Role Of Government Research Articles

Board gender diversity and ESG performance: pathways to financial success in Malaysian emerging market

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between board gender diversity (BGD) and financial performance (FP) in the Malaysian emerging market, focusing on the mediating role of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing a dataset of 976 observations from Malaysian publicly listed companies from 2016 to 2023, this study explores BGD as the independent variable with FP measured through both accounting and market metrics. ESG performance serves as a mediating variable. The analysis employs Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to examine direct and mediating effects, supplemented by the Baron and Kenny approach and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression for robustness.FindingsThe findings indicate that higher BGD positively and significantly impacts all three performance measures: Tobin's Q (TQ), Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). ESG performance positively influences these measures. The SEM analysis reveals a significant positive impact of BGD on ESG performance, which fully mediates the relationship between BGD and TQ/ROA and partially mediates the relationship between BGD and ROE.Practical implicationsThe results have significant implications for policymakers, board members, scholars and investors, stressing the importance of gender diversity and ESG performance in improving FP. The findings suggest that enhancing board effectiveness through BGD can promote sustainable practices and align corporate strategies with broader sustainability goals, which eventually helps to improve companies’ FP.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature by highlighting the mediating role of ESG performance in the relationship between BGD and FP and emphasizing the importance of gender diversity in corporate sustainability. It addresses this gap by providing insights into how ESG performance enhances the impact of BGD on FP.

Spatial-temporal variations of cultivated land compensation and its compensation mechanism in mainland China

Cultivated land compensation can alleviate the conflict between cultivated land protection and socio-economic development. Exploring the spatial-temporal trends of cultivated land compensation, and formulating a scientific and reasonable compensation mechanism are important to achieve sustainable development. To analyze the spatial-temporal changes of the area, comprehensive non-market value, and compensation amount of cultivated land in mainland China, this paper constructed a comprehensive non-market value evaluation framework including positive ecological, negative ecological, and social values, and designed a feasible cultivated land compensation model. In terms of cultivated land area, the cultivated land area indicated an overall surplus condition, and the total net surplus area during 2000–2021 was 54.4 million hectares per year. On a spatial scale, the net surplus districts were concentrated in the north and the center of China, while the net deficit districts were in the developed areas along the southeast coast. In terms of comprehensive non-market value, except for negative ecological value, all other non-market values had increased. On a spatial scale, the coupling relationship between comprehensive non-market value and regional economic development was obvious, presenting a higher value observed in the southeastern coastal developed provinces, and a lower one in the developing inland provinces. In terms of compensation amount, the total payment amount of the payment districts was difficult to cover the total compensation amount of the compensated districts, a certain compensation gap between the two appeared, averaging 6.03 trillion RMB during 2000–2021. On a spatial scale, the payment districts were mainly distributed in the southeastern coastal area, and the number of the payment districts was smaller than that of the compensated area. It is suggested that we should clarify the subject of cultivated land compensation and identify its rights and responsibilities, highlight the leading role of the central government and give full play to the main role of all levels of government, adopt diversified market financing instruments according to local conditions, and formulate relevant supporting security systems.

The role of environmental social governance on achieving sustainable development goals in Gulf Cooperation Council countries

The role of environmental social governance on achieving sustainable development goals in Gulf Cooperation Council countries

ADEQUATE ASSESSMENT OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES THROUGH PORTER’S DIAMOND. APPLICATION TO BULGARIAN NON-FERROUS METALLURGY

The topics of competitive advantages and competitive strategies of the enterprise in the wine sector are becoming more and more relevant these days, given the fact that most enterprises operate under conditions of high competition and minimal amount of resources. Competitive advantages and competitive strategies are precisely one of the main processes that make the enterprise profitable, successful and profitable. The main objective of the present paper is to examine the importance of competitive advantages and competitive strategies for the metallurgical enterprise. An adequate assessment of competitive advantages through Porter’s Diamond Model involves analyzing the four key elements - factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and firm strategy, structure, and rivalry - along with the roles of government and chance. Applying this model to Bulgarian non-ferrous metallurgy, which includes industries producing metals like aluminum, copper, zinc, and lead, can help to assess the competitive position of the sector in the global and European markets. The main research methods used in the development are content analysis, comparison method, intuitive and systematic approach, analysis and synthesis method.

Cultural Tension and Large- and Small-Scale Internal Conflicts

This study analyzes how cultural tensions (i.e., ethnic and religious) affect various internal conflicts (e.g., civil war to civil disorder) across different regions. The study also examines the role of governance in mitigating the effects of cultural tensions on the emergence and escalation of conflict. The comprehensive study has 136 countries from 1990 to 2021, and panels are separated by region and OECD status. The study uses two-way fixed effects with Driscoll and Kraay standard errors to account for heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and cross-sectional dependence. Although there are some regional variations and nuances, the results indicate cultural tensions are significant determinants of (1) the broad measure of internal conflict, (2) civil wars/coups d’état, and (3) political violence/terrorism. Therefore, one implication is that cultural tension continues to drive internal conflict. A second implication is that even in OECD countries, where institutions and governance structures are robust, cultural tensions can still significantly contribute to the emergence and risks of internal conflict. However, ethnic and religious tensions are less influential in smaller-scale conflicts, such as civil disorders, where government stability is a more important determinant. Furthermore, the study finds that government strength is vital in moderating all forms of internal conflict, indicating that even moderate cultural tensions can escalate into significant conflicts in the presence of weak governance. The study underscores the ongoing importance of addressing ethnic and religious tensions. Policy recommendations to reduce cultural tensions include (1) promoting cultural inclusiveness within societal/political dimensions, (2) promoting tolerance, (3) allowing some autonomy to cultural enclaves, and (4) actively monitoring cultural tensions and policy initiatives.

Bibliometric analysis of citizen science in global healthcare: Current trends, challenges, and future directions

With the development of information technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, the application scenarios of citizen science worldwide are no longer limited to natural science research. A large number of application cases have emerged in the field of medical health, which suggests that the development of citizen science may bring new impetus to medical health. This study employs CiteSpace for a bibliometric analysis to evaluate the current status, objectives, and methodologies of citizen science in global healthcare. An analysis of 248 articles from the Web of Science Core Collection reveals that citizen science is predominantly implemented in high-income countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, with significant applications in public health, chronic disease management, infectious disease surveillance, and digital health. The COVID-19 pandemic has further catalyzed the integration of citizen science into health surveillance and public health responses. Conversely, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the development and implementation of citizen science remain nascent, primarily concentrated in traditional domains such as environmental science, ecology, and biodiversity conservation, with limited penetration into the healthcare sector. Several structural barriers, including inadequate technological infrastructure, insufficient policy support, limited public engagement, and constrained resource allocation, have impeded the broader adoption of citizen science in these regions. To mitigate these challenges, this study proposes targeted strategies, these interventions are anticipated to facilitate the expansion of citizen sciences role in global health governance, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes and social welfare.

Identifying and developing the roles of private business actors in international regime complexes

Abstract Business actors play increasingly important roles in global governance and international regulation. This paper considers how regime complexity influences the roles of businesses and impacts opportunities for business influence on international regulatory regimes. We conducted a scoping literature review of 243 articles from the International Regime Complexity (IRC) theory literature to explore if and how complexity affects the roles of businesses and their influence on international regulation. We found that complexity presents opportunities for businesses to regime shift and exploit knowledge asymmetry in order to influence international regulation. Further, IRC theory illustrates how the roles of businesses interact and leverage one another in order to create better opportunities for influence in specific international regulatory regimes. This paper contributes to IRC theory by building on the existing non-state actor discussions and offering specific theorization of business behavior, thus starting to bridge the gap between the empirical and theoretical understanding. Second, it contributes to existing discussions in business and politics literature by developing existing knowledge on the roles of businesses in global governance to better reflect the added dimension of complexity.

Human dignity and the pursuit of knowledge in Islamic thought: Insights from the Quran

This research examines the interplay between human dignity and the pursuit of knowledge within Islamic thought, using insights from the Quran. It explores how Islamic epistemology emphasizes the harmonious integration of divine revelation and human reason, underscoring the importance of knowledge as a key factor in both intellectual and spiritual development. By analyzing the contributions of classical Islamic scholars, such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, and Al-Ghazali, alongside Western epistemological traditions, the study highlights complementary and contrasting approaches to understanding knowledge and its role in shaping ethics and governance. Furthermore, the research draws on contemporary case studies, such as the Marrakesh Declaration and Masdar City, to illustrate how Quranic principles of cooperation, justice, and environmental stewardship can inform modern societal frameworks. Ultimately, the study argues for the continued relevance of Islamic thought in addressing contemporary global challenges, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge not only advances scientific discovery but also promotes human dignity, justice, and societal well-being.

The Way Forward in the Energy Transition; Good Practices and Challenges at Wageningen University & Research

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to changes in energy used in buildings is the most successful part of Wageningen University & Research’s (WUR) climate policy. In this article the authors evaluate sustainable energy measures and identify key success factors, based on internal documents, discussions with stakeholders, and relevant literature. The role of government and stakeholders has been important, as were the technical possibilities to take a major step with constructing the heat and cold storage on campus. Geopolitical factors also played a role, in particular the war in Ukraine, which increased energy prices, acutely reinforcing the need for energy savings. In addition to saving energy, WUR aims to contribute to the energy transition by generating green electricity with wind turbines and solar panels. Furthermore, electricity used from the grid is offset with wind energy through Dutch guarantees of origin (GVOs), allowing us to offset GHG emissions for electricity at zero. Yet, there are other reasons to save as much as possible on electricity use. In addition to environmental considerations, congestion of the electricity grid plays a role, which is largely associated with the energy transition. Looking ahead, we describe further potential energy reduction opportunities and related challenges. As described in the Rough Outline of WUR Energy Transition 2050 [1], WUR provides clear targets and possible sets of measures to achieve these targets. Challenges include the uncertainty surrounding technological solutions and the availability of funding. We recently expanded our carbon footprint to include Scope 3 emissions of purchased goods and services. An additional challenge is the reduction of implicit energy use through the purchasing chain.

Developing a Customer Satisfaction Model for Non-Wage Recipients at BPJS Employment Office, West Kalimantan Province

This study aims to develop a customer satisfaction model for BPJS Employment participants who are non-wage recipients (BPU) in West Kalimantan Province. The research focuses on the impacts of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), service quality, government role, and customer trust on participant satisfaction. Using a quantitative methodology with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data from 384 respondents was analyzed. Findings indicate that CRM and service quality are significant factors in customer satisfaction, with customer trust enhancing these effects. The government’s role further moderates satisfaction, suggesting policy and regulatory support are essential for public sector service providers.

Reconstruction of Typhoon-Induced Ocean Thermal Structures Using Deep Learning and Multi-Source Satellite Data with News Impact Analysis

Reconstructing the three-dimensional thermal structure of the ocean under typhoon conditions presents significant challenges due to the scarcity of observational data, particularly in subsurface regions, and the limitations of existing observation methods in terms of spatial and temporal resolution. Accurate reconstruction of these structures is crucial for understanding the energy exchange between the ocean and typhoons, as this exchange directly influences typhoon intensity and trajectory. To address these challenges, this study introduces a fully connected transformer network (FCT), which integrates fully connected layers with a transformer model. The FCT model leverages the attention mechanisms inherent in the transformer architecture to effectively extract and integrate multi-scale ocean dynamical features. Using data from Typhoon Lekima in 2019, this study reconstructs ocean thermal structures at various depths and achieves an RMSE of 1.03 °C and an MAE of 0.83 °C when validated against Argo data. Furthermore, the model’s robustness was demonstrated through five-fold cross-validation, with the validation loss exhibiting minor fluctuations across folds but remaining stable overall, with an average validation loss of 0.986 °C, indicating the model’s generalizability. Sensitivity analysis also revealed the model’s resilience to variations in key input variables, showing minimal impact on output even with perturbations of up to 10% in input data. In addition, the study incorporates content analysis of typhoon-related news reports from 2011 to 2020, revealing a predominance of political topics, which underscores the central role of government in disaster response, with economic and ecological topics following. This integrated approach not only enhances our understanding of the interactions between ocean thermal structures and typhoon dynamics but also provides valuable insights into the societal impacts of typhoons, as reflected in media coverage, contributing to improved disaster management strategies.

Peran Dinas Kesehatan dalam Menurunkan Stunting di Kelurahan Singosari Kabupaten Gresik

Stunting is a persistent nutritional problem resulting from a long-term lack of nutritional intake, usually caused by unequal distribution of food and not meeting nutritional needs. Intrauterine growth restriction can manifest as stunting and become apparent when the child reaches two years of age. Stunting can affect individuals from early development to adulthood. Delays in the growth and development of toddlers due to stunting can have far-reaching impacts, including impaired cognitive capacity, increased risk of non-communicable diseases, decreased productivity, poverty, and increased chances of giving birth to babies with low birth weight. The aim of this research is to determine the role of the Health Service in reducing stunting. The method used is descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques in this research are interviews, observation and documentation. Based on the research results that: 1. The role of the government as a regulator, regarding the problem of handling stunting toddlers, the rules made by the decision maker, namely the Regent, regarding stunting issues are quite good with these regulations, as well as the efforts made in handling stunting toddlers have been well monitored. , by providing coaching for 3 months and also providing additional food. 2. The government's role as a dynamist, treating stunted toddlers by conducting outreach and empowerment to handle and prevent the return of stunted toddlers. By conducting outreach either from social media or directly to the public, one of which is by posting on the media platform, namely Instagram. 3. The government's role as a facilitator, providing facilities and infrastructure as well as programs carried out in dealing with stunting toddlers, such as procuring body weighing equipment, height measuring instruments that are good and have accurate results.

The relationship between government expenditure on agriculture and agriculture production

PurposeThe impact of government expenditure on economic performance has been a topic of discussion at both the sectoral and aggregate national levels. Despite its theoretical importance, evidence from literature indicates that this relationship has not been universally accepted across different countries and sectors. Given the significance of agriculture in African economies, particularly in Ghana, and the role of government in this sector, this study examines the impact of government expenditure on agricultural productivity in Ghana from 2000Q1 to 2022Q4.Design/methodology/approachSpecification of the model was done based on the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) cointegration bound test approach.FindingsThe results revealed that the studied variables cointegrated in the long run. Government expenditure was found to induce agriculture production both for the long run and short run within the period of the study, implying that government expenditure matters in inducing agriculture productivity in Ghana.Originality/valueThe study employed the ARDL methodology to investigate government expenditure and agriculture production contagion in Ghana, which has been specifically overlooked by previous studies. It is suggested that the Government of Ghana as well as others in similar environment should increase investment into the agriculture to boost the productivity of the sector.

National goal, local resistance: How institutional gaps hinder local renewable energy development in Taiwan

In most countries, energy transitions are well supported by the public; however, the implementation of renewable energy policies at the local level is often beset with resistance. Previous research has mainly focused on factors influencing community acceptance and strategies to improve social acceptance. Meanwhile, there has been limited analysis of the institutional gaps that lead to local resistance and the dynamic effects of institutional factors on renewable energy implementation at the local level. This paper thus investigates Taiwan's regulations for renewable energy development, presenting a detailed case study from a local context. It examines the factors contributing to local resistance to the implementation of national renewable energy policy targets and explores the dynamics of these resistance actions. Furthermore, through the lens of multi-level governance, the study reveals the institutional gaps and interactions that influence the execution of national policy at the local level. Six major institutional gaps in Taiwan's renewable energy governance were identified, including the lack of energy governance authorizations for local governments, a lack of superordinate site selection criteria and evaluation mechanisms for development zones, lack of governance systems that can address multiple issues, lack of scientific and academic information, lack of information disclosure and public participation mechanisms, and the burden of carbon reduction responsibilities and costs on local communities with few or no benefits. Compounded together, these six institutional gaps lead to the buildup of negative experiences interacting with the government and the renewable energy industry and feelings of worry, panic, distrust, and injustice among the local populace. These ultimately trigger resistance attitudes and the adoption of protest actions, hindering solar farm developments from reaching national policy targets. This study highlights the critical role of multi-level governance in facilitating the energy transition, emphasizing that the successful development of renewable energy requires a robust institutional framework. Such a framework is essential for addressing the complex governance challenges that arise during this transition, particularly aspects supporting local engagement. The six institutional gaps identified from the Taiwan case can serve as policy references for countries or cities intending to promote ground-mounted solar power.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Country Governance: An International Comparative Study Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

This paper assesses the association of ESG scores with stock returns and highlights the moderating role of the COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s governance. The study uses panel data regression models to assess the relationship between ESG factors and stock returns, focusing on the moderating role of country governance and the COVID-19 pandemic. The results reveal that governance quality significantly enhances the positive effects of ESG practices on returns, particularly during times of crisis. These suggest that higher overall ESG scores are related positively to financial performance, and this relation is enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the two dimensions of ESG that matter most are environmental and governance. Country-level governance is important because firms in well-governed countries amplify the benefits of high ESG scores. The opposite is true for the higher controversies scores, whose bad financial outcome is magnified during the pandemic. These results present an argument for the resilience of firm financial performance, dependent on strong ESG practices and governance frameworks. This holds great interest for investors and policymakers in associating good ESG considerations with the effective management of financial risks, leading to sustainable returns during periods of widespread economic uncertainty.

ESG performance and sustainability concerns exposure

This paper analyzes stock returns' sensitivity to the newly introduced sustainability concerns index based on media indicators from LSEG MarketPsych for the US market from 2010 to 2023. While the results demonstrate that better ESG performance mitigates equities' sensitivity to sustainability concerns in society, the effects are mainly driven by firms' governance rather than environmental or social performance. This study underscores the vital role of good governance and management among ESG criteria for firms in promoting the stability of stock returns to changes in public concerns regarding sustainability issues.

Blockholders, Environmental Information Disclosure, and the Cost of Debt

ABSTRACT Debt financing is an essential source of external funds for Chinese-listed companies, but enterprises in heavily polluting industries face more severe financing difficulties due to the “financing penalty effect.” Solving the financing difficulties of heavy pollution enterprises has become a hot topic in academic and practical circles. This article applies heavily polluting listed companies from 2013 to 2022 in China as a sample to examine the impact of multiple blockholders (MB) on debt financing costs (DFC), considering the intermediary role of environmental information disclosure (EID). This article reveals that improved environmental information disclosure, driven by multiple blockholders, especially state-owned ones, can effectively reduce debt financing costs for heavily polluting enterprises compared to those dominated by a single major shareholder. These findings remain robust even after considering a series of checks, including the instrument variable method, propensity score matching (PSM), and alternative variables. In cases where the separation of ultimate control rights and cash flow rights is slight or the entity is state-owned, state-owned blockholders tend to exert a more effective governance role. Our research helps understand the role of multiple blockholders in corporate “green governance” and can provide a reference for alleviating the financing constraints of heavy-polluting enterprises.

Societal Adaptation to Pandemic Challenges: Analysing the Role of Local Governance and Healthcare Systems in Madhya Pradesh

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, compelling communities globally to adapt rapidly to protect lives and maintain societal functions. This study examines the role of local governance and healthcare systems in Madhya Pradesh in addressing these challenges and fostering societal resilience. Drawing on quantitative data from government health agencies and qualitative insights from community feedback, this research explores how local governance structures facilitated public health response, resource allocation, and pandemic preparedness. Findings indicate that decentralized decision-making and robust healthcare infrastructure were instrumental in managing health crises, providing essential services, and supporting economic resilience at the grassroots level. Key results show that regions with stronger local governance exhibited a 30% lower infection rate compared to less governed areas, while areas with well-resourced healthcare systems saw a 20% higher recovery rate. Resource distribution, however, varied significantly, with urban areas receiving 60% more medical supplies than rural regions, creating disparities in healthcare access. Data analysis revealed that healthcare facilities that integrated digital solutions, such as telemedicine, were able to serve 45% more patients remotely, mitigating the risk of virus spread and reducing hospital overload. The study identifies the need for capacity-building initiatives, infrastructure strengthening, and data-driven decision-making to enhance future pandemic preparedness. Future prospects include continuous training programs for healthcare workers, increasing community awareness of health protocols, and leveraging technology for real-time data monitoring. These insights contribute to a comprehensive framework for building resilient healthcare systems in Madhya Pradesh, better prepared for future public health crises.

FINANCIAL PLANNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION: INSIGHTS FROM INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES

In recent years, the financing of higher education has undergone significant transformations, influenced by shifting economic policies and the increasing demand for educational services. This article examines the evolution of financial planning in higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide, highlighting the interplay between public and private funding sources. It explores various financing models adopted by countries, particularly focusing on the roles of government and private sector contributions. Comparative case studies from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom illustrate the diverse strategies employed to ensure access, quality, and sustainability in higher education. The article concludes with key lessons for HEIs aiming to navigate financial challenges and achieve long-term growth, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial planning, revenue diversification, and institutional autonomy.

The Impact of ESG Ratings on Investment Decisions in the Energy Sector During Uncertain Times

With increasing global awareness of sustainability, the financial sector must inevitably adapt. Our research investigates the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings in investment decision-making, particularly in the energy sector, by examining their impact on portfolio performance. The study aims to assess the impact of ESG integration on portfolio risk and returns. Using data from the SP500 index, econometric models and Monte Carlo simulations are employed to evaluate how ESG considerations influence portfolio optimization and risk management. The study reveals that integrating ESG criteria into investment strategies, especially during market volatility, may not always directly affect returns, they provide significant benefits in terms of risk mitigation and ethical investment alignment.