources, and cultural practices, while LED focuses on promoting economic growth and sustainability through local-level collaboration. The study examines how ED practices, such as community- based agricultural activities and cooperatives, contribute to local economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion in Tamale. It also identifies key challenges, including weak governance frameworks, socio-cultural barriers, and limited access to finance, which hinder the effective integration of ED into broader LED strategies. Despite these obstacles, opportunities exist to strengthen the synergy between ED and LED through enhanced community participation, capacity building, and public- private partnerships. This paper argues that aligning ED with LED offers a sustainable development model that can address both economic and social challenges in the region. Recommendations for policymakers include improving local governance structures, fostering inclusive development policies, and creating supportive environments for community-driven initiatives. The findings highlight the need for context-sensitive development strategies that empower local communities to take ownership of their development pathways while contributing to sustainable economic growth.

AI-Powered Information Governance: Balancing Automation and Human Oversight for Optimal Organization Productivity

This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine the optimal balance between AI-powered automation and human oversight in information governance frameworks, aiming to enhance organizational productivity, efficiency, and compliance. Quantitative data collected from 384 respondents were analyzed using Pearson correlation, regression models, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results reveal strong positive correlations between AI automation levels and both organization size (r = 0.55, p < .01) and AI adoption duration (r = 0.62, p < .01). Regression analysis indicates that higher levels of AI automation significantly improve error reduction (β = 1.12, p < .001) and compliance (β = 1.05, p < .001), especially in larger organizations with longer AI adoption periods. SEM findings highlight that human oversight positively impacts error reduction (β = 0.65, p < .001) and compliance improvement (β = 0.72, p < .001), and the interaction between human oversight and AI automation further enhances these outcomes (error reduction: β = 0.32, p < .001; compliance improvement: β = 0.35, p < .001). The qualitative analysis, involving thematic extraction from industry reports, reveals ethical challenges such as data quality issues, algorithmic bias, and privacy concerns. Hence, it is necessary to integrate human oversight to ensure ethical standards and build stakeholder trust in AI-driven systems. The study concludes with practical recommendations for organizations: establishing transparent AI governance frameworks, investing in continuous training for employees, and regularly auditing AI processes to mitigate risks. By addressing both the technological and ethical dimensions, organizations can implement AI-powered information governance that not only boosts productivity and efficiency but also ensures compliance and ethical integrity.

Rule of Law, Regulatory Quality and investment Growth in Nigeria: An Impact Analysis

This study focus on rule of law, regulatory quality and investment growth in Nigeria employing ordinary least square method of estimation. A time series data spanning from 1997 to 2019. The economic growth was proxied with investment growth, while other variables include rule of law, regulatory quality, consumer price index, premium lending rate, trade openness, financial deepening, investment, gross investment and gross fixed capital formation. The finding of the OLS result shows that there is significant positive relationship between rule of law, regulatory quality and economic growth. Also, the result of the ECM shows that the speed of adjustment of the investment growth in the long run would be accounted for in short run by the magnitude of 27% and 40%. In the robustness check, negative significant relationship exist between rule of law, regulatory quality, investment and gross investment. Findings from granger causality test shows that there is a unidirectional causality between rule of law and economic growth, and also a bidirectional causality between regulatory quality and economic growth. Thus, improvement in the governance and institutional framework in Nigeria is suggested as policy recommendation.

Improving Productivity and Reducing Costs in an IT Service Provider: Applying the Lean Six Sigma Methodology

Objective: to present the use of the Six Sigma framework as a framework for IT Governance, in a multinational company that operates in the market of IT outsourcing services, with a view to assisting in the improvement of productivity, in its consequent significant reduction of costs and a better operational performance in the processes of the company providing outsourced IT services. Theoretical Framework: The study addresses concepts of the Lean philosophy, as well as the Six Sigma framework and the marriage of Lean and Six Sigma as a way to obtain advantages from the application of its methods, meeting the needs of the organization. Method: In this study, quantitative and qualitative methods were used from a descriptive research. A literature review and associated issues were carried out and a case study was applied from the results obtained through a project in a large multinational company that provides IT outsourcing services. Outcome and Discussion: The combination of Six Sigma with the business process offered the company an opportunity for cost reduction and improved its competitive advantage in an increasingly competitive and quality-driven market. Regarding the implementation of the incident governance process, a reduction of 24% was obtained; Regarding actions to reduce the number of overtime, a reduction of 40% was obtained. A total monthly reduction of US$ 5,589 was obtained and annually the reduction amount plus benefits reached US$ 67,068. Research Implications: Research contributes to the improvement of quality and significant cost reduction with the application of the Six Sigma framework, properly tested and demonstrated in an organization. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by using the Six Sigma framework as a framework for IT Governance in order to help improve productivity with consequent significant cost reduction and better operational performance in the processes of an outsourced IT service provider. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the demonstration of the benefits obtained in the environment of the company under analysis.

Catalysing sustainable development through water conservation: Insights from Malaysia

This study aims to investigate the attitudinal predictors (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control) of consumers’ water conservation intentions. The average daily water usage among consumers in Malaysia is 201 litres higher than the recommended 165 litres by the United Nations. Furthermore, based on the National Water Resource Study (2000-2050), water consumption is expected to rise by 103% by 2050. The water issues require decisive action to ensure sufficient clean water resources for future generations. Thus, educating consumers regarding water saving is of paramount importance in ensuring sufficient water resources and achieving SDGs. Data were collected via 320 questionnaires, and Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate a positively significant association between attitudinal predictors and Water Conservation Intention among Malaysian consumers. Interestingly, income level exhibits a clear negative and significant relationship with Water Conservation Intention. This implies that income level does not influence consumer’s attitudes. The findings in this paper contribute to the essential component of holistic and integrated governance frameworks aimed at achieving sustainable and inclusive development for water management in Malaysia. This study contributes to the scarce yet crucial body of evidence regarding water-conservation efforts to ensure sustainable water management practices.

Relational visioning and the emerging future: Transforming towards a sustainable local society

The Earth is currently facing unprecedented anthropogenic impacts. In this context of widespread environmental degradation and climate anxiety, there is an urgent need to reimagine our approaches to sustainability. This paper explores how a relational framing of sustainability can be applied to visioning exercises to foster transformative actions in local governance. While relational approaches are increasingly recognized as important to spark transformative change, their benefits and practical applicability to visioning are still under-explored. Drawing on findings from a multi-stakeholder workshop in a Norwegian municipality, we make two main contributions to the existing literature. First, we demonstrate how a relational visioning process can be carried out, identifying three key elements for establishing a relational foundation that can catalyse effective sustainability transformations: 1) the act of listening deeply, 2) integrating values, and 3) defining direction. Second, we contribute with new insights concerning the benefits and practical application in local sustainability governance contexts, highlighting the need for facilitating incremental (yet radical) changes in existing governance frameworks that are sensitive to available bureaucratic resources.

Residents’ perceptions of tourism development in the context of a new governance framework for Portuguese protected areas: The case of a small peripheral natural park

Historically, Portuguese protected areas (PAs) have been operating under top-down governance, often neglecting local communities. In 2019, the Portuguese government established a new governance model for PAs, based on co-management. The new co-management approach emphasises collaborative and participatory governance and positions sustainable tourism as a catalyst for territorial revitalisation and local development. However, local communities' attitudes and perceptions regarding tourism in these areas remain largely uncharted. This study focuses on the Alvão Natural Park (PNAL), a small rural and mountainous Portuguese PA, which is currently in the early stages of co-management implementation. Our goal was to investigate local residents' perceptions of tourism's impacts and identify potential divergence among resident groups and their level of support for tourism development. These insights are crucial because the active engagement of local communities is a key element for sustainable tourism development and the successful implementation of co-management. The study employed a self-administered survey, garnering responses from 250 PNAL residents representing over half of the park's population. Factor analysis identified four primary perceptual dimensions and cluster analysis classified residents into three distinct groups based on their tourism perceptions. While most PNAL residents express support for tourism development, there is a resounding call for new policies to revert the legacy of top-down governance. This research provides essential insights for shaping effective tourism policies, planning and development strategies, and ensuring the active involvement of local communities in co-management and sustainable development efforts within the PNAL. Moreover, this study demonstrates the applicability of this research approach in the context of evolving governance models with the potential for adaptation to other PAs across Portugal and other countries undergoing similar governance transitions.

Breaking down the impenetrable wall: What are the barriers to good corporate governance practices above all?

Good corporate governance practices are essential in every organisation to ensure accountability and due diligence enhancing corporate value. However, some countries face barriers to good corporate governance practices such as poor regulatory frameworks, perceived constraints, and threats from external factors, etc. Therefore, the organisations will face consequences such as eroding shareholder confidence, declining market value and the organisation integrity. Hence, the study’s main objective is to systematically review the barriers to good corporate governance practice in the global context. This study uses a systematic literature review whereby the authors analyse 24 selected articles. Therefore, the main findings indicated ten barriers to good corporate governance practices. The ten barriers are weak regulatory framework, perceived constraints, poor quality of information, external business factors, lack of awareness, confusion of authority, lack of monitoring, board diversity, transparency and investor protection. These findings provide significant contributions in theoretical development for potential scholars and practical implications for organisations, stakeholders, investors, and corporate leaders who aim to strengthen the governance framework, improve organisational resilience and promote sustainable value creation to understand these barriers comprehensively.

Collaborative governance of an integrated system for collecting contributions for social health insurance, pension, and taxes from the informal sector: a synthesis of stakeholder perspectives

BackgroundMany low-and middle-income countries have adopted social health insurance schemes. However, the collection of contributions from the large informal sector of these economies poses a significant challenge. Employing an integrated system of contribution collection from all relevant institutions may be cost-effective. We used the integrative framework for collaborative governance, to explore and explain factors that may shape the governance of an integrated system for collecting contributions for social health insurance, pension, and taxes from the informal sector in Zambia.MethodsWe undertook a qualitative case study involving 25 key informants drawn from government ministries and institutions, cooperating partners, non-governmental organizations, and association representatives in the informal sector. Data were analyzed thematically using Emerson’s integrative framework for collaborative governance.ResultsThe main drivers of collaboration included a need for comprehensive policies and legislation to oversee the integrated system for contribution collection, prevent redundancy, reduce costs, and enhance organizational effectiveness. However, challenges such as leadership issues and coordination complexities were noted. Factors affecting principled engagement within the collaborative regime consisted of communication gaps, organizational structure disparities, and the adoption of appropriate strategies to engage the informal sector. Additionally, factors influencing shared motivation involved concerns about power dynamics, self-interests, trust issues, corruption, and a lack of common understanding of the informal sector.ConclusionThis study sheds light on a multitude of factors that may shape collaborative governance of an integrated system for contribution collection for social health insurance, pension, and taxes from the informal sector, providing valuable insights for policymakers and implementers alike. Expanding social health insurance coverage to the large but often excluded informal sector will require leveraging factors identified in this study to enhance collaboration with pension and tax subsystems.

The Chinese idea of a university in flux: academic freedom and institutional autonomy under entrepreneurial reforms in the GBA

ABSTRACT The complexity of the idea of a university has been intensified globally as more universities pursue entrepreneurship. For modern universities in China as latecomers, contemporary entrepreneurial reforms are implemented against a backdrop of ongoing interactions between Chinese and Western ideas of a university, with the Western established as the formal system and the Chinese functioning informally yet powerfully. Through 71 semi-structured interviews at four universities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, this study explores how academic freedom and institutional autonomy are perceived by Chinese academics under entrepreneurial reforms. The study has two major findings through Clark’s analytical framework of academic, government, and market forces: (1) A novel form of statist academic freedom is emerging, merging traditional Chinese scholarly values with state-driven entrepreneurial demands; (2) The adapted triple helix model in China emphasises competition and excellence, shaped by a unique blend of state influence and market dynamics. It offers a nuanced perspective on academic freedom and institutional autonomy amidst entrepreneurial reforms in China, highlighting a compatibility with Chinese idea of a university and a response to global entrepreneurial pressures.

Investigating the impact of multiple governance mechanisms on new infrastructure projects performance: evidence from China

PurposeThis study aims to construct a “contractual–relational–governmental” 3D governance framework for new infrastructure projects (NIPs) within China’s distinct institutional context. The primary objective is to explore the impact of multiple governance mechanisms on the NIP performance, thus identifying the key governance mechanisms and proposing targeted performance improvement strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe research design follows a sequential mixed methodology of integrating qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Firstly, project governance and performance indicators were collected from relevant literature and expert interviews. Secondly, a questionnaire was developed, and data were collected through on-site and online means. Finally, the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was utilized to examine and analyze the relationships between governance mechanisms and NIP performance.FindingsContractual, relational and governmental governance all have a certain role in promoting the NIP performance. Specifically, contract stringency, trust and governmental decision are the core elements of contractual, relational and governmental governance, respectively, while commitment does not significantly affect NIP performance. Generally, relational and governmental governance exert a more substantial influence compared to contractual governance, with governmental decision and trust being the most effective.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the field by introducing PLS-SEM as a measurement tool for exploring the impact of multiple governance mechanisms on governance performance in NIPs. The results offer valuable insights for project managers, enabling them to concentrate on core factors while refining and optimizing governance mechanisms and strategies.

EXAMINING THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF GOVERNANCE IN ZAKAT IN A MUSLIM MINORITY COUNTRY: THE CASE OF SRI LANKA

Zakat constitutes one of the pillars of Islam and religious practice in Islam aimed at supporting those in need. It also plays a major role in contributing to the socioeconomic development of society. To achieve efficient zakat management, institutions must focus on strong governance and proper management practices. This focus is essential due to the institution’s responsibility to manage effectively and provide transparent information to the public. Therefore, to meet stakeholder needs, non-profit organizations must prioritize governance. In Sri Lanka, the absence of specific laws or regulations governing zakat practice such as the Marriage and Divorce (Muslim) Act, the Muslim Intestate Succession Ordinance, and the Muslim Mosques and Charitable Trusts or Wakfs Act has led to a need for examination of current governance practices related to zakat collection and distribution. This study explores these practices and highlights how applying governance principles can help achieve the objectives (Maqasid) of zakat management in Sri Lanka. The research employs a doctrinal analysis of primary and secondary data, including statutes, practices, journals, and reports. Additionally, the study analyzes current zakat management practices through interviews with five respondents, including zakat practitioners and Shari’ah scholars, using thematic analysis. The findings reveal several issues: the causes of inefficient governance in zakat management, theoretical and practical problems with existing practices in Sri Lanka, gaps in the zakat governance framework, and conceptual and management deficiencies within zakat institutions. The study recommends developing a new governance framework for zakat management. This should include modern rules and practices based on Islamic law, staff training in fundamental Islamic knowledge, improved internal and external audit processes, and increased awareness among managers, donors, beneficiaries, and members of society.

Storm in an Ice Cream Cone: Was Ben & Jerry's Decision to End Ice Cream Sales in Israeli Settlements a Responsible Corporate Exit from Occupied Territories?

Abstract Ben & Jerry's – the famous ice cream brand known for its quirky flavours and social justice ethos – announced in 2021 that it would withdraw its products from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). This announcement sparked controversy, with an impact on the company and its parent, Unilever. While the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (2011) (UNGP) have established themselves as the leading international governance framework for the social responsibilities of businesses, their application to conflict-affected areas lacks clarity. Questions remain, including when is a company legally complicit in violations of international humanitarian law (IHL), and when is a corporate exit from an area under military occupation the appropriate and responsible thing to do. This article uses Ben & Jerry's withdrawal from the OPT as the basis for investigating these questions. It finds that while it is unlikely that Ben & Jerry's would be exposed to any legal liability for violating IHL through its product sales in Israeli settlements in the OPT, its withdrawal aligns with its responsibilities under the UNGP as a reasonable and prudent corporate action in response to its activities being linked to enduring and severe IHL violations.

The New Energy State: Offshore Governance Regimes for Renewables as Natural Resources

Maturing renewable energy technologies are birthing new industry configurations, with offshore wind—with the EU holding 80 percent of global capacity—and “energy islands,” as notable examples. However, a clear conceptualization of the role of the state and governance framework is lacking, alongside growing pressure for the state to define the path forward. This paper analyzes recent developments in emerging EU offshore renewable energy regimes, drawing three implications that show the need for new governance frameworks. First, there is a reconfiguration of energy industry structures around changing economics and policies, in a repeat of historical experience. Second, energy islands increasingly represent features of a natural resource in fixed supply, with the economic nature of offshore energy gradually transiting from the sub-domain of renewable energy economics towards natural resource economics. Third, to realize their economic value, governance frameworks are needed to enable these resources to harmonize with other resources in fixed supply, such as the land on which they are sited, which is constitutionally under the stewardship of the state. We set out criteria for governance of these emerging offshore renewables, to underpin the changing industry landscape and new role of the state within it. JEL Classification: L22, L24, L51, Q20, Q24, Q28, Q32, Q38, Q48

The Privacy-Centric Data Pipeline : Strategies for Implementing Robust Security Measures in Data Engineering

This article presents a comprehensive framework for addressing data privacy and security challenges in modern data engineering environments. As organizations grapple with ever-increasing volumes of sensitive data and an evolving regulatory landscape, data engineers face complex challenges in safeguarding information throughout its lifecycle. We explore key components of a robust data protection strategy, including regulatory compliance, technical safeguards, and organizational practices. Our analysis covers critical areas such as encryption methodologies, access control mechanisms, data masking techniques, and lifecycle management policies. We also examine the role of data governance frameworks and the importance of continuous employee training in maintaining a secure data ecosystem. By synthesizing current best practices and emerging trends, this article provides data engineers and organizations with actionable insights for implementing effective privacy and security measures. Our findings underscore the need for a holistic approach that integrates technical solutions with strong governance practices to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance in an increasingly data-driven world.

Board characteristics and accounting value relevance: Insights from Saudi Arabia

This study aims to determine the extent to which corporate governance affects the usefulness of financial information available to investors in Saudi Arabia. The research investigates the impact of board characteristics—including independence, size, and frequency of meetings—on the value relevance of financial statements. Data from 125 non-financial firms from 2018 to 2022 were analyzed. The results indicate that increases in both book value per share (BVPS) and earnings per share (EPS) significantly enhance share prices. Furthermore, board independence, size, and meeting frequency amplify the value relevance of EPS but not BVPS, highlighting the complementary role of these governance attributes in equity valuation. High-quality governance and financial reporting are crucial for accurate evaluation of financial statements, enabling investors to perform more precise equity valuations. This underscores the importance of robust corporate governance structures. These insights are valuable for regulators, firms, and investors. Regulators can use these findings to strengthen corporate governance frameworks, ensuring boards are independent, well-sized, and diligent, thereby enhancing financial transparency. Firms can improve their governance practices, boosting the credibility and usefulness of their financial reports, which fosters greater market trust and attracts investment. Investors benefit from more reliable financial information, allowing for better-informed decisions and more precise equity valuations.