Inclusion Decisions Research Articles

Responsible living labs: what can go wrong?

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how living lab (LL) activities align with responsible research and innovation (RRI) principles, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital transformation (DT) processes. The study seeks to define a framework termed “responsible living lab” (RLL), emphasizing transparency, stakeholder engagement, ethics and sustainability. This emerging issue paper also proposes several directions for future researchers in the field.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology involved a literature review complemented by insights from a workshop on defining RLLs. The literature review followed a concept-centric approach, searching key journals and conferences, yielding 32 relevant articles. Backward and forward citation analysis added 19 more articles. The workshop, conducted in the context of UrbanTestbeds.JR and SynAir-G projects, used a reverse brainstorming approach to explore potential ethical and responsible issues in LL activities. In total, 13 experts engaged in collaborative discussions, highlighting insights into AI’s role in promoting RRI within LL activities. The workshop facilitated knowledge sharing and a deeper understanding of RLL, particularly in the context of DT and AI.FindingsThis emerging issue paper highlights ethical considerations in LL activities, emphasizing user voluntariness, user interests and unintended participation. AI in DT introduces challenges like bias, transparency and digital divide, necessitating responsible practices. Workshop insights underscore challenges: AI bias, data privacy and transparency; opportunities: inclusive decision-making and efficient innovation. The synthesis defines RLLs as frameworks ensuring transparency, stakeholder engagement, ethical considerations and sustainability in AI-driven DT within LLs. RLLs aim to align DT with ethical values, fostering inclusivity, responsible resource use and human rights protection.Originality/valueThe proposed definition of RLL introduces a framework prioritizing transparency, stakeholder engagement, ethics and sustainability in LL activities, particularly those involving AI for DT. This definition aligns LL practices with RRI, addressing ethical implications of AI. The value of RLL lies in promoting inclusive and sustainable innovation, prioritizing stakeholder needs, fostering collaboration and ensuring environmental and social responsibility throughout LL activities. This concept serves as a foundational step toward a more responsible and sustainable LL approach in the era of AI-driven technologies.

Evaluating the Role of Sustainable Leadership and Technology Integration in Enhancing the Environmental and Social Responsibility of the UAE Banking Sector

This paper analyzes the role of sustainable leadership and technology integration in increasing the environmental and social responsibility of the UAE banking sector. Banks are prominent agents in creating sustainability through their financing activities and processes. Sustainable leadership is more than pursuing profit motives; it includes moral and inclusive decision-making for positive environmental and social impact. Sustainable leadership and enabling technologies contribute to a bank's sustainability indicators. A qualitative literature review combined the scholarly views in this field. Twenty recent peer-reviewed papers were thematically analyzed. This revealed how sustainable bank leaders adopt collaborative approaches involving stakeholders in creating sustainability solutions. Their values-based leadership focuses on long-term impacts and integrating environmental and social factors in bank strategies. Sustainability technologies like AI, big data and blockchain offer tools to implement these strategies. The analysis found that technology aids sustainable leaders in improving banks' eco-efficiency, reducing emissions, managing risks, increasing renewable financing and enabling financial inclusion. This enhances their environmental and social responsibility. Stakeholders like customers, employees and investors generally favour such sustainability integration. However, concerns exist around potential tradeoffs, profitability impacts and the depth of banks' commitment. The review also uncovered implementation challenges, including costs, data deficiencies, staff capabilities and cultural change. Smaller banks significantly lag more prominent entities. Radical strategic realignment rather than incremental changes is required. Public policy plays a crucial role through reporting requirements, emission limits and support frameworks. The limitations of this qualitative synthesis point to future research directions. Statistical meta-analyses could increase the generalizability of findings. Surveys and interviews with experts would provide rich primary data. Comparative analyses of technologies and leadership styles driving the most robust sustainability results would reveal best practices. Longitudinal studies can elucidate the evolution of banks' sustainability approaches over time. In-depth case studies of smaller banks would uncover constraints and potential solutions for mainstreaming sustainability. Action research pilots can test mechanisms to instil sustainable leadership thinking. Policy analyses can identify regulatory measures to accelerate progress. In conclusion, sustainable leadership and technology integration are essential enablers, but not guarantees, of elevating bank sustainability. Realizing their transformative potential requires bank leaders to move from rhetoric to resolute, broad-based action. This necessitates radical strategic reorientation, not just incremental improvements. Multi-stakeholder collaboration is vital, alongside supportive public policies and ongoing research. Sustainable leadership and technologies must remain central in catalyzing a systemic transition towards responsible banking aligned with urgent sustainability imperatives.

Exploration of Emerging Trends and Paradigms in Leadership and Governance Research and Practice in Thailand

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the exploration of emerging trends and paradigms in leadership and governance research and practice
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Emerging trends in Thai leadership and governance highlight a shift towards inclusive decision-making, ethical frameworks, and digital engagement. Sustainability and environmental stewardship are gaining importance, reflecting global concerns. This dynamic landscape blends traditional values with evolving practices.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Transformational leadership theory, complexity leadership theory & adaptive governance theory may be used to anchor future studies on the exploration of emerging trends and paradigms in leadership and governance research and practice. Implementing leadership development programs based on evidence-based practices and theories of effective leadership Developing policies to enhance transparency and accountability in government institutions, such as open data initiatives or whistleblower protection laws.

Agile Governance, Digital Transformation, and Citizen Satisfaction Moderated by Political Stability in Indonesia’s Socio-Political Landscape

During contemporary political disruptions, this study comprehensively examines transformative dynamics in public administration in Indonesia. We delve into the complex interplay of agile governance, a responsive and adaptive governance model navigating political uncertainties, and the transformative forces of digital transformation, orchestrating a symphony of technological advancements reshaping the very fabric of governance. Furthermore, the study investigates inclusive decision-making, elucidating the collaborative engagement between citizens and policymakers in shaping governance strategies. The research then centers on the culmination of these dynamics, emphasizing citizen satisfaction as a pivotal metric for assessing the success of governance initiatives. Operating as a moderator, political stability guides the overall effectiveness of governance practices. Following a stratified sampling technique, data were collected from 490 followers of Indonesian public sector social networking sites from July 2023 to November 2023. The findings reveal that agile governance, digital transformation, and inclusive decision-making positively contribute to citizen satisfaction with public services, with political stability moderating these relationships, providing empirical insights into the dynamics of contemporary public administration. The scholarly significance lies in providing empirical insights into the specific context of Indonesia, contributing to the broader discourse on effective governance strategies in the face of political disruptions.

For perpetuating social media collective memory proactively and inclusively: Explore the interests and tensions of stakeholders in preservation actions

AbstractGoing beyond the limitations of technology, time, and platform lifecycles, achieving long‐term preservation of social media collective memory is an important issue. As a social action involving multiple stakeholders, social media preservation faces a complex problem space. Taking China as an example, this study revealed, from the perspective of stakeholders, the underlying logic of cultural, ethical, legal, and other issues that social media preservation encounters, namely, the tension arising from differences in stakeholders' interests and power inequalities. We specifically investigated and analyzed five categories of stakeholders and revealed six tensions among them in the power/interest matrix. In the final discussion, we analyzed what proactive and inclusive preservation actions should be. Our research not only contributes to the development of theories for social media preservation in information science but also provides clues for state regulators and memory institutions to make responsible and inclusive decisions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in Ukrainian Higher Education: A Comprehensive Study of Stakeholder Attitudes, Expectations and Concerns

This study examines stakeholders’ attitudes toward Artificial intelligence (AI) tools in Ukrainian higher education institutions, employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach. The research combines qualitative focus group discussions, which involved a diverse range of participants, and a quantitative survey questionnaire distributed to a sizeable cohort. The quantitative data reveals a noteworthy trend, with a majority of stakeholders expressing positive attitudes toward AI integration, emphasising its potential for personalised learning and real-time feedback. This positive sentiment, however, is tempered by identified concerns, notably surrounding the accuracy of AI-generated content. The study establishes a connection with existing literature, affirming the widespread acceptance and benefits of AI in education. For a more nuanced understanding, a detailed breakdown of these quantitative results sheds light on the extent and distribution of stakeholder attitudes and concerns. Moreover, the qualitative component delves deeper into stakeholders’ perspectives, capturing the richness of their expressions. Concrete examples and direct quotes from participants in focus group discussions provide a qualitative dimension to the study’s findings, offering insights into the nuances of stakeholders’ viewpoints. To address these concerns, the research emphasises the need for tailored intervention plans, focusing on content quality, ethical implications and comprehensive training. These recommendations are rooted in a thorough analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, providing practical insights for policymakers and institutions. In particular, the study highlights the importance of inclusive decision-making and targeted communication strategies, recognising role-based and age-related variations among stakeholders. By adopting a holistic approach to AI integration and acknowledging the interrelationships between attitudes, perceptions, expectations and concerns, this research provides a comprehensive guide for effectively leveraging AI while addressing associated concerns in higher education institutions.

Optimizing Rural Development: Strategic Implementation of the Village Fund Policy for Sustainable Community Empowerment

This descriptive qualitative study investigates the implementation of village fund policies in Kemiri Village, Sidoarjo District, Sidoarjo Regency, employing observation, interviews, and documentation as data collection methods. Through purposive sampling, the study analyzes the clarity of information on village funds in alignment with the Ministry of Finance's directives, focusing on development and community empowerment. The results demonstrate optimal implementation, showcasing the village government's commitment to inclusive decision-making, ensuring community involvement and support for planned initiatives. This research contributes insights into effective local governance practices, with implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance the impact of village fund policies on rural development and community empowerment. Highlight : The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach to assess the optimal implementation of village fund policies in Kemiri Village, Sidoarjo Regency. Data collection involves observation, interviews, and documentation, employing purposive sampling to analyze the clarity of information on village funds in alignment with Ministry of Finance directives. Findings reveal a commitment to inclusive decision-making by the village government, ensuring active community involvement and support for planned initiatives, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in rural development Keywords: Village Fund Policy, Implementation, Community Empowerment, Local Governance, Rural Development.

The effects of financial literacy and digital literacy on financial resilience: Serial mediation roles of financial inclusion and financial decisions

The research objective was to analyze the effect of financial literacy and digital literacy on financial inclusion, financial decisions, and financial resilience of MSME's. The design of this research is explanatory quantitative research. The research is a cross-sectional study in which all research variables are measured and observed at one point in time. The sampling technique used is area purposive sampling. The reachable population in this study was 98,567 MSMEs in the Province of Bali, and the research sample was 385. The research instrument used was a questionnaire with a Likert scale. The analysis technique used is a descriptive and inferential analysis using SEM-PLS. The findings of this research reveal 1) a direct positive and significant effect of financial literacy and digital literacy on financial inclusion, financial decisions, and financial resilience of MSMEs; 2) a positive and significant effect of financial literacy and digital literacy on financial resilience of MSMEs through financial inclusion and financial decisions parallelly; and 3) a positive effect of financial literacy and digital literacy on financial resilience of MSMEs through financial inclusion and financial decisions serially, but the effect of digital literacy on financial resilience through financial inclusion and financial decisions serially is insignificant. The findings of this research show the crucial role of financial literacy and digital literacy in increasing financial resilience. Financial inclusion and financial decisions mediate the effect of financial literacy and digital literacy on financial resilience.

An Investigation of School leadership in the Effective Implementation of Bilingual Education in Indonesia: A Case Study

This study explores how school leadership impacts the successful implementation of bilingual education in Indonesia, focusing on three schools. Bilingualism offers many benefits, including better cognitive skills, cultural understanding, and economic opportunities. Effective school leadership is crucial in creating supportive policies, providing resources, and fostering environments where bilingual education can thrive. Through interviews with three principals and two heads of departments, the study examines their leadership practices, challenges, and strategies. The analysis identified key themes: inclusive and resilient leadership, proactive community collaboration, overcoming challenges like limited resources and teacher shortages, and maintaining a clear vision for bilingual education. The findings show that good leadership involves ongoing professional development, inclusive decision-making, and smart resource management. These practices help tackle obstacles and improve bilingual education programs. The study highlights the importance of visionary leadership in promoting language diversity, educational fairness, and social harmony in implementing bilingual education in Indonesia..

Formation of civic stance in the aspect of inclusive decision-making

Issue of forming a civic stance of universities in the context of an inclusive approach to decision-making within the framework of global and national societal values is raised. The paper emphasizes the importance and necessity of studying and implementing progressive global experience in the field of inclusion. The ways of introducing into Ukrainian society the latest paradigm of inclusive social and educational environment of universities as a basis for social protection, social cohesion, and responsibility of citizens of our state in the conditions of modern integration challenges are analyzed as a means of forming civic stance and strengthening the social cohesion of the public. The current issues of the role of universities in society, strategies for shaping their strategies for implementing an inclusive approach to decision-making, promoting career development of students (including those with special educational needs), internationalization of education, etc., are outlined. An analytical overview of trends in the development of higher education institutions as factors of integration into the global scientific and educational space is provided. The urgent state of formation of an inclusive, innovative, socially cohesive society is highlighted, and concepts of reform, bases of a perspective vision of the development of Ukrainian higher education are characterized. Key parameters for ensuring the ability of specialists to compete in society are identified. The prospects for forming the civic stance of universities through an inclusive approach to decision-making for the professional training of specialists in the conditions of an inclusive society are also identified

Parliamentary Democracy: Mechanisms, Challenges, and the Quest for Effective Governance

Parliamentary democracy is a governance system where the executive branch derives legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislative branch. This system is characterized by the presence of a parliament that represents the will of the people and holds significant decision-making power. In this system, the Mechanisms include the election process, separation of powers, cabinet system, and parliamentary representation. In the Parliamentary form of government, Challenges encompass political instability, coalition politics, party polarization, and the risk of executive dominance and corruption. The quest for effective governance involves inclusive decision-making, strengthening institutions, electoral reforms, transparency, accountability, civic education, and adaptability to change. Navigating these dynamics is crucial for sustaining a parliamentary democracy that is responsive, accountable, and capable of meeting the diverse needs of its citizenry.

The Influence of QRIS Digitalization, Technology and Digitalization Lifestyle, Digital Financial Literacy, and Financial Inclusion On Bank Customers Decision

This study looks at how consumer decisions are impacted by the digitalization of QRIS, financial literacy, and financial inclusion through lifestyle. The participants in this study are clients of Sharia Bank. Non-probability sampling combined with a purposeful sampling approach was the sample strategy employed in this study. A sample of one hundred participants was used by the researchers. This study included both primary and secondary data. In order to acquire the primary data required by the researchers, the data collection strategy used in this study is the distribution of questionnaires. In this quantitative study, the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method of moderated regression analysis (MRA) and descriptive statistical analysis were employed as data analysis techniques. Based on the test results and discussions that have been described, the following conclusions can be drawn: The digitalization of QRIS has a direct influence on customers' decisions to make transactions using QRIS. Financial literacy has a direct influence on customer decisions. Decisions made by customers are directly impacted by financial inclusion. Decisions about transactions are directly influenced by lifestyle. The digitalization of QRIS does not directly impact lifestyle. Lifestyle is not immediately impacted by financial knowledge. There is no direct correlation between financial inclusion and lifestyle. Lifestyle cannot moderate the relationship between QRIS digitization and consumer decisions, nor does it have an indirect effect. Lifestyle cannot moderate the relationship between financial literacy and client decisions, nor does it have an indirect influence. Lifestyle cannot moderate the relationship between financial inclusion and customers' decisions to transact via QRIS, nor does it have an indirect influence.

Awareness and perceptions of coral reef ecosystem use and management in ‘pseudo community’ and government-managed marine protected areas in Kwale county, Kenya

Both local ‘pseudo community’ and government-managed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are fundamental tools in the protection of coral reef ecosystems from human-driven threats globally. Inclusive decision-making between the local community and the government in co-management is vital to the success of MPAs. Consequently, understanding community awareness and perception of the coral reef ecosystem is an essential aspect for transformative change in the sustainable use of coral reef ecosystem services. This study aimed to assess and compare the community's awareness and perceptions of coral reef ecosystem benefits in the face of different management options between Diani Chale and Kisite-Mpunguti MPAs in south coast Kenya. We collected qualitative and quantitative data through 16 focus group discussions (n = 147) and household surveys (n = 412 in Diani Chale and n = 413 in Kisite-Mpunguti MPAs) on communities living in villages within 5 kilometers of the shoreline of the selected MPAs. The findings revealed that 77.6% (640/825) of the respondents were aware of coral reef ecosystems in their area. There was a higher awareness of coral reefs among respondents in government-managed Kisite-Mpunguti MPA (84.5%, 349/413) compared to pseudo-community-managed Diani Chale MPA (70.6%, 291/412). A higher proportion of respondents in Kisite-Mpunguti relied on coral reef resources for their livelihoods (p < 0.01). Moreover, a significantly higher percentage of respondents from Kisite-Mpunguti agreed or strongly agreed that local people derive economic benefits from the establishment of MPAs compared to Diani Chale (67.6% versus 52.2%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, more respondents from Kisite-Mpunguti expressed positive support for the establishment of more government-managed MPAs (55.69% versus 32%), and Locally Managed Marine Areas (53.9% versus 38.86%). Based on these findings, inclusive support by local communities towards coral reef conservation is recommended to increase their participation in positive environmental behaviors in Kenya and other countries in the Western Indian Ocean region. Additionally, improved political goodwill is required to support the creation of more and larger areas under marine protection, especially in the Diani Chale area.

Decision making processes and power dynamics in timber production co-management: A comparative analysis of seven Brazilian Amazonian community-based projects

Power asymmetries are a major obstacle to inclusive and robust decision making in collaborative management (or co-management), whereby multiple actors, principally government and local communities, jointly make decisions to achieve natural resource management goals. We compared seven community-based timber projects under different co-management arrangements within three Brazilian Amazonian extractive reserves to illuminate how decision making was organized (structure) and how it actually operated (function) with respect to power dynamics among multiple actors. Over a 15-month field season, we conducted participant observation and 52 semistructured interviews, systematically analyzed over 30 key timber management decision-making meetings, and employed Q-methodology to ascertain diverse actor perspectives of power dynamics. Our overall analysis revealed that decisions across all seven timber projects were gradually made through multiple meetings at community, extractive reserve, and beyond extractive reserve levels – a positive approach that can lead to continuous problem-solving. The 16 Q-sorters perceived decision making in these meetings to be participative, respectful of all actors' rights to speak, and allowed for some knowledge exchange, suggesting that unequal power dynamics (as observed in our study) does not necessarily prevent the opportunity to voice one's opinion. This participation also decentralized decision-making processes, boosting chances that community-level actors used their crucial local knowledge and advocated for their interests. Still, in one reserve, community members were ill prepared to make informed decisions, lacking sufficient technical training and trusted long-term support from non-governmental external actors. Furthermore, some Q-sorters noted insufficient community-level actors in decision-making processes, because deliberative spaces were beyond their physical reach. Yet in two reserves, innovative logistical strategies were developed to compensate and accommodate this challenge. In the third reserve, however, in the absence of intentional and creative solutions to geographical and cultural distances, there were limited interactions among the communities and external actors, giving rise to minimal information flow and weakened representation of community interests in decision making. We also demonstrated that actors in power (government forest administration officers) or those with perceived power (financial or forest technical providers, community leaders), sometimes acted strategically over other actors, particularly those perceived as without power (community residents), to alter their behavior, constrain their choices, and influence their expectations regarding decision outcomes. We conclude that power asymmetries can be overcome in natural resource co-management decision making, using deliberate, thoughtful, and creative participatory approaches.

Enhancing the Management and Sustainability of Village-Owned Enterprises (Bumdes): A Comprehensive Analysis of Key Strategies for Implementation

Background: Village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) have great potential in supporting economic and social development at the village level. However, to achieve sustainability and effectiveness, proper strategy implementation is essential. This research comprehensively analyzed the main strategies for implementing BUMDes, focusing on community participation, strict financial management, and business diversification and risk management.&#x0D; &#x0D; Research Objectives: This research aims to evaluate the extent to which community participation, financial management, business diversification, and risk management have been integrated in BUMDes as the main strategy for achieving sustainability.&#x0D; &#x0D; Method: This research uses qualitative methods by interviewing the Head of BUMDes from each village, the Village Head, and three members and administrators of BUMDes from three different districts. the data used is primary and secondary. The data that has been collected is then processed using the triangulation method.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The research results show that community participation is a central element in the success of BUMDes, enabling more inclusive decision-making and supporting sustainability. Tight financial management provides a strong financial foundation and transparency, while business diversification with risk management helps reduce vulnerability to external changes.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Community participation, strict financial management, business diversification, and risk management are the main keys to achieving BUMDes sustainability. Its integration into the implementation strategy is essential to sustainable village economic and social development.

Exploring the Ethical Dynamics of the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Hiring in Healthcare Organizations

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven resume screening holds immense potential for improving the hiring process. However, organizations must actively address the ethical and bias challenges that may arise. This paper explores a consultant-based intervention research approach in a real-world healthcare organization. Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry has brought about transformative advancements in patient care, diagnostics, and administrative processes. Healthcare companies have recently embraced AI technologies to revolutionize their resume screening and hiring procedures. This paper explores the various ways in which healthcare organizations utilize AI in their talent acquisition endeavors. From optimizing candidate sourcing and screening to identifying top talent and enhancing diversity, AI-driven systems have demonstrated their efficacy in streamlining the hiring process. However, it is essential to address potential ethical and bias concerns and ensure that AI complements the human element in making informed and inclusive hiring decisions. By understanding the multifaceted applications of AI in healthcare companies’ hiring practices, this paper emphasizes the pivotal role that AI plays in shaping the future of healthcare talent acquisition.

Different Boats, The Same Storm: A Colloquium on Implementing DEI in Challenging Times

Abstract: Advertising &amp; Society Quarterly held its sixth Colloquium on November 3, 2023. During this virtual event, a panel of ten diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders from academia and industry address the complexities of integrating DEI in professional and academic settings. Panelists discuss the backlash to DEI and explore its accompanying causes, such as hyper-politicization, resource constraints, and fear. The participants provide strategies for implementing DEI effectively in both professional and educational settings, advocating for comprehensive approaches that integrate it into organizational values and teaching methods. The discussions highlight the importance of strategic planning, open conversations, and inclusive decision-making to overcome biases, encourage critical thinking, and build empathy. The Colloquium concludes with a Q&amp;A session that delves into strategies to facilitate meaningful and honest conversations about DEI issues.

Politics, voice and just transition: who has a say in climate change decision making, and who does not

The city of Bristol, UK, set out to pursue a just transition to climate change in 2020. This paper explores what happened next. We set out to study how just transition is unfolding politically on the ground, focusing on procedural justice. Over the course of a year, we conducted interviews and observations to study decision making at three levels – public sector, private sector and civil society. We found that not only is it difficult to define what just transition means, even for experts, but that the process of deciding how to pursue such a transition is highly exclusionary, especially to women and ethnic minorities. We therefore argue there is an urgency to revise decision-making procedures and ensure that there is ample opportunity to feed into decision-making processes by those who are typically excluded. Inclusive decision making must be embedded into the process of just transition from the beginning and throughout its implementation – it is not a step that can be ‘ticked off’ and then abandoned, but rather an ongoing process that must be consistently returned to. Finally, we conclude that cities have the unique opportunity to pilot bottom-up participatory approaches and to feed into the process of how a just transition might be pursued at the global level – for example, through their participation in the United Nations Framework for the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) processes.

Impact of financial literacy on financial inclusion and household financial decisions: exploring the role of ICTs

The objective of this paper is to assess the extent of financial literacy and the impact of access to and use of ICTs (information and communication technologies) on household financial decisions, such as savings, retirement planning, household budgeting, and engagement in financial markets. This study analyzes survey data collected from 409 households belonging to the low- and middle-income brackets across four cities in Pakistan. By employing probit model, it finds that a higher level of (advanced) financial literacy is associated with an increased likelihood of improved savings and household budgeting. However, the overall financial literacy score (basic plus advanced) is associated only with savings decision. Additionally, the results reveal that the ICTs adoption plays a role in influencing decisions related to financial market participation and savings. The results also show that financial literacy, along with ICTs, positively influences financial market participation and retirement decisions. Nevertheless, results suggest mixed impacts of financial literacy and ICTs on financial decisions which lends partial support to the study hypotheses. In conclusion, our results underscore the importance of financial literacy alongside ICT adoption to promote financial market participation and improve household financial management.

Developing community-based criteria for sustaining non-timber forest products: A case study with the Missanabie Cree First Nation

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are crucial to the spiritual and cultural identity of Indigenous communities, while playing a significant role in traditional economies. In Canada, current forest policies and commercial management systems do not adequately protect and conserve these natural resources. Decisions makers have yet to fully and effectively use local and traditional knowledge in forest policy and planning. This research used a participatory approach and 26 community interviews to document local criteria, elements and critical local values surrounding NTFP development and conservation within the traditional territory of the Missanabie Cree First Nation. Applied ethnobotany and policy analysis were used to develop a locally specified framework and case study to guide decision making. The analysis establishes key community-based objectives to promote diverse socio-economic benefits, while advancing local forest management systems. In particular, the co-research process identified six criteria (1. productive capacity; 2. health; 3. conservation and protection; 4. long-term management benefits; 5. community participation; 6. capacity of institutions) and associated 18 elements and 239 critical local values, which span the maintenance and enhancement of NTFPs. The resulting framework represents one possible re-entry point into the forest planning process for Missanabie Cree who are working to reconnect with their land following a long period of forced exclusion. Moving forward, leadership can continue to revise this framework to accommodate changing needs, further engage their membership, and in doing so refine their roles in forest governance. The research process and framework documented here can inform other forest land managers looking to create more inclusive decision making processes and document local values.