Interdisciplinary Perspective Research Articles

Hybrid choice modeling offers an interdisciplinary perspective on angler preferences for the future

Angler decisions are shaped by an interplay between ‘internal’ psychological processes and ‘external’ institutional factors that are equally important yet often evaluated in isolation. We therefore developed a hybrid choice model whereby a structural equation model of behavioral antecedents was integrated with a discrete choice experiment to evaluate competing preferences for fisheries management scenarios across the Great Lakes region. We observed that preferences for native fish populations, invasive species impacts, wash station availability, habitat quality, and added cost per fishing trip were rooted in nature-based (i.e., biospheric) and self-driven (i.e., egoistic) values. Feelings of moral obligation and beliefs that an individual could make a difference were correlated with values, but not with preferences. Willingness to pay for a preferred future differed by fishing mode, in that boaters were more sensitive to cost than shoreline or mixed-mode users. Preferences also varied by age, in that younger anglers were more open to change. This study showcases an interdisciplinary methodological approach that builds more complete knowledge of the interrelationships between psychological and institutional factors that underpin angler decision-making.

The origins of public relations in Greece: Tracing the missing link and excavating landmark cases

The purpose of this paper is to provide an historical narrative tracing precedents of Greek Public Relations (PR) practice as far back as the organizing of mega events in mid-nineteenth century culminating in the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. The analysis documents that PR activities are interwoven with Greek governments’ initiatives aimed at tourism promotion. The paper is based on archival material and secondary sources. Access was granted to the special collections of the National Library of Greece and the Hellenic Literary and Historical Archive of the National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation. Moreover, the study interrogates the three landmark events that ushered in the emergence of professional public relations in Greece in the early postwar period and supplements with important information the conventional accounts. The analysis established a PR-Tourism and National image promotion nexus that runs continuously throughout the period under examination, from the emergence of PR activities in mid-nineteenth century up until the early 1950s. The findings are based on the available written records. This historical review does not purport to be exhaustive and comprehensive. Future research could identify more PR-like activities worthy of mention. The study provides a springboard for investigating the precedents of PR practice in the pre-professionalization era. This investigation calls for an interdisciplinary perspective. This paper is the first one to trace precedents of professional PR practice to the second half the nineteenth century and the interwar period in Greece. It shows the interconnection of PR-like activities with tourism and underscores the prominent position of state agencies in those activities.

The role of community pharmacists and pharmacies in physical activity promotion: an interdisciplinary e-Delphi study.

Physical activity has a key role in the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. Community pharmacists are an accessible source to provide brief advice to people on how to be more physically active. Nonetheless, there is a limited understanding of stakeholders' perspectives on their role in promoting physical activity, to inform policy and practice. The present study addresses this gap. To determine consensus from different health professionals on the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in brief physical activity counselling in Portugal. This cross-sectional study used a two-round e-Delphi panel. The questionnaire was organised into four domains of physical activity promotion and comprised 37 items. Interdisciplinary experts rated their level of agreement using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was set at the outset as 75% or more of participants scoring 4 or 5 (consensus "in") or 1 or 2 (consensus "out"). Forty-two health professionals involved in promoting physical activity in the ambulatory setting in Portugal were selected through purposive quota sampling. Eighteen out of 37 items were consensual in the first round and five more achieved consensus after the second round (62.2%). Physical activity promotion was seen as the role of all healthcare workforce and pharmacies were considered as suitable spaces for service provision, regardless of remuneration. This study endorses a set of roles for physical activity promotion in community pharmacy from an interdisciplinary perspective. Consensually established perspectives can inform policy making and practice, streamlining the coordination of pharmacies with the national health service.

Customer experience (CX), employee experience (EX) and human experience (HX): introductions, interactions and interdisciplinary implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of what (service) experience is and examine it using three distinct perspectives: customer experience (CX), employee experience (EX) and human experience (HX).Design/methodology/approachThe present conceptualization blends the marketing and organizational behavior/human resources management (OB/HRM) disciplines to clarify and reflect over the meaning of (service) experience. The marketing discipline illuminates the concept of CX, whereas the OB/HRM discipline illuminates the concept of EX. The concept of HX, which transcends CX and EX, is examined in light of its recent development in service research. For each of the three concepts, key themes are identified, and future research directions are proposed.FindingsBecause the goal that individuals seek to achieve depends on the role they are enacting, each of the three perspectives on experience (CX, EX and HX) should have a different focal point. CX requires to focus on the process of solving customer goals. EX necessitates to think in terms of organizational context and job content that support employees. Finally, the focus of HX should be on well-being via enhanced gratification, and reduced violation, of basic human needs.Originality/valueThis paper offers an interdisciplinary perspective on (service) experience and simultaneously addresses CX, EX and HX in order to reconcile the different perspectives on experience in service research.

Psychosocial risks at work: a growing problem with theoretical ambiguities

Introduction: prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, workers were exposed to psychosocial risks that were aggravated, negatively impacting their health. This has generated a boom in its study; however, theoretical ambiguities persist. Objective: to explain the theoretical ambiguity present in the study of psychosocial risks at work.Methods: the analytical article explores the theoretical ambiguity of psychosocial risks in the workplace. It incorporates various sources of information, including classical authors and contemporary approaches. Additionally, the authors offer critical insights and provide considerations for future research in the field.Result: there is a theoretical-conceptual ambiguity in the study of psychosocial risks at work. It is recommended: 1. To generate less abstract conceptual proposals to address semantic confusion and lack of taxonomic clarity. 2. Adopt an interdisciplinary conceptual approach that includes perspectives from psychology, sociology, and occupational health nursing. 3. Incorporate qualitative methodologies instead of continuing to use quantitative approaches, questioning the appropriateness of measuring a construct with traditional methods that have theoretical omissions. 4. develop unifying theoretical proposals.Conclusions: there is an urgent need for integrative theoretical proposals. In the opinion of the present authors, these proposals should have a low level of abstraction and include interdisciplinary perspectives that transcend psychology and sociology, as well as use qualitative methodologies.

Feasibility of the interdisciplinary multimodal assessment-The team perspective

Secondary preventive outpatient diagnostic services for patients with pain and risk factors for chronification have not yet been sufficiently established. In the PAIN2020 project (Innovation Fund, 01NVF17049) an outpatient interdisciplinary multimodal assessment (IMA) was introduced for the first time early in the course of the disease. For the implementation of the IMA procedures for team cooperation and decision criteria were developed, which were implemented by ateam of medical, physiotherapeutic and psychological therapists. These procedures and decision criteria are to be discussed against the background of clinical experience and examined with respect to their feasibility (qualitative). In PAIN2020 aworkshop on IMA was held in September 2021 to jointly reflect on the findings and experiences gained in the process so far through monitoring and structuring documentation in the implementation with staff or teams of PAIN2020 centers on the feasibility of implementing astructured interdisciplinary multimodal assessment. In three work phases, occupational group-specific and cross-occupational group topics were addressed. In the decision-making processes of the occupational groups, in addition to profession-specific focal points within the framework of the assessment of findings (somatic, functional or psychosocial core criteria), overarching core criteria within the professions as well as complementary patient-related aspects are evident, which are included in the integrative team process. With respect to team collaboration, the implementation of the team meeting and the final discussion can be used to identify structural and process parameters that promote or inhibit implementation, which are also accompanied by interactional factors. For the implementation of the IMA, there were (1)adaptations of the IMA, which is currently implemented as A‑IMA in the selective agreement with BARMER and (2)new dimensions or task fields and ideas for evidence-based concepts for the content design of integrative diagnostics as well as for the feedback of the results to the patients, which should be discussed in the future.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Cultural Identity and Acculturation in The Context of Global Migration

Objective: This interdisciplinary research explores cultural identity and acculturation in Asian countries during global migration, providing insights into migrant experiences, discrimination, and acculturation processes, aiming for policymakers' understanding. Theoretical Framework: This interdisciplinary research explores cultural identity and acculturation in Asian countries through a framework incorporating acculturation theories, cultural identity studies, and migration and discrimination literature. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of migrant communities' experiences and interactions with host cultures, shedding light on the complexities of identity formation. Method: The research uses a mixed-methods approach to study cultural identity and acculturation among migrant communities in Asian countries. It uses a purposive sampling strategy, collects data through surveys, interviews, and cultural analysis tools. The findings are integrated using statistical techniques and analyzed thematically. Ethical considerations are followed to protect participants' rights and confidentiality. This approach provides nuanced insights into the experiences and challenges faced by migrants in diverse cultural contexts. Results: The study explores the cultural identity and acculturation of migrant communities in Asian countries, revealing diverse patterns and factors like residence, socioeconomic status, and social support networks. It also highlights discrimination and the resilience of migrant communities in navigating cultural transitions. The findings emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to migrant populations, promoting cultural diversity and inclusive practices. Implications of the research: The research provides evidence-based insights for policymakers to develop culturally sensitive policies for migrant communities, promoting social cohesion. Social integration initiatives can tailor programs to meet migrant needs, raise awareness of discrimination, inform further research, empower migrant communities, and foster cultural exchange. The findings underscore the importance of addressing migrant challenges and promoting equity, dignity, and social justice. Originality/value: This research focuses on Asian migration patterns, offering unique insights into cultural identity and acculturation. It uses an interdisciplinary approach, combining sociology, psychology, anthropology, and cultural studies. The mixed-methods design provides nuanced understanding of migrant experiences. The findings have practical implications for policymakers and community organizations, promoting social inclusion and cultural diversity.

Review article: Interdisciplinary perspectives on climate sciences – highlighting past and current scientific achievements

Abstract. In the online seminar series “Perspectives on climate sciences: from historical developments to future frontiers”, which took place during 2020–2021, well-known and established scientists from several fields – including mathematics, physics, climate science and ecology – presented their perspectives on the evolution of climate science and on relevant scientific concepts. This special issue aims to create a platform for a more detailed elaboration of the topics discussed in the seminars but also to publish new scientific findings. In this paper, we first give an overview of the content of the seminar series, and then we introduce the written contributions to this special issue. In line with the spirit of the seminar series, this paper is structured along thematic areas of the broad field of climate science, conveying different perspectives on the climate system: geophysical fluid dynamics, dynamical systems theory, multiscale processes, statistical physics, paleoclimate and the human dimension.

Biomimicry as a Valuable Design Tool for Climate Change Adaptation

As built environment professionals face more pressing and difficult issues related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, it can be useful to look at examples of how other living organisms or ecosystems have solved the same problems. This paper examines global climate change impacts on society and ecosystems, primarily caused by human activities and built environments. It explores how buildings can mitigate climate change drivers while adapting to ongoing challenges. Through interdisciplinary perspectives and case studies, it presents strategies for climate-resilient building design. Looking at plants or animals that are highly adaptable or survive extreme climates or climate change can provide insight into how buildings could or should work. Exploring the properties of ecosystems that enable their adaptability and resilience can also offer potential opportunities. Therefore, this chapter explores whether bio mimicry, where organisms or ecosystems are imitated in human design, can be an effective means of mitigating the causes of climate change for which the built environment is responsible, or adapting to the effects on climate change. Different bio mimicry designs are discussed and categorized, a case study and examples illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. In light of the findings of the study, it is argued that an ecosystem-mimicking model that exploits synergies between climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies can be useful for the long-term biomimetic response of the built environment to climate to change there are also presented theoretical justifications that support it. Key Words: Biomimicry, Climate Change, Adaptation.

Framing Action Through Participatory Theater: What Can We (Mis)understand for Global Crises?

ABSTRACT The present article weaves an interdisciplinary perspective into the discussion of global crises. After a brief focus on theoretical underpinnings, it argues that owing to their inherently improvisational and performative constitutions, crises can enable learning and stimulate social change. Concretely, by creating participatory theater workshops, together with individuals in migration, the initially destabilizing performative space is transformed in a common ground for collective action, thereby opening opportunities for learning and reinvention of meanings. It is through the analysis of these processes that the article offers a critical and creative commentary on the constructive role of communication for crises. Ultimately, it demonstrates that verbal misunderstandings serve as catalysts for unconventional and creative ways of expression. In turn, they promote alternative reflections and negotiations, whereby also serving as suitable response tools to employ during crises and following disruptions.

Sustainable and modern bio-based technologies: new approachs to food safety and security

AbstractTwo major challenges in the modern world are ensuring food security and using sustainability in limited areas, in the face of climate change and population growth. It is aimed to raise awareness on the importance of working from a multidisciplinary perspective, together with developing technology and science, in solving current problems/troubles, and that the simultaneous use of modern bio-based technologies with innovative techniques will ensure an effective role in overcoming many difficulties that future generations will face, as well as sustainability can be achieved. The review provides a detailed systematic review and analysis of the mutually supportive use of modern bio-based technologies and sustainable agricultural system technologies within the framework of this subject. The review, in which universally reliable databases were used, was carried out using information obtained from practice and approach-based articles (> 4000). The fact that the main topic has the lowest publication content in terms of "sustainability and biotechnology" according to the analysis carried out within the determined keywords indicates the need for additional research and applications and to contribute to the literature. Similar to review aim, it has also been concluded that the development of a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspective that provides a comprehensive and broader focus on eliminating the deficiencies in the fields will play a major role in solving problems related to the sustainability of food safety and security. Thus, contributing to the protection of world food security should be considered as another important outcome that should not be forgotten. In short, being aware that the world, especially its resources, are not infinite and for the continuity of healthy generations, the sustainability of the world, food and agriculture, food safety and security must be meticulously protected, developed with innovative technologies and also carried a step forward by developing more effective strategies in this field of work, which is of great importance for life.

Using generative AI to investigate medical imagery models and datasets

BackgroundAI models have shown promise in performing many medical imaging tasks. However, our ability to explain what signals these models have learned is severely lacking. Explanations are needed in order to increase the trust of doctors in AI-based models, especially in domains where AI prediction capabilities surpass those of humans. Moreover, such explanations could enable novel scientific discovery by uncovering signals in the data that aren’t yet known to experts. MethodsIn this paper, we present a workflow for generating hypotheses to understand which visual signals in images are correlated with a classification model’s predictions for a given task. This approach leverages an automatic visual explanation algorithm followed by interdisciplinary expert review. We propose the following 4 steps: (i) Train a classifier to perform a given task to assess whether the imagery indeed contains signals relevant to the task; (ii) Train a StyleGAN-based image generator with an architecture that enables guidance by the classifier (“StylEx”); (iii) Automatically detect, extract, and visualize the top visual attributes that the classifier is sensitive towards. For visualization, we independently modify each of these attributes to generate counterfactual visualizations for a set of images (i.e. what the image would look like with the attribute increased or decreased); (iv) Formulate hypotheses for the underlying mechanisms, to stimulate future research. Specifically, present the discovered attributes and corresponding counterfactual visualizations to an interdisciplinary panel of experts so that hypotheses can account for social and structural determinants of health (e.g. whether the attributes correspond to known patho-physiological or socio-cultural phenomena, or could be novel discoveries). FindingsTo demonstrate the broad applicability of our approach, we present results on eight prediction tasks across three medical imaging modalities – retinal fundus photographs, external eye photographs, and chest radiographs. We showcase examples where many of the automatically-learned attributes clearly capture clinically known features (e.g., types of cataract, enlarged heart), and demonstrate automatically-learned confounders that arise from factors beyond physiological mechanisms (e.g., chest X-ray underexposure is correlated with the classifier predicting abnormality, and eye makeup is correlated with the classifier predicting low hemoglobin levels). We further show that our method reveals a number of physiologically plausible, previously-unknown attributes based on the literature (e.g., differences in the fundus associated with self-reported sex, which were previously unknown). InterpretationOur approach enables hypotheses generation via attribute visualizations and has the potential to enable researchers to better understand, improve their assessment, and extract new knowledge from AI-based models, as well as debug and design better datasets. Though not designed to infer causality, importantly, we highlight that attributes generated by our framework can capture phenomena beyond physiology or pathophysiology, reflecting the real world nature of healthcare delivery and socio-cultural factors, and hence interdisciplinary perspectives are critical in these investigations. Finally, we plan to release code to enable researchers to train their own StylEx models and analyze their predictive tasks of interest, and use the methodology presented in this paper for responsible interpretation of the revealed attributes. FundingGoogle

Bioinspired and Multifunctional Tribological Materials for Sliding, Erosive, Machining, and Energy-Absorbing Conditions: A Review.

Friction, wear, and the consequent energy dissipation pose significant challenges in systems with moving components, spanning various domains, including nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS/MEMS) and bio-MEMS (microrobots), hip prostheses (biomaterials), offshore wind and hydro turbines, space vehicles, solar mirrors for photovoltaics, triboelectric generators, etc. Nature-inspired bionic surfaces offer valuable examples of effective texturing strategies, encompassing various geometric and topological approaches tailored to mitigate frictional effects and related functionalities in various scenarios. By employing biomimetic surface modifications, for example, roughness tailoring, multifunctionality of the system can be generated to efficiently reduce friction and wear, enhance load-bearing capacity, improve self-adaptiveness in different environments, improve chemical interactions, facilitate biological interactions, etc. However, the full potential of bioinspired texturing remains untapped due to the limited mechanistic understanding of functional aspects in tribological/biotribological settings. The current review extends to surface engineering and provides a comprehensive and critical assessment of bioinspired texturing that exhibits sustainable synergy between tribology and biology. The successful evolving examples from nature for surface/tribological solutions that can efficiently solve complex tribological problems in both dry and lubricated contact situations are comprehensively discussed. The review encompasses four major wear conditions: sliding, solid-particle erosion, machining or cutting, and impact (energy absorbing). Furthermore, it explores how topographies and their design parameters can provide tailored responses (multifunctionality) under specified tribological conditions. Additionally, an interdisciplinary perspective on the future potential of bioinspired materials and structures with enhanced wear resistance is presented.

The Socio-cultural Significance of Street Art in Urban Recreation Spaces

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the socio-cultural significance of street art in urban recreation spaces.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the socio-cultural significance of street art in urban recreation spaces. This study has provided insights into how street art enriched urban environments by reflecting community identity, fostering social interaction, and promoting cultural expression. It highlighted the need for inclusive policies to support street art's positive impact while addressing regulatory challenges. Overall, the research underscored street art's role as a dynamic force for social change and community empowerment within urban landscapes.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Symbolic Interactionism theory, Place Attachment theory and Critical theory may be used to anchor future studies on the socio-cultural significance of street art in urban recreation spaces. The study made comprehensive recommendations across theory, practice, and policy domains. The research emphasized the importance of advancing theoretical frameworks to capture the multifaceted nature of street art's impact, fostering collaboration between street artists, urban planners, and community stakeholders in practice, and advocating for the development of supportive regulatory frameworks and policies at the policy level. By engaging with interdisciplinary perspectives and promoting community-led initiatives, the study aimed to enhance our understanding of street art's role in shaping urban landscapes and fostering social cohesion and cultural expression.

Spiritual Nexus: The Interwoven Sacred Sites of the Kailash Region

This article investigates the complex network of sacred sites within the Kailash region, an axis of profound spiritual significance for a multitude of faiths. The central figure of this sacred web is Mount Kailash, surrounded by the mystical Lake Manasarovar and Rakshas Tal, the restorative springs of Tirthapuri, and the reflective sanctuary of the Bon Monastery. This study delves into the spiritual importance, historical connections, and intricate cultural practices maintained across these sites. Darchen, the starting point for the spiritually charged Kailash Kora, marks the pilgrims' journey towards potential enlightenment. Moreover, the paper investigates the ecocultural dynamics, emphasizing the monasteries around Manasarovar, including the Bon Monastery, as enduring custodians of spiritual wisdom despite historical tribulations. Harnessing a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives, the article portrays how these sites collectively constitute a spiritual heritage that continually shapes the socio-religious fabric of the region. It also addresses modern challenges due to increased pilgrimage, advocating for sustainable conservation efforts. By intertwining the cosmic symbolism and earthly presence of these sites, this article contributes a holistic view of the Kailash region's perpetual sacredness and its essential place within the global spiritual domain.

Can instructor feedback and failure dialogues reduce the stigma of failure and encourage help-seeking? An interdisciplinary undergraduate perspective

Failure is an important part of the learning process as it provides opportunity to reflect upon and modify study habits, can increase understanding and retention of concepts, and supports the development of resilience, an important skill within and beyond the university context. Despite these benefits, undergraduate students may have a negative perception of failure that may contribute to fear of failure and risk avoidance. We investigated the influence of instructor feedback, discussions of failure in the classroom, and course-level and institutional structures on students’ view of failure across disciplines. Undergraduate students at the [redacted for blind review] participated in an online survey (n = 304) consisting of Likert-scaled and open-ended questions on perceptions of failure, experience with instructor feedback, likelihood to engage in help-seeking, and course- and institutional-level suggestions to support learning from failure. When instructors discussed with their students how to best respond to feedback, students were more likely to view small failures as a helpful part of the learning process. Further, when instructors discussed strategies to best respond to failure, students were more likely to view failure as helpful for learning and less likely to view weak performance early in a course as an indication of future weak performance. Student-identified strategies to better support resilience included improved communication between students and instructors, in peer-to-peer conversations, and by the institution more broadly. Across all three areas, students expressed a desire for systems of higher education to destigmatize failure through changes in both rhetoric and policy. This suggests the incorporation of meaningful conversations and failure narratives in the classroom and beyond are effective strategies to encourage the development of resilience-based skills. Such discussions may help students engage positively with failure and maintain willingness to engage in future challenges. Keywords: learning from failure, higher education, resilience, help-seeking, feedback

The Bubble Metropolis: Manhattan Island Crises in Contemporary Science Fiction

As “the island at the center of the world,” Manhattan has inspired countless writers and has served as a spatial archetype in science fiction’s world-building. From the interdisciplinary perspective of literature and economics, this article discusses the crisis imagination of the “bubble metropolis” in five contemporary Manhattan-related science fiction novels including Cities in Flight (1970), The Blister (1975), Terminal World (2010), Zone One (2011), and New York 2140 (2017). The spatial variety of Manhattan Island in these science fiction novels is closely combined with its economic condition. The characters, plots, and spatial imagery of these novels gather to reflect the different stages of the operation of a bubble economy, illustrating a historical cycle of capitalism that can never be escaped. Manhattan Island has long been the symbol of the world’s rush for wealth. The fear of economic recession, environmental degradation, and class conflict have formed the special geographical features of the island in the future. The crisis imagination of the “bubble metropolis” also seeks to stimulate critical thinking on economic ethics, urban design, and high technology, calling for social justice and public welfare.

How to Create and Foster Sustainable Smart Cities? Insights on Ethics, Trust, Privacy, Transparency, Incentives, and Success

This paper describes the motivation, framework, concepts, method, implementation, and results of the HCII2023 Design Café, a dedicated participatory highly interactive design workshop held in Copenhagen in July 2023. Motivated by the ubiquitous challenges our world is facing, this initiative had the goal to explore six main issues from an interdisciplinary perspective with a focus on the UN SDG 11: “Sustainable Cities and Communities” and the HCI Grand Challenge 2 “Human-Environment Interactions.” The six issues were formulated as questions and presented to the participants working in small groups. (1) How to create inclusive and ethical smart cities? (2) How to establish trust between people and smart environments? (3) How to address privacy concerns in smart environments that adopt the “disappearing computer” paradigm? (4) How to promote explainability and transparency of policies and measures to citizens of smart cities or in smart environments in general? (5) How to design incentives and rewards for engagement and sustainable behavior in smart cities at a personal as well as collective/corporate level? (6) How to measure success and impact in sustainable smart city projects? The method and approach of the Design Café is a tailored composition of a guided, structured format combined with and inspired by processes of informal communication and exchange of knowledge and ideas. Aligned moderation, a minimum set of rules, a set of relevant topics and an interdisciplinary group of motivated participants working in rotating formations provides the structure for achieving results. The results show that the six issues are not independent of each other, but require a holistic view, considering the various dependencies as well as synergies when exploring solutions. Nevertheless, the importance of first establishing higher-level goals based on ethical and inclusive approaches fostering human dignity and human rights were key. Acceptance of overall goals, processes, rules, and regulations was considered as the fundamental pre-requisite for sustainable change towards a declared goal. Acceptance needs trust and privacy as well as explainability and transparency of policies and measures. The role of incentives and rewards for engagement and sustainable behavior was twofold. Offering incentives must include planning on how to measure their impact. Effective measurement of success and impact depends heavily on how the institutions address privacy. Explainability and transparency should become one of the ethical guidelines that steer and control concepts, decision making, and implementations of all activities. The scale of these societal challenges still needs to be recognized by those responsible. It is essential to educate decision makers in the psychological needs and effects of sense making, comprehensibility, and finally acceptance and well-being moving towards a humanity-centered design.

Freedom as cultural-discursive resource

Humanity has never suffered so much from racial repression, social division and cultural domination as in the contemporary world. Freedom is under the severest attack the mankind has ever seen. Erno and Birk timely seize the issue of human freedom and contend that psychologists must turn their attention to it from a practical, political and interdisciplinary perspective, thereby opening up new avenues to human flourishing and self-actualization. And yet this proposal has given still insufficient heed to the cultural nature of freedom. It is the objective of this essay to argue for and sketch out a cultural-discursive approach that purports to provide not just a systematic and precise account of freedom but also a methodological framework for its research.

Training Future Managers to Address the Challenges of Sustainable Development: An Innovative, Interdisciplinary, and Multiregional Experience on Corporate Sustainability Education

This paper presents an innovative experience involving students and professors from diverse backgrounds and regions that was designed to integrate corporate sustainability (CS) knowledge into undergraduate programs. An action research approach was adopted, with the course running over one semester. The course involved 146 students with diverse academic backgrounds from universities across Brazil along with eight professors from Brazil, Chile, and South Africa. The proposed approach provides actionable insights into the integration of sustainability concepts in the higher educational setting, thereby contributing to the development of a more environmentally and socially conscious generation of professionals. The learning outcomes are discussed in the light of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Agenda, particularly SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and SDG 13 (climate action). In addition, it is important to highlight that the dissemination of the course’s key features can be useful for universities, professors, and researchers engaged in training future professionals capable of addressing real-world problems of innovation and sustainability. By employing an action research methodology and fostering collaboration among students and professors with diverse academic backgrounds and from different countries, including Brazil, Chile, and South Africa, this paper presents a multiregional and interdisciplinary perspective that sets it apart from conventional practices. The emphasis on providing actionable insights and its potential applicability for universities, professors, and researchers involved in training future professionals further underscore its distinctive contribution to education for sustainable development.