Institutional Structures Research Articles

The Transformative Potential of Artful Ageing

This article explores the transformative potential of Artful Ageing as a conceptual framework for enriching experiences in later life. By synthesising Manning’s theory of minor gestures with Basting’s creative care approach, the article demonstrates how Artful Ageing fundamentally reconfigures our understanding of the ageing experience. The findings indicate that this framework transforms ageing from a narrative of decline into a dynamic process of becoming, where physical and existential spaces intertwine to create opportunities for emancipatory experiences. The transformative power emerges through what Manning terms “art-as-practice” and Basting describes as “moments of awe”—small, ephemeral encounters that carry profound potential for connection and meaning-making. This study reveals how Artful Ageing transforms conventional care environments into cultural spaces where creativity becomes embedded in everyday interactions rather than isolated to scheduled activities. The author identifies how this approach enables a shift from outcome-oriented interventions focused primarily on physical health to process-oriented engagements that honour the non-rational and in-between elements of ageing lives. The research demonstrates that when implemented, Artful Ageing transforms not only individual experiences but also relational dynamics and institutional structures, challenging biopolitical agendas embedded in current regimes of active ageing. This transformative framework ultimately offers new pathways for understanding and supporting meaningful engagement throughout later life.

Utilizing formal and informal social networks for resource acquisition: insights from an entrepreneurial ecosystem in a low-income country

PurposeOur study explores the relations of formal and informal network ties in acquiring financial, knowledge and human resources from a social network theory perspective in a low-income country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) marked by institutional voids and limited resources.Design/methodology/approachWe collect network data on 154 Nepalese entrepreneurs to unravel the resource acquisition dynamics stemming from formal and informal network ties. We analyze the data using social network analysis and node-level regression.FindingsOur findings reveal the critical relationship between formal and informal networks in resource acquisition for entrepreneurs in low-income countries with limited resources. The utilization of formal and informal network ties depends on the institutional context and the availability of resources. Entrepreneurs utilize formal network ties to bridge networks and informal network ties to establish interconnected relationships. Entrepreneurs employ both ties within a strong institutional presence, leading to higher network centrality. Conversely, weak institutional structures result in scattered and fragmented networks.Originality/valueOur study fills a gap in the literature by examining the relationship between entrepreneurs’ formal and informal network ties for resource acquisition in a resource-scarce, low-income country context. We highlight the significance of networks and offer valuable empirical insights using social network analysis, making our study unique and methodologically informative.

ECONOMIC GROWTH, POVERTY AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY IN LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES. PART I

Economic growth is one of the main indicators for assessing a country’s economic situation, the effectiveness of government policy, institutional structure, and resource efficiency. It is the basis for increasing the standard of living of the population, developing infrastructure and human capital. Today, developing countries in the global economy are becoming equal players with the former metropolitan areas. That is why today a new theory of economic growth is required, which will allow developing countries to achieve economic prosperity and victory over poverty and social injustice.

Determinants Analysis of Collaborative Governance in Biological Threats: A PRISMA Method Approach

Determinants Analysis of Collaborative Governance in Biological Threats: A PRISMA Method Approach

Rush Hour of Populists: Religious Populism and Hybrid Media

Abstract The introduction to the special issue develops a framework for understanding religious populism in hybrid media environments, emphasizing its role as a mode of meaning-making that intertwines political and religious logics. Moving beyond conventional approaches that frame religious populism as either the politicization of religion or the sacralization of politics, we highlight its capacity to shape collective identities through transcendencies—the drive to move beyond immediate experience and construct systems of significance. We argue that religious populism extends beyond institutional structures, functioning as a culturally embedded process that reinterprets and reclaims meaning-making in contemporary society. Within hybrid media environments, where digital and traditional platforms intersect, these dynamics are intensified through algorithmic visibility, direct engagement, and the erosion of institutional religious gatekeeping. By situating religious populism within broader media and cultural transformations, this introduction underscores its influence in contemporary political and religious landscapes.

Wither Adaptation Action

Longitudinal research commenced in 2012 and was repeated in 2022 in two regional areas in Victoria, Australia. The researchers sought to understand the facilitators and barriers to climate adaptation, given the perception of the authors that climate adaptation was making little progress, a view supported following an extensive literature review and international consultations. Adaptation was not part of the debate when climate change was first discussed by the UN General Assembly in 1988 and not identified by the IPCC until 2007. Recent Australian governments have shown a ‘hands-off’ and uniformed approach. Research workshops and consultations sought the views of residents, community organisations, local governments and representatives of state agencies, who were invited or requested attendance. The workshops were designed to understand the perspective of participants, using a Search Conference methodology with both guided questions and participant-led issues. The results suggest that, despite the presence of many adaptation plans, the fundamental arrangements needed for the scale of adaptation required were not in place in 2012, nor in 2022. There was a lack of federal and state government action beyond their own institutional structures, responsibility for action being passed down the line to local government, business and community. Yet this devolvement was commonly not accompanied by financial support, supportive and inclusive governance arrangements, expert advice, data, or clear guidance for action. Climate adaptation policy remains disconnected from the broader economy, with little progress on how to achieve this task, which is rapidly growing in size and complexity. There is not an accepted roadmap for effective adaptation, an approach that does not easily fit into the risk-averse approach of public sector management that has prevailed in Australia since the 1980s.

SWOT and PESTEL analyses in assessing the sustainability of In-stream wetlands in Egypt

ABSTRACT In-stream wetlands have emerged as a promising approach for improving drainage water quality. This paper assesses the efficiency and sustainability of natural in-stream wetlands (ISW) within two Egyptian drains (Tellin Drain and Faraa Al Bahwo Drain) for improving drainage water quality through a comprehensive SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal) analysis. The study assessed internal factors, including the cost-effectiveness, performance, and institutional challenges of ISWs, emphasizing their demonstrated capacity to improve water quality and their cost efficiency in pilot programs. However, the study also found weaknesses in institutional frameworks, technical capabilities, and management structure. Both wetland areas face significant external pressures, including political instability, economic challenges such as inflation and funding availability, and the impacts of climate change. Political stability and consistent policy are crucial for the success of ISW projects, yet both wetland areas struggle with governmental inefficiencies and leadership transitions. Economic factors such as inflation and inequality, particularly in Faraa Al Bahwo Wetland, pose additional risks to sustainability. Social factors, including rising health awareness and urbanization, contribute positively to wetland success, but population growth and social resistance remain substantial obstacles. Technologically, both wetlands face challenges related to outdated infrastructure, although advancements in data analytics and technology adoption offer opportunities for improvement. Environmental threats, including climate change and resource depletion, are significant but may be mitigated through effective environmental regulations. A PESTEL-SWOT integration matrix was developed to visualize the interaction between external factors and internal strengths, providing a strategic framework for stakeholders to optimize ISW implementation. These insights emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to wetland management, integrating internal and external factors for effective and sustainable drainage water quality improvement. The study recommends several strategies to tackle these challenges and enhance the sustainability of ISW. EPADP should concentrate on improving internal management by providing staff training and clearly defining roles to boost coordination and accountability. Additionally, it is essential to develop a diversified long-term financing plan that includes public-private partnerships and international climate funds to secure sustainable funding.

Academics marginalised: practices for navigating tensions, resistance, and care

ABSTRACT This study investigates the challenges faced by researchers focusing on marginalised conditions or locations. Drawing upon 26 in-depth interviews, we identify four key tensions: identity, goal, institutional, and legitimacy. These tensions stem from the misalignment between personal values, academic rigour, institutional expectations, and the need for recognition within scholarly and community contexts. Our study makes three contributions. First, we extend prior literature on feminist research by illustrating how neoliberalised universities create tensions for researchers challenging the status quo. Second, we emphasise the importance of incorporating an ethics of care into research methodologies for marginalised communities, advocating for a personalised, context-sensitive approach. Finally, we theorise four practices through which ‘non-conformist’ research is conducted against prevailing institutional structures that reward conformist research.

LAND ADMINISTRATION AND ITS DIGITAL SHIFT IN BANGLADESH AND TÜRKİYE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

This study has focused on the land administration practices in Bangladesh and Türkiye, covering existing state, institutional structure and relevant policies followed in the past two decades. A major focus has been given to the shift from manual to digital land administration practices in both countries. By using an explanatory qualitative analysis through secondary based data and information, it has found that the governments of Bangladesh and Türkiye are aiming to make the country’s land management system fully digitalised and bring land services to the doorsteps of people to ensure proper land utilisation/entitlement as per targets of Sustainable Development Goals. It has found that Bangladesh is achieving progress, but the desired progress is not satisfactory, whereas Türkiye is achieving successive progress and now considered is one of the best practised countries in the world. The country is making significant contribution in its economy through land management practices. Digital land administration practices of Türkiye are now in reality while Bangladesh is a way of reality and seems very challenging as it requires robust administration and sufficient human resource mobilisation. Bangladesh also needs a centralised administrative system, more user friendly one stop services, capacity building activities, and modern technology-based practices. Finally, a robust governance system by ensuring land crime prevention and redress is a vital need for both countries.

The Gendered Impact of Depression on Undergraduate Students' Research Gains: Can More Competent Mentors Help?

There are serious concerns about mental health on college campuses. Depression negatively impacts college student success. Women and transgender/gender-nonconforming students suffer from depression at higher rates than men. While undergraduate research is a high-impact practice, we know little about how depression affects outcomes among undergraduate researchers with different gender identities. To investigate this, we use data from n = 516 students participating in n = 78 Summer 2022 NSF REU Sites programs via the NSF-sponsored Mentor-Relate project. We used gender-stratified generalized estimating equations that nest students within their REU Sites to predict research gains for men and women and transgender/gender-nonconforming students. Greater depression was negatively associated with personal and skills gains for women and transgender/gender-nonconforming students (p < 0.05), but not men. Having a more competent faculty mentor was associated with greater gains for women and transgender/gender-nonconforming students, as well as men. In an interaction model, having a more competent mentor reduced the negative effect of depression on personal gains for women and transgender/gender-nonconforming students (p < 0.05). Results suggest practical actions including cultivating mentors' mental health literacy and peer support networks, boosting mentor competency through mentor training programs, and changing institutional reward structures to incentivize high-quality mentoring.

A systematic review of key principles relating to decolonising interventions in midwifery education.

A systematic review of key principles relating to decolonising interventions in midwifery education.

Towards the Recognition of Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Researchers

Abstract Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research are widely considered necessary to addressing complex, often called ´wicked´, problems. Moreover, national and international funding schemes, institutional structures, and education programs have been created to foster interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. However, there is a largely silenced ´wicked´ problem in the heart of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research: the precarious situation of academics engaging in such research in their individual work. Relying on STS and ID/TD scholarships, we identify the institutional, social, cultural, and psychological challenges of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary researchers in the contemporary scientific community. Based on Caniglia and Vogel (2023), we compare the position of these researchers to that of queer people in a heteronormative and sexually binary society. We argue that the challenges of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary scholars, and their queer-like status, should be conceptualized as a problem of recognition of these scholars. Following Fraser (2003), we understand denial of recognition –either through maldistribution of resources, or misrecognition of identity, or both– as a set of obstacles in equal participation in academic life. Finally, we distinguish between social and institutional recognition, concluding that while researchers can contribute to social recognition through their own actions, institutional recognition requires science policy interventions by research institutions and funders.

Inclusiveness of the financial system of Ukraine in the context of national security and sustainable development

This research aims to investigate the level of inclusiveness of the financial system of Ukraine in the context of determining its compliance with the strategic goals of the development of the Ukrainian national economy – national security and sustainable development. In connection with the bank-based financial system formed in Ukraine, we focused on the analysis of bank lending to the Ukrainian economy, especially in the context of the availability of credit services for business entities and households and on effective use of the potential of the Ukrainian banking system in stimulating economic growth and sustainable development.The results of the analysis showed limited accessibility of economic entities in Ukraine to bank credits, and therefore, an insufficient level of inclusiveness of the Ukrainian banking system. The main reasons for this situation are the inadequate institutional environment and institutional structure of the banking system of Ukraine as well as the insufficient activity of the credit channel of the monetary transmission mechanism. These key issues should be key positions in the formation of the national strategy of the inclusive financial system of Ukraine.

Achieving Inclusion: University Staff Working in Third Space Between Academic and Professional Spheres of Activity

The article reflects on the case of staff employed on academic and professional contracts in UK universities who work in areas of activity that are not aligned precisely to either domain, sometimes referred to as “third space.” Examples are given of academic staff on teaching‐only contracts and people employed on professional contracts in educational and research development roles. Although such individuals are likely to be highly qualified, with a master’s or doctoral qualification, teach and, in some cases, undertake research, they occupy territory in the university that often lacks formal recognition. This is particularly so in relation to the legitimacy of their roles and parity with academic colleagues who undertake mainstream teaching and research and contribute to the UK Research Excellence Framework. Despite increasing commentary on the existence of these roles by practitioners themselves, institutions have been slow to accord them legitimacy in terms of, for example, dedicated space in institutional structures, appropriate professional development opportunities, career paths, or promotion and assessment criteria. Such individuals are therefore liable to feel excluded from the mainstream, even though they may be making a significant contribution to academic endeavours. Examples are offered of the extent to which individuals are able to achieve recognition at both a personal and collective level, and suggestions are made as to practical ways in which universities might accord this group of staff greater visibility, and thereby reduce the cultural, and implicitly hierarchical, divide between them and academic colleagues with an extended teaching and research profile.

Pengaruh Struktur Kepemilikan Institusional, Profitabilitas, dan Kebijakan CSR terhadap Konservatisme Akuntansi

In the turbulent years of 2020–2022, this study looks into the factors that influence accounting conservatism in state- owned companies (SOEs) listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). We examine the effects of institutional ownership structure, profitability, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on accounting conservatism, using a sample of thirty businesses. Our results indicate that CSR and institutional ownership structures have a substantial impact on accounting conservatism. This implies that shifts in institutional ownership may have an impact on accounting procedures and may result in a preference for more cautious reporting techniques. But there was no discernible link between profitability and accounting conservatism, suggesting that profitability may not have a major influence on accounting procedures in emergency situations. These findings highlight how crucial it is to take into consideration non-financial aspects of SOE accounting processes, such as institutional ownership and CSR guidelines. This study also emphasizes the need for future investigation to better understand the causal links between these factors, investigate cross-sector or cross-national comparisons, and look at the effects of accounting conservatism on company performance. By shedding light on the variables impacting accounting conservatism in SOEs, this study adds to the body of knowledge already in existence. This enhances our comprehension of accounting practices in the Indonesian setting and has important ramifications for practitioners and policymakers.

Institutions as a Fundamental Cause for Long-Run Sustainability

The development of sustainable societies relies upon the institutional structures that govern the relationship between economic systems and environmental leadership. In this study, we engage with the juxtaposition between inclusive and extractive institutions as potential molders of the trajectory of sustainability. Featuring governance indicators and economic metrics, we explore the impact of institutional inclusiveness and extractiveness on sustainability outcomes. Inclusiveness, which enables the prosperity of collective well-being through democratic governance, legal integrity, and innovation, is posited as an affirmative force for sustainability. In contrast, extractive institutions, which concentrate power and resources, hinder the realization of sustainable development by perpetuating inequality and exploitation. This paper suggests a statistic pipeline, comprised of econometric regression, machine learning models, and clustering analysis, to assess the impact of governance and economic performance on sustainability indices. We posit that inclusiveness serves as a potent driver for sustainability, particularly when coupled with economic resources, whereas extractiveness leads to the attenuation of sustainable progress. Through this work, we aim to gauge how institutions can either hinder or propel the material conditions necessary for the achievement of sustainability.

Financial systems and poverty dynamics: a literature review on the role of institutions and fintech in economic growth

ABSTRACT This paper provides a comparative, region-specific review of financial development’s impacts on economic growth and poverty alleviation, highlighting the dual influence of institutional quality and financial technology across diverse economic contexts. Drawing upon key theoretical frameworks, including the Financial Intermediation Theory and the Financial Kuznets Curve, the study examines how financial development functions as a catalyst for economic growth by facilitating capital access, encouraging investment, and supporting entrepreneurship. Findings indicate that financial development significantly enhances economic growth and reduces poverty; however, these relationships are moderated by factors such as institutional quality, governance structures, and financial literacy levels. This paper further explores the evolving role of financial technology (fintech) in improving financial inclusion, while addressing associated challenges like digital over-indebtedness. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for robust regulatory frameworks that ensure equitable access to financial services and enhance institutional support. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of aligning financial development with sustainable practices to address pressing socio-economic challenges. Concluding with an invitation for future research, the paper identifies areas such as the longitudinal impacts of financial interventions in low-income regions, the role of fintech in advancing financial inclusion, and the interactions between financial development and broader socio-economic factors.

The informational relevance of IFRS 9 adoption: emerging market evidence

The informational relevance of IFRS 9 adoption: emerging market evidence

Policy Capacity Influencing Factors in The Makassar City Government to Become a Zero Carbon City

Public policy capacity plays a crucial role in efforts to achieve zero emissions, with success depending on the effectiveness of policies designed and implemented by the government. This study highlights factors that influence the policy capacity of Makassar City, to become a low-carbon city. Through a qualitative approach, this study collected data from in-depth interviews with 24 key informants and city development plan documents, to explore the extent to which existing policy capacity supports the transition to zero emissions. The results show that factors such as policies and regulations, institutional structures, inter-agency coordination, human resource capacity, budget, cross-sectoral cooperation, supervision, program synchronization, public involvement, and technology are all interrelated, and influence the government’s ability to achieve a zero carbon city. The successful implementation of carbon emission reduction policies requires an integrated approach that strengthens all these elements. Therefore, building policies and regulations, increasing coordination, and maximizing public involvement are key to achieving sustainable environmental goals and improving people’s quality of life.

A Survey of 21st-Century Scholarship on the Late Qing Imperial Examination History in China

In recent years, Chinese scholars have increasingly focused on the Late Qing imperial examination. The growing interest in imperial examination studies has led to the annual publication of numerous books and articles on this subject. A systematic review of studies categorized by period, region, key figures, institutional structures, and source materials reveals that Late Qing imperial examination history research suffers from fragmentation. A thorough reexamination of earlier scholarship is urgently needed to foster new breakthroughs. In light of these limitations, future research should focus on closing gaps in Late Qing imperial examination history studies, undertaking more in-depth analysis of historical sources, and identifying potential areas for innovative contributions.