Responsibility Of Organizations Research Articles

The construction of the normative persuasion of social and environmental reporting regulation

PurposeThis study aims to understand why some social and environmental reporting (SER) regulations are more successful than others in modifying collective corporate reporting behaviour and expectations. More specifically, it presents a qualitative and historically informed exploration of the construction of the enabling conditions for corporate adoption of SER regulation in a national context.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on insights from structuration theory and the sociological approach to legal studies, the authors examined the normative persuasion of the first regulation in Spain requiring firms to disclose social and environmental information in a stand-alone report: Article 39 of the Spanish Sustainable Economy Law. The case study is based primarily on 38 semi-structured interviews with relevant actors involved in this SER regulation from 2008 to 2014. Other sources such as legal and policy documents, historical documents, books, press reports and field notes from attendance at technical meetings related to the phenomenon under study help inform and complement the analysis of the interviews.FindingsThe analysis reveals that the agency of regulators, regulatees and other relevant actors involved in the SER regulation led to the law becoming a dead letter. However, only by examining the structural circumstances, shaped by history and socio-economic context, can the authors understand how the normative persuasion of law is constructed or undermined.Research limitations/implicationsThe study underscores the importance of the national context in developing corporate social responsibility (CSR) regulation and the crucial role of history. The results of this research also suggest that significant progress towards a more transformative CSR regulation cannot be achieved without the support of enabling structures/Practical implicationsRecent SER regulations (European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and IFRS sustainability standards, to mention those that are gaining most traction) may not achieve sufficient compliance if those responsible for drafting them do not ensure that the conditions for the emergence of regulatory persuasion are met. Regulators must therefore have a profound understanding of how these conditions are constructed as part of a historical process inextricably linked to the social structures of the environment in which the law is to be applied.Social implicationsThe study reveals the changing landscape of corporate social responsibility, where scientists, academics, NGO activists and civil society organisations struggle to gain some agency in a field populated by actors, such as trade unions or employers, who were constitutive of Western industrial liberal democracies.Originality/valueThis study presents an in-depth and historically grounded analysis of the dynamics involved in creating the conditions that lead to successful SER legislation in a national context.

Exploring the Theological Context to Domestic and Family Violence.

This article explores the theological drivers of domestic and family violence (DFV)-specifically intimate partner violence-by engaging with ecclesiastical beliefs and practices of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA). Key theological, policy, and public documents were analyzed to understand gender relations, gender roles, marriage, ordination, ethical behavior, and responses to DFV. Findings from the document analysis demonstrate church practice and policy reforms underway in addressing violence against women and supporting safety. Simultaneously, the documents show contested and troubled positions regarding gender relations, the theological context to gender roles and responsibilities and the church's journey of debating (re)configuration of its organizational structure and responsibilities.

Ammonia – an assessment of potential environmental impacts including prevention and mitigation measures

Ammonia (chemical formula NH3) is one of the most widely produced chemicals for industrial and agricultural uses. Ammonia has gained attention as a potential hydrogen and energy carrier, and low carbon substitute fuel for rail and maritime transport. The potential of ammonia for new use cases may lead to an increased footprint of potential environmental impacts. The physical and chemical properties of ammonia offer significant benefits for transportation and storage, but challenges remain due to its highly toxic nature and uses outside of dedicated industrial precincts. Ammonia is typically liquefied to increase density for ready storage and transportation. Unplanned releases of liquid ammonia will result in immediate environmental impacts. Unplanned releases may adversely affect receptor species in aquatic and terrestrial environments, human health, as well as the reputation of the responsible organisation. Dispersion of ammonia into the environment depends on factors that include mixture density, temperature, humidity, wind and wave action, and release mode and direction. Understanding the fate of ammonia is fundamental to adoption of effective mitigation measures. Consequently, it is necessary to understand the behaviour of ammonia in the environment, how unplanned releases can be minimised, and how they can be combatted, in order to appraise its suitability as a low carbon liquid transport fuel. This paper assesses the risks posed by ammonia spills, its fate in aquatic environments, and the applicability of available spill models. It also addresses management measures for the prevention and mitigation of spills noting the highly soluble and toxic nature of the chemical.

Covering the ‘Scottish position adequately’: Planning Civil Defence in Post-war Scotland, 1948–59

Abstract This article brings together the histories of post-war Scottish policymaking, local civil defence governance, and the British security state in the first decade of the Cold War, 1948–59. The article addresses three themes: organizational responsibility, evacuation and shelter, and nuclear radiation to show that Scottish cultural, social, and political contexts were distinct from the English precedents set by Whitehall. In the context of developing Cold War security measures, and regional differences, the article argues that Scottish policy-makers negotiated independence over early civil defence planning, while exercising a conciliatory relationship with the central government. Issues raised around regionality posed important questions in Whitehall about the implementation of nuclear era civil defence nationwide. In assessing how this occurred the article augments the debate around Scottish autonomy and administrative distinction in the post-war era and makes a wider contribution to understandings of civil defence cultures in Britain’s Cold War. While studies of civil defence have provided important context to the history of the British Cold War state, local responses to such policy have not been adequately interrogated. This study shows that civil defence is not only an invaluable window onto local government perceptions of Cold War policy but is also a lens onto regional expressions of Second World War memory, post-war recovery, political power, and social organization.

Realizing NetZero in social housing: strategic public procurement and internal stakeholder engagement

ABSTRACT Energy costs and fuel poverty are major concerns for social housing tenants, many of whom are vulnerable citizens. To meet challenging NetZero targets, public organizations have used strategic public procurement (SPP) in decarbonizing social housing stock and to make it more energy efficient. Drawing on SPP and stakeholder engagement, we theoretically argue that public organizations’ diverse set of internal stakeholders are integral to SPP. Empirically, we provide evidence of a disconnect between organization-facing and customer-facing stakeholder groups which must be considered and addressed if NetZero targets, and organizational responsibility are to be achieved when implementing SPP.

How Generative AI Is Transforming Journalism: Development, Application and Ethics

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is a technology based on algorithms, models, etc., that creates content such as text, audio, images, videos, and code. GAI is deeply integrated into journalism as tools, platforms and systems. However, GAI’s role in journalism dilutes the power of media professionals, changes traditional news production and poses ethical questions. This study attempts to systematically answer these ethical questions in specific journalistic practices from the perspectives of journalistic professionalism and epistemology. Building on the review of GAI’s development and application, this study identifies the responsibilities of news organizations, journalists and audiences, ensuring that they realize the potential of GAI while adhering to journalism professionalism and universal human values to avoid negative technological effects.

The practice of greenwashing in the context of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility

In the knowledge society, practically all organizational activities are carried out with the massive use of the internet. In this sense, information is shared at an ever-increasing speed. Depending on what is shared, the reputation of people and companies can be defamed, especially when what is shared is false. The study's general objective is to elucidate the practice of greenwashing in the context of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. The term greenwashing refers to those companies that make a point of propagating to society that they value the preservation of the environment but whose practices demonstrate the opposite of this context. Thus, the risk of having the image of a socially and environmentally responsible organization can be undone at any time. The method used was the conceptual bibliography, a set of research techniques formed by four phases: a) definition of research questions, b) data collection, c) organization and analysis of data, and d) generation of responses. This method made it possible to verify that greenwashing is a risky strategy, to say the least, and not recommended for any company, as the price to pay when discovering the false identity of an environmentally friendly organization is greater than the effort made to maintain appearances, before society and other interested parties. The conclusion asserts that the most recommended thing is that companies seek to be sustainable in their daily lives, but in a planned way, incorporating this into their values, practices, and organizational culture.

HIV preventive practice and its associated factors among street dwellers in Ethiopia: Application of health belief model.

Street dwelling is the use of public space as a place of residence and nourishment for children, adolescents, and young people, revealing a complex and multifactorial situation. Moreover, homelessness facilitates HIV transmission and its progression due to the risky lifestyle of individuals. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study conducted in the study area on HIV preventive practices among street dwellers. The aim of this study was to assess HIV prevention practices and associated factors among street dwellers. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahir Dar City from March 12, 2023 to April 30, 2023. By using the simple random sampling technique, 424 street dwellers were recruited. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used for analysis. The magnitude of HIV preventive practice among street dwellers was 35.9%. Being male (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.55), educational status (AOR = 7.53, 95% CI: 2.20, 25.6), practice of sex to earn money (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.44), good knowledge about HIV preventive practice (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.46, 5.49), perceived susceptibility for HIV (AOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.99), and perceived benefit of using HIV preventive practice (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.17), were factors associated with HIV preventive practice. The magnitude of HIV preventive practice was low. Being male, the ability to read and write, the practice of sex to earn money, good knowledge about HIV preventive practice, perceived susceptibility to HIV, and the perceived benefit of using HIV preventive practice were significantly associated with HIV preventive practice. Therefore, responsible organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, should design inclusive strategies to improve HIV preventive practice among street dwellers by focusing on regular demand creation activities, awareness creation about HIV preventive practice, and sustainable condom distribution in the city.

Assessing the Role and Capacity of Water Management Organizations for Ensuring Delta Food Security in Bangladesh

The coastal zone, consisting of one-third country's area, is the most climate-vulnerable region of Bangladesh. The country has invested significantly in coastal zone through the construction and rehabilitation of polders. Despite vast opportunities, land productivity in the polders is very low due to poor water governance and management. To improve in-polder water management, the responsibility of operation and maintenance of the polder water infrastructure has been transferred to Water Management Organizations (WMOs) since 2001. WMOs are currently voluntary organizations but are very important for micro-level agricultural water management. A study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 in a medium saline polder; with a major focus on organizational behaviour: hierarchy in decision-making, transparency, financial accountability, leadership, internal communication, and motivational incentives of the WMOs. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 192 respondents of randomly selected eight Water Management Groups (WMGs – the lowest tier of WMOs), out of 40 WMGs of the polder. The results revealed that the WMGs operations are not fully participatory in principle yet. Even the transparency, financial accountability, leadership, and internal communications within WMGs are not strong enough to take the organizational responsibility to address future challenges in food security of the climate-vulnerable polder communities. Improving drainage through efficient water management showed a yield gain of at least 1.5 t/ha in the wet season only. In addition, improved drainage fosters sustainable year-round cropping with high-yielding, high-value and nutrition-rich crops with 2 to 3 times higher productivity than the traditional cropping system. Therefore, investment in water governance particularly in improving drainage in the polders could be a major game-changer in sustaining the food security of the climate-vulnerable polder communities of Bangladesh. The study identified the knowledge gap as a significant concern that demands the need for capacity building of the WMOs.

The Challenge of Defining the Secular

Judges have long wrestled with the gigantean task of defining religion, with some describing the task as being ‘called upon to ponder the imponderable’, an impossible task, and even misguided. Despite these sentiments, and comments in almost every legal definition expressing the impossibility of the task, judges have, in fact, been able to come up with numerous legal definitions for religion. These have been applied in myriad circumstances to define the outer limits of the rights and responsibilities of states, religious communities, organisations, and individuals. By contrast, the term secular has rarely been judicially defined. However, it is no-less important in defining the rights and responsibilities of states and their citizens and residents, particularly in light of the number of states that claim, implicitly or explicitly, to be secular. This paper, therefore, (re)examines the definition of the secular as it pertains to the concept of the secular state. It considers the need for a legal definition of the secular with particular reference to constitutional and other legal instruments that include the term. It then examines the difference between the terms secular, secularisation and secularism, noting the often erroneous conflation as well as the inevitable interaction and overlap between these key concepts. Finally, drawing on existing classifications of legal definitions of religion, the paper classifies definitions of the secular into three overarching classifications, namely ‘historical’, ‘substantive’ and ‘characteristic’.

Influence of Economic Dimension Strategy on Organizational Image of Kisumu Heart Hospital

Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) is becoming an increasingly significant component of many firms’ strategic planning decisions. Statistics shows that more than 80% of health sector organizations in Kenya don’t seem to realize the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility. Among the approximately 20% that do understand the significance of corporate social responsibility, only 2% strive to implement it owing to a number of reasons. This has left a negative perception and bad image to the organizational stakeholders involving the patients, shareholders and the staff, sometimes leading to low profitability. This is evident despite the fact that success of a company is measured by its contribution to society. Most studies have shown both positive and negative relationship or failed to clarify impacts of corporate social responsibility of organizational corporate social responsibility on its image. None of the studies has also specifically shown how adoption of economic, environmental and social dimension strategies have impacted on organizational image of Kisumu heart Hospital. The main objective of this study was therefore to investigate the influence of economic dimension strategy on organizational image of Kisumu heart hospital. Study was anchored stakeholder theory. The study adopted correlational research design. The population of the study comprised of a total of 400 outpatients, inpatient and employees. The study adopted stratified random sampling and the sample size was 196 respondents. Primary data was used which was collected through questionnaire. Data was analysed using both descriptive and correlation statistics specifically Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Simple linear regression Model. The findings revealed that Economic dimension strategy has a positive and significant effect on corporate image (B=.132, p<.05. It was concluded that corporate social responsibility has a positive and significant effect on corporate image of Kisumu heart hospital. The study however recommended improving both economic dimension strategy The study may also inform the stakeholders in the health sector on the importance of CSR on the organizational image and growth.

A transition approach for reuse and repair of manufactured products

AbstractThe landscape of reuse and repair (R&R) activities for manufactured products is vibrant: new European laws, research projects, local initiatives. Our aim is to capture the current and future challenges of the field through an industrial workshop held at the ICED23 conference. A collective reflection was conducted with three French stakeholders: a Product Responsibility Organization, a social and solidarity organization, and a private company producing water-driven dosing pumps. The study results in a multi-level perspective on the R&R value chain and four R&R future scenarios.

Perceptions of organizational responsibility for cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia: a moderated mediation analysis

Perceptions of organizational responsibility for cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia: a moderated mediation analysis

Global hand surgery collaborations: national survey of UK surgical trainees.

This cross-sectional national survey used qualitative methodology to explore the views of surgical trainees about hand surgery in low-resource settings. Key concerns have been identified and recommendations are made for responsible organizations to promote equal access for the engagement of trainees in global surgery partnerships.

Initiatives of organizational social responsibility: What makes impact on consumer socially responsible behaviour

Initiatives of organizational social responsibility: What makes impact on consumer socially responsible behaviour

A Program Evaluation Study for Measurement and Evaluation Course in Distance Education

This study aims to evaluate the online measurement and evaluation course in teacher training programs during the COVID-19 process. In the study, we sought answers to two primary research questions: What are the opinions of teachers and school administrators regarding their measurement and evaluation competencies? Does the online "measurement and evaluation" course have the qualities of an effective program in the "antecedents, transactions, and outcomes" dimension? We structured the research into two phases within a multistage evaluation design framework. The findings show that there were problems and positive aspects in all dimensions of the program. For example, adapting teacher training programs developed before COVID-19 to distance education processes was challenging. In distance education, some practices contradict the modern teaching and assessment approach. Such problems were reflected in teachers' acquisition of measurement and evaluation competencies. The achievement test we applied to the observed groups also confirmed these findings. For this reason, responsible organizations should not ignore the fact that we cannot renounce distance education. During program development, they should reconsider how the teachers will acquire measurement and evaluation competencies and how we will measure and evaluate in distance education.

Impact of training, mood and motivation on employee performance in Universities of Sindh, Pakistan

This research aims to examine the impact of training, mood, and motivation on employee performance in academia of Sindh province, Pakistan. Training plays a vital role in enhancing the skills, abilities, and confidence of employees to achieve their personal and organizational goals effectively. Moreover, the mood and motivation of employees are also considered necessary features for the performance of employees. Therefore, an employee performance survey was conducted by adopting a close-ended questionnaire based on a 5-points and 7-points Likert scale to identify the relationship and impact on the performance of faculty. The method of sampling was convenience sampling, which enabled us to reach 265 participants from four cities of Sindh, including Karachi, Sukker, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas. SPSS was used to analyze the data, which highlights that training and motivation have a strong positive relationship to the dependent variable i: e employee performance; mood and employee performance have a moderately positive relationship. Every competitive organization in today's world needs a skilled workforce to achieve its short- and long-term organizational goals, so it is the organization's responsibility.

Проблемы реализации принципов социальной ответственности бизнеса в России

Business social responsibility is a form of self–regulation of business, which is aimed at achieving social, environmental, and philanthropic goals jointly with society and at the same time contributing to strengthening the brand's reputation. The principles of Business Social responsibility (SOB), or corporate social responsibility of business organizations, are now steadily spreading around the world, involving new countries and organizations - from small enterprises to multinational companies. Although the principles of the SOB are uniform, they acquire the characteristics of the country whose companies implement them in their activities. Priorities in the development of the state, the political structure, the state of the economy in the country, and key global problems leave their mark. In Russia, the concept of CSR has appeared relatively recently, at the moment there is an active process of forming an integrated approach to this phenomenon, which causes the emergence of a significant number of problems related to various aspects of the process under consideration. The purpose of the study is to analyze the dynamics of the development of social responsibility of Russian business through the prism of non–financial reports provided and to formulate the main problems of CSR implementation at the present stage. Research results: the concept, essence and basic principles of corporate social responsibility are considered, the main stages of the formation of CSR principles in Russia are studied. The dynamics of the provision of non-financial reports over the past 10 years has been analyzed, the structure of the submitted reports has been evaluated by industry characteristic of companies and by the share of organizations providing reports on a regular basis. The main disadvantages of the introduction of CSR principles from the point of view of entrepreneurship are studied. The main problems of CSR implementation at the current stage of development of the Russian economy are formulated and disclosed in detail. In the final part of the work, the main advantages of forming an integrated approach to the concept of CSR at the national level are formed, the main advantages of this process are presented.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS' RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND ITS RAMIFICATIONS: THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to examine the international responsibility of international organizations for their actions and to elucidate the conditions under which such responsibility arises. By analyzing the legal nature of international organizations and exploring relevant cases, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing the accountability of international organizations in the international arena.
 
 Methods: To achieve the stated objectives, this study employs a conceptual and analytical approach. It involves a comprehensive review and analysis of legal literature, international treaties, judicial decisions, and scholarly articles pertaining to the legal personality and responsibility of international organizations. Additionally, case studies are examined to illustrate the application of legal principles in determining the responsibility of international organizations for their actions.
 
 Results: The analysis reveals that international organizations are recognized as legal entities capable of independent activity separate from member states. Their actions may give rise to international responsibility if they are illegal and in violation of their international obligations. Such responsibility is attributable to the international organization when its representatives or organs are involved in the actions that result in harm to other subjects of international law. However, there are instances where the responsibility of international organizations is not applicable, similar to impediments affecting states' international responsibilities. Recognizing the legal personality of international organizations enables them to have rights and responsibilities, thereby allowing for accountability for illegal actions committed by their employees or organs.
 
 Conclusion: In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of recognizing the legal personality of international organizations and elucidates the conditions under which they may be held responsible for their actions. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework governing the accountability of international organizations, this research contributes to a better understanding of their role in the international legal system. Moving forward, it is essential to ensure effective mechanisms for holding international organizations accountable for their actions, thereby promoting accountability, transparency, and adherence to international law in the conduct of international affairs.

Knowledge about Rh-incompatibility and its associated factors among antenatal care recipients in public hospitals of Wolaita zone, 2022: facility-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundLack of awareness about the Rh-incompatibility problem is one of the factors hindering early prevention in Ethiopia. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine what was known about...