Institutional Perspective Research Articles

제도이론의 관점에서 한국과 중국의 방과 후 프로그램 정책 비교 분석

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to comparatively analyze the after-school programpolicies of Korea and China froman institutional perspective in order to obtain implications for after-school programs currently being expanded in Chinese elementary schools. [Methods] To this end, this study comparatively analyzed national education policy on after-school programs in China and Korea (three policy from each country). For analysis, this research explored the similarities and differences between the two countries' relevant policies in three dimensions of institutional theory suggested by Chen (2008), such as value function, subject identity, and social behavior. [Results] The results of the study show that, first, in terms of the value function dimension, Korea has a clear evaluation and supervision system for after-school programs, while China's policy provisions on supervision and evaluation are more general, and the supervision system needs further refinement and improvement. Second, in terms of subject identity, Korea's policy shows a more comprehensive and systematic emphasis and arrangement on the subjectivity of teachers and students. On the other hand, although China's policy mentions that students' individuality should be respected and students' academic burden should be reduced, it generally pays less attention to student subjectivity and intensity than Korean policy. Third, in terms of social action, Korea focuses on diversifying teaching content and promoting social participation, while China emphasizes the standardized management of after-school programs and the overall development of students, and should further strengthen the diversification of teaching content. [Conclusion] Through the comparative analysis of after-school programs in Korea and China, this study identified that China needs to strengthen the construction of supervision and evaluation systems, pay attention to the needs of teachers and students, and enrich the forms of teaching content to continuously improve after-school programs, so as to promote the quality and balanced development of after-school education.

The commercialisation of microfinance: deploying management control to address institutional complexity

PurposeThe study aimed to examine the transformation of a non-profit microfinance institution (MFI) into a hybrid social enterprise, and the role of formal and informal controls in reconciling the discordance between the two conflicting (social and commercial) objectives that emerged due to the transformation.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a non-governmental MFI located in Southeast Asian country was conducted. This case study drew on the institutional logics perspective as an analytical tool to understand the complexity of change and the mobilisation of management control practices to align two conflicting goals at the core of the MFI’s organisational strategies. This study adopted the interpretive approach and relied on multiple data sources, including semi-structured interviews and documentary evidence.FindingsThe application of commercial principles in the operations of the MFI occurred in several phases. First, the MFI changed from a non-profit business model to a hybrid social enterprise, which pursued a double bottom-line strategy. The informal control practices inherent in the organisation’s culture created a high level of social awareness embedded within a social logic. In contrast, the formal control practices were directly linked to the new commercial logic. The synergy between the two logics was optimised by reinforcing formal and informal control practices.Originality/valueThis study offers insights into the role of control systems in reconciling the discordance between competing social and financial objectives within a non-governmental MFI that enjoys substantial financial and nonfinancial support from the government.

Reconciling the conflicting goals of privacy protection and competition policy through making platform use data saleable – an institutional perspective on data markets

PurposeIt has become increasingly clear that the objectives of privacy and competition policy are in conflict with one another with regard to platform data. While privacy policies aim at limiting the use of platform data for purposes other than those for which the data were collected in order to protect the privacy of platform users, competition policy aims at making such data widely available in order to curb the power of platforms.Design/methodology/approachWe draw on Commons' Institutional Economics to contrast the current control-based approaches to ensuring the protection as well as the sharing of platform data with an ownership approach. We also propose the novel category of platform use data and contrast this with the dichotomy of personal/non-personal data which underlies current regulatory initiatives.FindingsWe find that current control- and ownership-based approaches are ineffective with regard to their capacity to balance these conflicting objectives and propose an alternative approach which makes platform data saleable. We discuss this approach in view of its capacity to balance the conflicting objectives of privacy and competition policy and its effectiveness in supporting each separately.Originality/valueOur approach clarifies the fundamental difference between data markets and other concepts such as data exchanges.

Between Freedom and Order: Evolution logic of urban-rural population mobility Policy from the perspective of historical institutionalism

Urban-rural population flow is the key element and important driving force for urban-rural integration development and rural revitalization. The pattern of urban-rural population flow in China is restricted and guided by policies. From the perspective of historical institutionalism, this paper analyzes the evolution context, structural logic and dynamic mechanism of the change of urban and rural population mobility policy. The urban and rural population mobility policy has gone through five historical stages: the order reconstruction period at the beginning of the founding of New China, the political call period after the Great Leap Forward Movement, the free flow period after the reform and opening up, the period of making the best use of the situation under the economic system reform and the accelerated integration period under the background of the new era. The institutional choice under different paths, the institutional evolution under the key nodes and the institutional continuation under the path dependence constitute the structural logic of the policy change of urban-rural population mobility. The situation coupling under the action of exogenous variables, the value coupling promoted by the change of ideas, and the subject coupling under the interaction of actors’ game constitute the dynamic mechanism of policy change, which promotes the historical change and realistic development of policy.

Unraveling opportunism in platform-mediated work within the Nordic working life model: An institutional complexity perspective

The Nordic working life model (NWLM) promotes ‘good work’ on societal and workplace levels. However, this model is now challenged by emerging business models in the platform economy. This study investigates how digital labor platforms respond to conflicting institutional logics and how platform-mediated work intervenes with the inherent logic of the NWLM. The authors examine platform business strategies and their implications for working environment regulations, co-determination, and collective bargaining. Empirical data comprising 50 interviews with food delivery workers, platform managers, union representatives, employer association representatives, and occupational health and safety regulators from the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority were analyzed by applying institutional complexity as a theoretical framework. The findings illustrate that a high degree of institutional complexity provides companies with discretionary space, which they utilize to achieve legitimacy and competitive advantages. The authors introduce the term institutional opportunism to describe how adaptation is performed. The study reveals that the platform economy, characterized by workers with limited experience of and knowledge about working life and strong market pressures, poses a challenge to the NWLM.

Do Social Interaction Mechanisms Affect University Reputation? Evidence from the UK Higher Education Sector

We investigate the influence of skilful utilization of social interaction dynamics on creating reputations for UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) during public funding cuts and scrutiny. The paper employs a content analysis method and follows an empirical design with a unique sample of 148 UK HEIs. To gauge reputation, we rely on participatory data from the Guardian newspaper's 2014–15 environmental and ethical performance ratings for the People & Planet University League. Multiple regression analysis is applied to address the research hypotheses. The results indicate that open, accountable, and transparent sensemaking in sustainable development (SD) practices over the years is the predominant dynamic for enhancing HEIs’ reputation. This paper underscores the need to consider the institutional logics perspective as a theoretical foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the link between sustainability disclosure and an institution's reputation, image, and public goodwill within the higher education (HE) context. HEIs’ leadership should invest in SD and its associated disclosure practices. Policy‐makers and accounting regulators should establish consistent and comparable reporting requirements for sustainable performance within the HE sector. This paper is the first to empirically examine the direct impacts of HEIs’ compliance with sustainability duties on organizational performance.

Reconceptualizing accountability in NGO-corporate partnerships: an institutional logics perspective

PurposeDeveloping economies often lack sufficient state regulation to encourage corporations to engage with environmental sustainability challenges. Environmental NGOs fill this vacuum but this relationship is fraught with challenges, linked to each party’s competing interests. This paper examines how an environmental NGO operating in a developing country manages such challenges.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal case study, from 2017–2022, based on semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis, with the main periods of field work in 2017 and 2020.FindingsWe unravel nuanced dynamics of accountability within an NGOs collaborative ecosystem. Our findings reveal a web of interlinked obligations and expectations, strategically adopted to reconcile environmental and CSR logics fostering trustworthy partnerships with firms. Despite aiming for transformative change, the NGO made gradual initiatives, to meet the challenges of fostering systemic change in developing nations. Institutional logics of professionalism and development allowed NGO members avoid mission drift and realign upward accountability relations into lateral ones.Originality/valueThe study provides insight into successful NGO-corporate partnerships and illustrates how accountability is negotiated, upheld, and reconceptualized in such collaborations.

Path Reinforcer or Policy Accelerator? COVID-19 and Scandinavian Social Protection Reform Trajectories

A pandemic may change the use of social protection systems. In this article, we compare Scandinavian reform trajectories of unemployment benefits and sickness benefits following the COVID-19 pandemic. From an institutional theory perspective, we have analyzed official documents on regulations proposed in government bills, public inquiries, reports, and secondary literature published between March 2020 and December 2023, as well as interview data from key actors representing the state, the social partners, and related stakeholder organizations. The findings show that Denmark and Norway implemented mostly provisional reforms and thus ended in path reinforcement. In Sweden, on the contrary, numerous provisional reforms during the pandemic turned out to become permanent in the post-pandemic period. As the pandemic legitimized permanent changes that in some cases had been debated for a long time in Sweden, it thus came to act as a path-clearing policy accelerator.

An Institutional Perspective on the Number of Stent Retriever Pass and Rate of Recanalization in Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: When to Stop?

Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard treatment modality for flow restoration in acute ischemic stroke. In cases of persistent occlusion, the optimal number of retrieval attempts before considering procedure termination is currently undetermined and is a topic for research. Therefore in this study, we studied the impact of the number of stent retrieval maneuvers on the recanalization of vessels. In this retrospective single-center observational study we included 52 patients with large vessel occlusion who underwent stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy. Successful recanalization rate was defined as modified TICI (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction) 2b or 3. The overall successful recanalization rate was 44.24%. The recanalization rate per stent retrieval attempt was the highest in 1st attempt (28.84%) and no recanalization was observed with the 3rd, 5th, and 6th attempts (p<0.001). At most 6 retrieval attempts were used. After two retrieval attempts, 91% of the patients were successfully recanalized and other after the 5th attempt could not result in recanalization.

Vulnerability to Cyber Threats: A Qualitative Analysis From Societal and Institutional Perspectives

Vulnerability to Cyber Threats: A Qualitative Analysis From Societal and Institutional Perspectives

Transboundary Water Governance through the Lens of International Relations

This article discusses power and institutional theory with a (neo-) realist and institutionalist lenses regarding water governance. The main question is: how do power and institutions interact in the regulation of transboundary waters across many geographic scales? The sub-questions provide insights into the differing roles of realist and institutionalist perspectives in international relations (IR) and transboundary water governance, as well as the combined effects of power and institutions. This article discusses key approaches in IR (realism, neo-realism, institutionalism and neo-institutionalism). It then discusses concepts of hydro-hegemony, water governance and institutions. Lastly, institutions and power are demonstrated using a mixed methodology. By moulding relevant features of both perspectives into a middle ground, followed by a conclusion.

Pushing forward the deployment of renewable energy: Do cross-national spillovers of policy instruments matter?

The deployment of renewables is a vital option for tackling the global challenge of climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. In international energy policy debates, existing literature has detected the outcome of various policy instruments and the driving factors of renewables development, whereas the spatial effects of different policy instruments on renewables deployment at a cross-national level have not been addressed. The novelty of this study lies in filling this gap through investigating the spatial interdependence effect of technology-push and demand-pull policies on the diffusion of renewables in European Union countries from multidimensional perspective of geography, institution, and culture. The results demonstrate that demand-pull policies give great impetus to the diffusion of domestic renewables, while the positive role of technology-push policies turns out to be comparatively less influential. From the transnational spillover perspective, it is confirmed that the domestic deployment of renewables is influenced to some extent by various policy instruments of geographically adjacent or institutionally and culturally similar regions. In addition, the spatial spillover effect of demand-pull policies is much stronger than that of technology-push policies. These findings from spatial perspective provide new insights for public policy guidance to achieve the sustainability of energy landscape.

Does a government's organizational structure affect the governance structure of local family firms? A perspective on the number of cities’ subordinate counties

Previous research has explored factors influencing the governance structure of family firms from family and corporate levels, while this study taking the number of a city's subordinate counties as the lens, examines the impact of a government's organizational structure on local family firms’ governance structure. Results show that in cities with a larger number of subordinate counties, local people are more likely to form a sense of identity with the county rather than the city. Influenced by this “small-group” sense of identity, locals tend to place greater emphasis on familial unity, trusting and relying more on family members. Thus, when running family businesses, local people are more willing to involve family members in operations and increase their shareholdings. Moreover, in regions with lower population mobility, this relationship is more significant. By analyzing the factors which can affect family firms’ governance structure from a macro institutional environment perspective, this study elucidates how regional characteristics impact local family firms’ management, and establishes an academic link between public administration research and business administration research.

Refleksi Penerapan Akuntansi Berbasis Akrual: Simbolis atau Substantif?

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the application of accrual-based accounting and performance, using the institutional theory perspective. The study divides performance into two aspects: operational and financial performance. The data used in this study consists of 3,252 observations from local governments in Indonesia from 2011 to 2017. This research provides empirical evidence on the relationship between the implementation of accrual-based accounting and government performance, which is still limited. The results indicate a positive correlation between accrual-based accounting implementation and performance, as measured by both operational and financial parameters. The Indonesian government has adopted accrual-based accounting from the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in a substantial manner, rather than just symbolically, in order to gain international legitimacy. The study's results are expected to inform the government on how to enhance the quality of financial statements and understanding of the implementation of accrual-based accounting in Indonesia. The study found that the perception of accrual-based accounting implementation varies across regions.

Understanding land take by low-density residential areas: An institutionalist perspective on local planning authorities, developers and households

Using a case study design, the study focuses on identifying the institutional configuration that determines land take by low-density residential areas. Methodologically, it combines geospatial approaches and new institutionalism to capture and understand residential development, taking into account the interests, constraints and agency of local planning authorities, developers and households. The geospatial analysis shows that land take in the case study regions is primarily the result of low-density residential areas. We find that the combination of rural housing ideals, municipal policy objectives, municipalities' disengagement from spatial development and private sector interests are the main drivers for this kind of residential development. As the interests and constraints apply to all case study regions, the identified institutional configuration has high power in explaining low-density residential development. Our study thus uncovers a close link between the interests and constraints of actors, which on the one hand explains the limited impact of existing and new planning instruments on reducing land take, and on the other hand fosters path dependency in the development of low-density residential areas. Although there is some potential for change, breaking path dependency requires significant behavioural change among local planning authorities, developers and households.

Multinational enterprises' lobbying and foreign subsidiary performance: Evidence from the U.S. in the context of the global financial crisis

AbstractWhether corporate political activity (CPA) benefits firm performance is contested in the literature. However, the CPA‐performance relationship has been less explored in the international business context or in the context of macroeconomic shocks—notably the global financial crisis—during which multinational enterprises (MNEs) may be forced to revisit their market and non‐market strategies. In this study, we draw upon insights from the institutional theory and legitimacy perspectives to argue that the performance consequences of MNEs' lobbying in a host market are contingent upon the MNE's experience of operating in the host market, their lobbying frequency, and the subsidiary's technological intensity. The empirical analysis used to test our hypotheses is based on a panel dataset of 224 subsidiaries of foreign MNEs operating in the United States, spanning the 8‐year period 2005–2013, covering the years of the financial crisis. We find support for most of our hypotheses and contribute to the performance implications of CPA in international business contexts.

Enterprises’ response strategies towards a mission-oriented innovation initiative – a reflection on China’s indigenous innovation

ABSTRACT Mission-oriented innovation initiatives hold significant value for nations worldwide. Responses of innovative actors account for the final outcomes and achievements of these initiatives, while which are still unexplored. Based on the institutional logics perspective, we develop a framework to elucidate the response strategies of different kinds of enterprises towards the indigenous innovation proposed in the National Middle and Long-Term Program for Science and Technology Development 2006–2020 (MLP), the most influential mission-oriented innovation policy in China during the past 20 years. By combining primary interview materials with secondary data, we initially analyse the logic conflicts that enterprises face, the changes in logic conflict scenarios under this initiative (including the types and degrees of conflicts), and the potential benefits they can get from this initiative. We then delve deeper into investigating their response strategies. Our research provides a new lens for researchers and policymakers.

Cultivating Critical Thinking Skills among Military Academy Students

In order to implement the new era's military education policy, it is essential for military academy students to possess critical thinking skills to cope with the complex and ever-changing battlefield conditions. However, the cultivation of critical thinking skills is not only a common challenge faced by higher education but also a weakness in talent development within the College English course. It is challenging for instructors to address other qualities that "high-quality" talents should possess, especially critical thinking skills, innovative abilities, and independent problem-solving capabilities. This article primarily analyzes how to enhance and cultivate critical thinking skills among military academy students within the context of College English teaching. The article first emphasizes the importance of critical thinking skills for military academy students and provides an overview of domestic and international approaches to cultivate these skills. It also identifies the challenges faced in cultivating critical thinking skills at military academies and explores methods and approaches to foster critical thinking skills from the perspectives of instructors, students, and institutions.

Institutional effects on family business internationalization: a systematic review

Abstract Family firms play a vital role in the global business landscape, significantly impacting their home countries GDP. These firms diverge from non-family counterparts in their internationalization strategies, yet they stand to gain substantial benefits from international expansion. Beyond economic considerations, family resources and values introduce non-economic factors that challenge traditional economic theories. This study leverages an institutional approach to illuminate the multifaceted influences shaping family firms’ internationalization, encompassing positive and adverse dynamics. The integration of institutional theory marks a recent shift in understanding family firm internationalization, encompassing institutional and economic geography perspectives. To foster discourse and guide future research, this paper systematically reviews peer-reviewed articles covering over a decade, from 2010 to 2023. It identifies formal and informal institutional elements, alongside economic geography factors, that either facilitate or impede family firms’ internationalization. This review underscores existing knowledge gaps at the nexus of institutional theory, economic geography, internationalization, and family business studies. Notably, the systematic literature review uncovered a limited corpus of only 41 articles, indicating the need for more research exploring the synergy between economic geography and institutional factors in the context of diverse internationalization strategies. Furthermore, the review highlights the underexplored terrain within social institutions and economic geography, revealing a notable gap in the extant research.

Rule of Informal Institutions in Democracy: Implications for Regional Disparity in an Indian State

This article attempts to understand and theorize the issue of persistent regional disparity within democratic structures using an institutional perspective. Institutional economists widely acknowledge the role of democratic institutions in improving redistribution and reducing inequalities. However, persistent regional disparity within democratic nations has become a cause of concern for both developed and developing nations. There is hardly any study that either attempts to develop a separate institutional framework to explain regional variation or to examine the applicability of these frameworks in the regional context. Our article is an attempt to fill this gap. In this article, we have taken the case of Odisha, a low-income state within the largest democracy in the world, India, and tried to theorize its wide and persistent regional disparities. The novelty of this article is conceptualizing the interactions between formal and informal institutions and drawing implications of their interactions for regional disparity and economic growth.