Power Disparities Research Articles

Centralization or decentralization? Power allocation in team innovation management.

Power disparity, as an important form of internal team hierarchy, presents a "double-edged sword effect". To reconcile the inconsistent effects and systematically explore the different mechanisms of power disparity, this study constructs a comprehensive theoretical model based on power functionalism and power conflict theory, with team coordination and team conflict as dual mediators, and power legitimacy as moderator. By collecting valid questionnaires from 76 teams across 27 different types of companies in various regions, statistical analysis and hypothesis testing were conducted on the data. The results conclude that power disparity positively influences team innovation performance through the team coordination path and negatively affects it through the team conflict path. However, under the moderating effect of power legitimacy, the negative effect of the team conflict path is suppressed, and the positive effect of the team coordination path is strengthened, thus ensuring that power disparity has a positive effect on team innovation performance. This study provides a useful reference for designing the power hierarchy within enterprises, and offers profound insights into effective organizational structure and decision-making processes.

Contextualizing the Manifestation of Gendered Colonialist Microaggressions: A Qualitative Study on Post-Colonial Migration Experiences Among Immigrant Women

Over the last decade, the framework of microaggressions has been adopted to examine subtle manifestations of discrimination from the perspective of socially disadvantaged groups. However, the microaggressions literature is strongly U.S.-centered, and very few studies have been conducted in other societal contexts, such as European countries characterized by distinct migration patterns and post-colonial intergroup relations. Moreover, foreign-born immigrant women have been overlooked in microaggression research. The present qualitative study draws upon post-colonial feminist theory and adopts an intracategorical intersectional approach to examine the experiences of foreign-born immigrant women in Portugal. Ten focus groups were conducted with 52 participants ( Mage = 34.2, SD = 10.2). Data were analyzed via a two-step process thematic analysis (TA) approach. First, codebook TA was used to produce nine themes building on previous microaggressions taxonomies. Then, reflexive TA was applied to generate four macro-themes related to post-colonial discourses. As a result, we propose a taxonomy of Gendered Colonialist Microaggressions and a theoretical framework linking these subtle forms of discrimination to social representations of immigrant women, rooted in colonial legacies and systemic power disparities. This study highlights the understudied psychological and societal implications of microaggressions in post-colonial settings, raising new questions and providing directions for future action.

The adoption of blockchain and financing constraints: Evidence from China

Despite the recognized significance of blockchain in supply chain management literature, there has been a scarcity of studies empirically exploring the link between blockchain adoption and financing constraints. This paper delves into how blockchain adoption influences financing constraints, considering the moderating effects of environmental and firm-specific factors. Utilizing panel data from A-share listed firms in China over the period 2016–2021, our analysis reveals that blockchain adoption notably eases financing constraints. Additionally, we observe a spillover effect: the adoption of blockchain technology by a central enterprise can alleviate financing constraints for affiliated companies within their supply chain, including upstream and downstream firms. Our heterogeneity analysis indicates that the effectiveness of blockchain in reducing financing constraints is more pronounced in environments with robust internal and external governance and higher levels of marketization. Moreover, blockchain adoption can mitigate traditional finance's ownership bias against non-state-owned enterprises and the bargaining power disparities faced by central firms in the supply chain. In addition, in non-high-tech, non-heavy pollution, and non-manufacturing industries, firms can better alleviate financing constraints after adopting blockchain. These findings offer valuable insights for businesses looking to navigate the challenges and opportunities of mitigating financing constraints through blockchain adoption.

Heritage Regeneration Models for Traditional Courtyard Houses in a Northern Chinese City (Jinan) in the Context of Urban Renewal

The fundamental disputes in urban heritage regeneration stem from variations in power dynamics and inherent value systems among stakeholders. Addressing conflicts and power differentials involving governmental bodies, market forces, community residents, experts, and scholars is crucial for fostering sustainable urban heritage development. Recently, these contradictions have grown more pronounced as China’s urbanization has transitioned from rapid expansion to a phase focused on existing urban assets. In the present research, the typical traditional courtyard-style residential buildings in Jinan, a historic city in northern China, were selected as the object of study. These houses often suffer from problems such as outdated infrastructure and low living conditions and have become difficult to adapt to contemporary urban life. A case study approach was employed focusing on a representative courtyard house to develop models for renewing and regenerating urban heritage, specifically tailored to traditional courtyard houses. The aim was to address conflicts and power disparities among urban heritage stakeholders through diverse mechanisms. Methodologically, the research integrates historical study and field investigation, participatory analysis, and policy analysis. Primary data sources include field surveys, historical research, oral interviews, and drone aerial photography. Models were constructed in the present study—namely, the heritage self-renewal, heritage revitalization, and heritage transformation models—for traditional courtyard houses. These models were designed to foster sustainable urban heritage development through collaborative efforts across various stakeholders and administrative levels. They will optimize the renewal mechanism of urban heritage, thus providing diversity and multiple possibilities for the preservation and reuse of architectural heritage in China. They aim to realize comprehensive urban heritage values, including vitality, health, efficiency, and equity, while accommodating the interests of diverse stakeholders.

Negative Auditor-Client Interactions—An Exploration of Power Dynamics During Audit Evidence Collection

SUMMARY Studies show that staff auditors, who often interact with high-level client management, maintain positions of lower power in these interactions. This paper summarizes a study by Carlisle, Gimbar, and Jenkins (2023) who investigate negative and unpleasant client interactions and find a deep-rooted power dynamic between staff-level auditors and their clients, whereby clients maintain the upper hand during the evidence collection process. Their study documents auditors’ concern for their clients’ perception of them and the audit team. Finally, they observe that auditors often struggle to fulfill their professional responsibilities while working to ingratiate themselves to the client. These may lead to audit quality threatening behaviors such as client avoidance and “ghost ticking.” Their results suggest that ongoing power disparities between staff auditors and their clients may impair staff auditors’ operational independence.

Deconstructing the standpoint of female ex-convicts represented in the TV series Dapur Napi

Background: The representation of female ex-convicts, particularly in Indonesia, remains biased despite the increasing number of ex-convict narratives. This study focuses on addressing this gap by examining the TV series “Dapur Napi” on Vidio, exploring how the series illustrates power disparities in the reintegration of female ex-convicts into society and how the series uses hyperbolic dramatization of female ex-convicts for entertainment purposes. Purpose: This research aims to critically analyze how societal power discrepancies are represented in the media and how media constructs the identity and reality of female ex-convicts in “Dapur Napi” through the lens of standpoint theory. Methods: Employing Critical Discourse Analysis by Norman Fairclough, this research dissects the textual, discursive practice, and sociocultural practice dimensions of the TV series using a qualitative approach. Results: The study’s results reveal the portrayal of female ex-convicts, emphasizing complexities in identity construction, societal rejection, and the dual role of media in both entertainment and norm reinforcement. Implications: This research can further develop the discussion on Standpoint Theory, particularly providing insights into inequalities in the representation of marginalized female ex-convicts in popular media. Practically, this research can advocate for more accurate and diverse portrayals, and promote media literacy to challenge stereotypes and promote social inclusion.

‘They trusted me, even if I’m a tom like this’: exploring sexual-professional identity communication of LGBTQ+ primary schoolteachers

ABSTRACT This study investigates the communication strategies employed by Thai LGBTQ+ primary school teachers to negotiate their identities. The Communication Theory of Identity was used to examine the interplay between sexual-professional identity gaps and societal expectations at school. The study involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ten participants. The teachers’ internal recognition process leads to compromising overlapping identities and the delineation of spaces within the school. This process has been achieved by varying communication styles, some of which are influenced by Thai cultural norms – avoiding confrontation and mis-expectation compensating – that enable the teachers to keep their teacherly positionality intact. Considering overlapping identities, one has to employ a culturally and professionally sensitive communicative strategy, which enables teachers to advance professionally, ascend the social ladder, and secure greater career prospects. These strategies contribute to the establishment of mutually beneficial relationships in the workplace by reducing the power disparity between LGBTQ+ teachers and dominant hetero-others.

Strategic Power Balance: CMO-CTO Power Disparity and its Impact on SMEs’ Innovation

Strategic Power Balance: CMO-CTO Power Disparity and its Impact on SMEs’ Innovation

Empowering Women, Building Safety: Strategies for Addressing Gender-Based Violence in South Africa

Dismantling Gender-Based Violence in South AfricaThis study examines gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa with a particular emphasis on women's experiences. It highlights the societal norms and underlying power disparities that support this violence when viewed through a gendered lens. Principal Subjects: GBV against women's prevalence and types in South Africa. the effects of GBV on survivors' emotional, mental, and physical health. The cultural, societal, and economic aspects that lead to GBV. The benefits and drawbacks of the current survivor support programs and interventions. In order to effectively prevent and respond, policy changes, social initiatives, and support services are required. Methodological approach, a variety of techniques will be used in this study, such as: review of the body of research on GBV in South Africa with an emphasis on the experiences of women. analysis of pertinent data on the incidence, manifestations, and effects of GBV. To further understand women's lived experiences, qualitative research techniques like focus groups and interviews may be included (subject to further research design). Principal Arguments Understanding and combating GBV in South Africa require a gendered analysis. GBV is largely caused by power disparities and patriarchal attitudes. Interventions that are effective must empower women and deal with the underlying causes of GBV. For long-lasting change to occur, legislators, NGOs, communities, and individuals must work together. Conclusions, GBV is a complicated problem that calls for a multifaceted strategy that addresses its underlying causes and gives women more control. South Africa may advance toward a future free from gender-based violence by putting into place efficient legislative measures, social programs, and enhanced support services.

A review of authorship in herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) research conducted in low-income and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2020

IntroductionEquitable inclusion of low-income and middle-income country (LMIC) researchers and women in research authorship is a priority. A review of progress in addressing WHO-identified priorities provided an opportunity to examine...

Building capacity and status through transnational joint doctoral programs: a case study in China

PurposeThrough a case study of a recently established but rapidly growing research-intensive university in China, this study explores how transnational joint doctoral programs are strategically instrumentalized to overcome policy restrictions on postgraduate degree accreditation. It utilizes the cumulative (dis)advantage theory as the analytical lens. This study investigates the innovative, bottom-up initiation of transnational higher education tailored to the development goals of the university and this region, thus providing an alternative perspective for the dominant top-down discourse on transnational higher education research in China.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a qualitative case study design that incorporates semi-structured interviews and document analysis to investigate the examined university’s joint doctoral programs.FindingsThe study examines how, through its transnational joint doctoral programs, the case university actively accumulated the advantages of recruiting excellent research students, cultivating the public’s confidence and deepening international collaboration. These advantages created a virtuous circle, which further reinforced each other and accelerated the university’s development. The disadvantages include power disparities between the case university and its partners, students’ study discontinuity because of temporal and spatial division and the challenges of co-supervision. Accordingly, the university implemented counterstrategies such as adopting a differentiated stance with varying partners, offering flexible administrative and management supports and aligning differently with various supervisors’ collaboration styles.Originality/valueThis study presents innovative institutional strategies in the Greater Bay Area of China to pursue rapid development and internationalization through transnational higher education programs. It also strives to illuminate the significant role of transnational higher education in facilitating experimental governance with Chinese characteristics.

United States – Kenyan Asymmetry in Counterterrorism Cooperation: An Assessment of the Efforts of the United States and Kenya in East Africa

On 11 September 2001, the world witnessed a drastic change in the global security landscape that influenced the dynamics of United States counterterrorism. The United States expanded its global alliances, including its financial assistance and cooperation scope, in East Africa as well. A fundamental transformation in the United States Defence Foreign Policy towards Africa was marked by a growing reliance by the United States on African partners, such as Kenya. Despite visible power disparities between the United States and Kenyan asymmetric relations, the two states set an unmatched counterterrorism partnership in East Africa – even with the growing criticism of the United States militarisation in some parts of Africa, such as in the Sahel region, which remains prone to coups despite enduring counterterrorism interventions by the United States. What is particularly interesting is how the asymmetric relations between the United States and Kenya enhanced a stable and multidimensional implementation of counterterrorism in East Africa. The dynamics of these asymmetric relations on counterterrorism demystify the perception that asymmetric relations between powerful and weak states are inherently unstable. Employing secondary data, the study on which this article reports, sought to deconstruct such rhetoric by conceptualising asymmetry whilst identifying five main conceptualisations of asymmetry theory that characterises the asymmetric relations between the United States and Kenya. Thereafter, by taking stock of the multidimensional efforts by the United States and Kenya, it is argued that triangular asymmetries are the significant force multipliers of stability and normalcy in asymmetric relations.

Revisiting the success of co‐management in forest protected areas of Bangladesh: Untangling the interplay of power, participation, and community empowerment

AbstractThis narrative review critically assesses the implementation and purported success of co‐management in forest management in Bangladesh. Co‐management has gained global popularity, celebrated for its participatory approach to natural resource conflict resolution, yet critiqued for potential design flaws, susceptibility to elite capture, and perpetuating power imbalances in predominantly top‐down management cultures. Despite two decades of application and reports of positive outcomes in managing forest protected areas of Bangladesh, concerns persist regarding the authenticity of its success and sustainability, particularly in terms of power dynamics and effective community participation in decision‐making processes. The review delves into these aspects, revealing instances where successes might be superficial, overlooking the underlying issues of power disparity among stakeholders. It highlights the crucial role of enhancing social capital within co‐management frameworks to foster institutionalization and sustainability. Recommendations include advancing robust collaboration and communication, alongside the adoption of adaptive management practices to navigate the complex interplay of natural, social, and institutional challenges.

THE ROLE OF ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTS IN THE FIELD OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Background: This scientific paper aims to delve deeply into the concept of administrative contracts and their importance in the field of public administration. Therefore, our goal is to provide a clear and detailed analysis and interpretation for readers, ensuring that all those interested have the opportunity to gain a foundational understanding of the importance and legal consequences of administrative contracts. By means of this paper, treating administrative contracts broadly regarding their development, meaning and importance in the theoretical aspect will positively influence and facilitate their application in practice by the public administration. These contracts, often similar to classical ones, with their content and purpose, are so differentiated that now it is no longer possible to speak of their belonging to one of the existing groups of contracts but of new, independent types of contracts. Methods: This paper employs analytical, normative, historical and comparative methods. The analytical method will be used to analyse administrative contracts in the Republic of Kosovo and their application by state bodies. The normative method will treat the legal provisions that regulate administrative contracts, starting with those within administrative law and extending to provisions in other legal domains. The historical method will illustrate the history of the development of administrative contracts, detailing their past and how they work today. Lastly, the comparative method will compare the development and operation of administrative contracts in the Republic of Kosovo with those in other democratic states mentioned in the paper. Results and conclusions: The administrative contract holds significant importance in public administration, as its primary objective is always to serve the general state interest. Despite being a bilateral legal act, an administrative contract typically involves a public or state administration body as the contracting party, which inherently holds greater power or authority in relation to the other legal entity involved. This power disparity means there is no equal footing between the contracting parties, contrary to the principle of equality observed in civil law and generally required for concluding private contracts.

The economic impact of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery: a systematic review

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) remains a burdensome complication following colorectal surgery, with increased morbidity, oncological compromise, and mortality. AL may impose a substantial financial burden on hospitals and society due to extensive resource utilization. Estimated costs associated with AL are important when exploring preventive measures and treatment strategies. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the existing literature on (socio)economic costs associated with AL after colorectal surgery, appraise their quality, compare reported outcomes, and identify knowledge gaps.MethodsHealth economic evaluations reporting costs related to AL after colorectal surgery were identified through searching multiple online databases until June 2023. Pairs of reviewers independently evaluated the quality using an adapted version of the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list. Extracted costs were converted to 2022 euros (€) and also adjusted for purchasing power disparities among countries.ResultsFrom 1980 unique abstracts, 59 full-text publications were assessed for eligibility, and 17 studies were included in the review. The incremental costs of AL after correcting for purchasing power disparity ranged from €2250 (+39.9%, Romania) to €83,633 (+ 513.1%, Brazil). Incremental costs were mainly driven by hospital (re)admission, intensive care stay, and reinterventions. Only one study estimated the economic societal burden of AL between €1.9 and €6.1 million.ConclusionsAL imposes a significant financial burden on hospitals and social care systems. The magnitude of costs varies greatly across countries and data on the societal burden and non-medical costs are scarce. Adherence to international reporting standards is essential to understand international disparities and to externally validate reported cost estimates.

Market power and income disparities: How can firms influence the gap between capital and labor earnings

AbstractThis paper investigates the effects of market power on income disparities when firm‐specific parameters are considered to test how they shape the gap between capital and labor earnings through their pricing decisions. The dataset consists of 2895 UK manufacturing and services firms over 2010–2019. The results provide the following insights: (a) There is a strong positive association between market power and income disparities across the market, (b) liquidity constraints exert a positive effect on the asset‐based disparities ratio, but a negative effect on the profit‐based ratio. The robustness of the results is also checked when market‐specific characteristics are included in the process.

The double‐edged sword of ethical leadership: Investigating when and why ethical leadership promotes versus inhibits team performance

AbstractAlthough previous studies pointed towards a positive association of ethical leadership and team performance, we suggest that ethical leadership may have unintended, paradoxical effects on interpersonal dynamics within the team, and, ultimately, team performance. Drawing on social information processing theory, we propose that ethical leadership can be a mixed blessing, with paradoxical impacts on team performance via two distinct pathways—task and relationship conflicts, contingent upon the team's informal power disparity. Specifically, we propose that ethical leadership has a positive indirect effect on team performance via reducing relationship conflict but a negative indirect effect on team performance via suppressing task conflict. Those indirect effects are more pronounced when the team has a more egalitarian power structure among their members. Results from a three‐wave field study, in which we surveyed 90 work teams in China, provided support for our conceptual model. Our findings reveal the benefits and costs of ethical leadership and the importance of examining informal power disparity in this leadership process.

Tantangan Penyelesaian Konflik Internasional yang Dilematik mengenai Hak Veto dalam Dewan Keamanan PBB (Studi kasus Palestina dengan Israel)

This research aims to explore and contribute to the understanding of the misuse of the veto power in resolutions for international conflict resolution. The focus is on describing the challenges arising from the use of the veto power in the UN Security Council, often prolonging conflicts without a definitive resolution. The research methodology employed is juridical normative with descriptive analysis, referring to provisions in the UN Charter and other reliable literature. The findings highlight that the abolition of the veto power in the UN Security Council could serve as a solution for more effective conflict resolution. Prolonged international conflicts result in significant losses, especially for civilians, while the UN, as the largest international organization, frequently fails to resolve these conflicts. The main issue lies in the rejection of resolutions by veto-wielding states, leading to the failure of these resolutions and the continuation of conflicts. Structural reforms within the UN are crucial to enhance its performance in conflict resolution to prevent further casualties. The unbridled use of the veto power, based on the geopolitical considerations of certain states, slows down the conflict resolution process. Additionally, the power disparity between veto-wielding states and other members contradicts the principle of sovereign equality enshrined in the UN Charter. Therefore, clear criteria must be established for the use of the veto power in peace resolutions to ensure that conflict resolution is not hindered by purely geopolitical interests.

An interventional study to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices among rural men (aged 18-45) about contraception and family planning in Wardha, Maharashtra

Introduction In India, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) have placed high priority on Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Family Planning (FP). According to various studies, female contraceptives have been widely accepted and over-reliant by men. In addition, men’s attitudes towards contraception and FP say a lot about gender disparity. Power disparities and gender-restrictive norms have also endured, making it difficult for married women to fulfill their unmet needs. Spouses may find it difficult to openly communicate their need for contraception and their preferences for reproduction if their husbands have a low gender equality mindset. Aim and objectives This study aimed to examine the prevalence and behaviors related to contraception as well as the level of knowledge about family planning (FP) among men in rural areas. It aimed to ascertain the attitude towards the limited participation of rural men in FP. Additionally, the study aimed to identify any associated health issues in females resulting from the absence of adequate family planning measures. Methods This interventional study will be conducted in a rural area of the Wardha district. It includes rural married men (aged 18-45) and a pre-test and post-test study will be conducted to attempt door-to-door visits and local working areas. Study implications This intervention-focused research methodology seeks to evaluate the understanding and behaviors related to contraception and family planning (FP) among rural men. The goal was to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive FP education program in influencing knowledge, attitudes, and contraceptive utilization among men in rural communities.

The Effect of National Cultural Values on the Financial Inclusion: An International Perspective

Financial inclusion is essential for attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Research on financial inclusion is becoming increasingly vital for both researchers and policymakers alike. Previous studies have investigated the influence of formal institutions on financial inclusion. Nevertheless, the influence of informal cultural disparities on financial inclusion remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the influence of national cultural values on the levels of financial inclusion and illustrated how national culture might decrease the degrees of financial inclusion in countries. A comparative analysis methodology was used in the study, utilising secondary data from a time series from 2012 to 2021. The data encompassed 40 nations that were divided into four income groups. The findings indicated that the differences in degrees of national cultural values among various countries substantially impacted the country's levels of financial inclusion. The results suggested that Hofstede's cultural dimensions significantly impacted financial inclusion in the countries examined in the study. Moreover, these aspects were associated with financial inclusion, demonstrating diverse levels and orientations of influence. The results indicated that countries with a strong aversion to uncertainty and significant power disparities likely exhibit lower financial inclusion levels. Conversely, nations characterised by high levels of individualism and masculinity tended to demonstrate greater financial inclusion. The robust and extensive results of a series of rigorous evaluations may be a valuable foundation for policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders in their efforts to promote sustainable development worldwide by improving global financial inclusion.