Social Perspective Research Articles

Leveraging social media capabilities and digital fluency to foster employee green innovation behavior: from a social cognitive theory perspective

Leveraging social media capabilities and digital fluency to foster employee green innovation behavior: from a social cognitive theory perspective

Legitimacy and transparency in dyadic supply chains: Does competition intensity matter?

Working only with suppliers that meet certain social and environmental standards has become a new norm in the selection of business partners for many firms, which encourages suppliers to become more transparent to gain a competitive advantage. This study investigates whether buyer legitimacy is associated with supply chain transparency from an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) perspective. Using a dataset of 605 dyadic relationships from Chinese listed firms for the period 2011–2019, we empirically examine our conceptual framework using hierarchical linear regression models. We demonstrate that buyer legitimacy is positively associated with supplier ESG transparency in dyadic supply chains. We further find that the supplier's competition intensity negatively moderates the positive relationship between buyer legitimacy and supplier ESG transparency. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of organizational legitimacy and the buyer–supplier relationship and offer practical guidelines for enhancing supply chain transparency.

ESG Performance and its Impact of on Corporate Performance: Take China Everbright Bank as an Example

This paper has investigated China Everbright Bank (CEB)’s performance on ESG and analyzed the impact of ESG performance on CEB’s financial outcome. During the reported period, CEB has been performing well on ESG, especially on social perspective. From environmental perspective, CEB took proactive steps to mitigate its negative environmental impact. This included reducing emission by strictly conduct regulation within the company, assessing environmental risks associated with key industries and clients and setting rules on energy conservation. The bank also prioritized compliance with environmental standards, pollution control, and ecological protection in its credit approval processes. From social perspective, CEB has been actively promoting democracy and equality in employment by combating various discrimination, and continuously ensuring employee welfare besides wages, such as health care and skill training. Regarding governance, CEB has adopted strict supervision on its supply chain, strengthening the management of the procurement process by establishing an intelligent procurement platform. It has also emphasized supplier risk management. Considering the financial metrics of CEB in last years, the study suggests that the long-term profitability, operational capacity and growth potential of CEB have been positively affected, while the market value and the solvency are not. The paper concludes that ESG criteria can be considered as a reliable tool in business evaluation of potential and sustainability, therefore incorporated into business operation and investment.

A Social Constructionist Critique of Genetic Determinism

ABSTRACTRecently genetic determinist claims have reappeared in the explanation of human psychology and to some extent they even made their way into explanations of social phenomena. In this article, I will provide a critical analysis of the genetic determinist discourse from a social constructionist perspective. First, I will examine the meaning of genetic determinism. Then I will shortly introduce the social constructionist perspective generally and it's relevance for analyzing scientific discourses. Next, I will examine the debates about genetic determinism in behavior genetics and sociogenomics and interpret these critically from a social constructionist and deconstructionist perspective. Finally, I will provide an analysis of the main social, ideological, cultural and economic factors that influence the development of genetic determinist ideas: modernity, the legitimation of social hierarchies, neoliberalism and business interests. My conclusion is that the social constructionist perspective is important in the analysis and critique of the genetic determinist discourse.

Social dimensions of climate‐induced flooding in Jakarta (Indonesia): The role of non‐point source pollution

AbstractBecause of its low‐lying location, urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure, Jakarta (Indonesia) has experienced an increase in annual flooding events, rising from an average of five significant floods per year in the 1990s to over 20 annually (2010–2020). With climate change exacerbating extreme weather events, Jakarta encounters escalating risks of flooding. Although the recurrent flooding is exacerbated by non‐point source (NPS) of pollution such as urban runoff and agricultural discharge that contribute to 40% of total pollutants leading to flood‐related issues in Jakarta, none has investigated this research gap. To reflect its novelty, this work explores the implications of climate change on the annual flooding in Jakarta by focusing on NPS and analyzes their impacts from social perspectives. This work also underscores the implications of flooding on livelihoods, health, and social cohesion in Jakarta. Focus group discussion with affected residents was used to shed light on the coping strategies employed in response to recurrent floods, ranging from community‐based initiatives to reliance on informal networks. The empirical findings show that the implications of flooding extend beyond physical damages. Displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, disruption of essential services, and increased health risks are among the social impacts experienced by local residents. Vulnerable populations, including low‐income communities residing in informal settlements, bear their consequences. Economic losses from flooding amount to USD 500 million annually, impacting over 1 million residents. However, recent interventions have led to a 15% reduction in peak flood levels and a 20% reduction in flood duration in affected areas. Community resilience has also improved, with a 25% increase in flood insurance coverage and a 20% rise in community response initiatives. Overall, this study highlights that climate change exacerbates annual flooding in Jakarta, significantly impacting vulnerable communities through NPS pollution. Addressing the challenges requires integrated approaches combining effective pollution control, resilient infrastructure, and community engagement to mitigate social and long‐term environmental impacts.Practitioner Points Climate‐induced flooding disproportionately affects vulnerable communities in Jakarta. Non‐point source pollution from urban runoff contributes to the severity of flooding in Jakarta. Waterborne diseases, disruption of livelihoods, and reduced access to clean water are major concerns identified in the study. The study highlights the importance of community‐based adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of flooding and pollution.

The Reality of Spirituality and the Challenge of Religious Freedom in Indonesia: Theological and Social Perspectives

The Reality of Spirituality and the Challenge of Religious Freedom in Indonesia: Theological and Social Perspectives

Bystanders’ willingness to assist using automated external defibrillators during cardiac arrest

The “bystander effect,” in which the presence of others inhibits rescue actions, has not been specifically examined in the context of cardiac arrest; understanding this effect in relation to rescue with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) is important. This study aims to identify the presence of others as a factor inhibiting rescue actions using an AED, from a social psychology perspective. We collected data through a web-based questionnaire involving registered residents in all 47 prefectures of Japan. The participants were presented with hypothetical scenarios of witnessing cardiac arrest events at train stations, under sparse or crowded conditions, and with or without the presence of competent parties (e.g., station staff or security guards). Their willingness to intervene was assessed across three levels of rescue behavior: (1) running and calling for help, (2) retrieving an AED, and (3) using an AED. This study found evidence of the bystander effect, indicating that the presence of competent others reduced behavioral interventions by bystanders during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) events. Moreover, the perceived presence of competent parties at the scene of a cardiac arrest reduced bystanders’ willingness to initiate rescue under certain circumstances. While many bystanders were willing to initiate rescue efforts in response to calls for help, they resisted rescues involving an AED. This study observes that a bystander effect occurs among bystanders witnessing OHCA, explores the inhibiting effects of identifying competent parties on the initiation of rescue efforts, and suggests that there are significant invisible barriers to using AEDs in rescuing patients with OHCA.

Mechanism Underlying the Influence of Family Travel on Adolescent Self‐Differentiation: A Social Learning Theory Perspective

ABSTRACTMost tourism studies have investigated adolescent experiences and their subjective feelings toward family travel. However, the research regarding how family travel influences adolescent mental development is still fragmented. To fill this research gap, this study used social learning theory and a grounded theory approach to explore the identity development and self‐growth of 12 adolescents from families in China with family travel experiences. Taking a child‐centered and participatory approach, the adolescents and their parents (one per family) were interviewed. The data indicated that the away‐from‐home of family travel could lead adolescents to undergo internalization‐based learning as a stress response; such learning could increase adolescents' self‐differentiation by improving their self‐efficacy and enable behavioral growth and achievement. This study developed a new theory for social learning, that is environment–cognition–stress response–behavior, and the mechanisms underlying the influence of family travel on adolescent self‐differentiation emerged. This study provides theoretical contributions useful in the development of family travel experiences and products.

How Tourism Development Leads to Residents' Subjective Happiness Through Their Quality of Life: A Social Exchange Theory Perspective

ABSTRACTThe present research confirmed a comprehensive model for examining the connections between tourist development, subjective happiness, residents' quality of life, and support for sustainable tourism development. Study hypotheses were tested using a covariance‐based structural equation modeling analytical technique with 451 data points. The structural model found socio‐economic impact as the most vital antecedent of quality of life, followed by social impact, cultural impact, and environmental impact. In addition, social impact emerged as the most important predictor of subjective happiness, followed by cultural impact and quality of life. Moreover, the full mediating effect of residents' quality of life was confirmed in two paths, namely, socio‐economic impact to subjective happiness and environmental impact to subjective happiness. Finally, a study model confirmed a positive and significant effect of residents' quality of life on their support for sustainable tourism development. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed at large.

Flight-intensive practices and wellbeing: current evidence and future research

This article draws on social practice theory and wellbeing perspectives to outline a research framework for the study of flight-intensive practices. The framework is then used to discuss, through a non-systematic review, the social science air travel literature and to propose avenues for future research. We study both the work and leisure domains, with sub-cases for travel in academia and visiting family and friends. We find insights of a complex relationship between flight-intensive practices and wellbeing. On one hand, currently flight-intensive practices are linked to human need fulfilment, particularly in the family and social domains. Leisure-related air travel often enhances subjective wellbeing, as it contributes to positive moods and life satisfaction, but may not be sustained in the long term. On the other hand, flying, particularly frequent flying, hinders wellbeing by increasing levels of stress and health-related issues, and by straining work/life balance. Overall, the study suggests that policies to reduce the demand for air travel may not significantly compromise wellbeing if accompanied by infrastructural and sociocultural changes that support specific groups to still meet their needs for relatedness, participation, or understanding through low carbon transport, videoconferencing, or reducing the total amount of travel. We identify avenues for future research, both to consolidate our understanding of the practice elements that will support a shift away from flight-intensive practices, and to understand their direct effects on wellbeing.

Navigating Minefields: Social Work with People with Disabilities in the Context of War

The systematic dehumanization of people with disabilities in peaceful times is magnified in times of war and during post-war periods, especially in regions and countries with prevalent medical-pathological approaches towards individuals with disabilities. This discussion combines historical, current, and anticipated impacts and integrates the experiences of practitioners and communities. Using critical social work and critical disability studies perspectives, we have questioned what we need to attend to in social work to ensure that, in war, we do not overlook people with impairments. We also ask how the lives of people living in long-term institutions have been affected and what has changed since the outbreak of war. Their rights have long been overlooked. The war zone in Ukraine provides a critical case study intended to increase sensitivity and understanding among academics and social work professionals about the needs and rights of people with disabilities, and about the multi-dimensional barriers and hazards, visible and invisible, that they experience in times of armed conflict and its aftermath. It is argued that this is a global and mainstream concern, not a marginal topic. New emphasis is given to social work's potential and shared responsibilities to contribute to the realization of the rights of people with disabilities in a war context, through training, research, practice, and policy.

Cultivating Change: Empowering Communities Among Elderly Through Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Smart Urban Farming

Malaysia is gradually experiencing a demographic shift, evolving into an aging society. The problem arises concerning the economic sustainability of urban farming ventures undertaken by elderly individuals. Limited attention has been given to incorporating social science perspectives to understand its broader social and cultural implications, especially for the intergenerational aspects of urban farming, specifically among the elderly. This research investigates the adoption of smart urban farming (SUF) to enhance senior citizens' social and economic well-being (SEW). The study involved 130 elderly participants from Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data was collected through surveys and subsequently analyzed using the SPSS statistics tool. The study reveals that while Social Entrepreneurship alone may not be enough to encourage elderly adoption of SUF when combined with social innovation, it significantly increases adoption. The study also indicated that the adoption of SUF enhances the elderly SEW. This study represents a valuable addition to the existing body of literature on the adoption of SUF, particularly in its impact on the social and economic aspects of elderly individuals' lives. This study further advances the current understanding of SUF adoption, utilizing established theories such as the Resource-Based View Theory (RBT) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to reinforce its conclusions. The findings offer practical insights for governments and local authorities in developing policies to promote and facilitate SUF. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-03-012 Full Text: PDF

Book Review: Disaster Risk

The book "Disaster Risk: A Comprehensive Overview" provides a comprehensive view of disaster risk, covering scientific, social and policy perspectives. The author analyzes the factors that influence vulnerability to disasters as well as effective mitigation strategies. This book discusses definitions, basic concepts, history of disaster risk management, various types of disasters, and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration between various parties. This book also reviews international policies and provides recommendations for the integration of disaster risk management in sustainable development planning.

Defending Discomfort: A Critical Social Work Case Against Trigger Warnings

ABSTRACT Trigger warnings have become a hotly contested practice in higher education, including within the field of social work. Learning to become a social worker can be a demanding process that requires in-depth study about often socially taboo and traumatic topics. The learning process can, understandably, cause discomfort that may result in a disconcerting or anxiety-provoking experience for social work students. However, the inclusion of challenging topics in social work education, including human rights violations, domestic violence, sexual abuse, racism, sexism, and many other social injustices is essential in the development of competency in social work practice. What remains unclear is the role and responsibility of universities and subsequently educators, in how we include or exclude trigger warnings, their relevance to social work education, and how we manage the expectations of students and their responses to the exposure of sensitive material. This article argues that trigger warnings may contribute to the pathologization of the experience of discomfort while simultaneously silencing oppressed students who may not identify with the language or experience of being triggered. This article investigates trigger warnings from a critical social work perspective and considers if the use of trigger warnings may potentially be more harmful than helpful.

Household factors associated with breastfeeding practice among children in Southern Thailand

Breastfeeding is an important process for infants including their nutrition, immune system support, digestibility, bonding, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. The breastfeeding rate in Thailand is low compared to Asian countries, but the rate is high for Southern Thailand. This study aimed to examine the household factors (religion) associated with breastfeeding practices in the household in Southern Thailand. This study used secondary data multiple indicators cluster survey (MICS) in 2022. The final sample of this study was 1,176 children under two years. The univariate, bivariate (Chi-square), and multivariate (binary logistic regression) were done using STATA version 17. The percentage of ever breastfed was high which was 97%. The factors of religion (AOR 3.45 95% (1.55–7.69)) and secondary school of education level of the household head (AOR 0.32 95% (0.15–0.67)) were found significantly associated with ever breastfeeding practice. There is a powerful role of religious leaders to empower women to breastfeed infants according to social and religious perspectives.

A Double-Edged-Sword Effect of Overplacement: Social Comparison Bias Predicts Gambling Motivations and Behaviors in Chinese Casino Gamblers.

Overconfidence, a widely observed cognitive bias, has been linked to increased gambling motivations and behaviors. However, previous studies have largely overlooked overconfidence under a social comparison context, known as overplacement, i.e., the tendency of individuals to believe that they are better than their similar peers. In the present study, we tested the effect of overplacement on gambling motivations and behaviors though a Pilot Survey of Chinese college students (N = 129) and a Field Survey of Chinese Macao casino gamblers (N = 733). Our results revealed a double-edged sword effect of overplacement: Serving as a risk factor, evaluating one self's earning ability as higher than others was linked to more gambling motivations (β = 0.18, p = .005) and frequency (β = 0.18, p = .004); Serving as a protective factor, evaluating oneself as happier than others was linked to less gambling motivations (β = - 0.32, p < .001) and problem behaviors (β = - 0.26, p < .001). These findings expand the relationship between overconfidence and gambling from a cognitive bias perspective to a social comparison perspective. Our study not only revealed a typical profile of gambling motivations and behaviors among different demographic groups in Chinese casino gamblers, but also highlighted the importance of considering social factors in the study of the psychological mechanisms of gambling.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EX-SITU CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Research on the relationship between ex-situ conservation and sustainable development is fundamental because it will help the business world better understand how to utilise it from an ecological, economic, and social perspective. This study seeks to investigate the significance of the correlation between ex-situ conservation and sustainable development through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature utilising the Scopus database. This study systematically searched for the keywords “ex-situ conservation” and “sustainable development” throughout academic publications published in journals from 2000 to 2023. Furthermore, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and citation mapping process was conducted, considering all pertinent factors. VOSviewer is a tool utilised for doing collaborative analysis of keyword writing, collaborative analysis of citation networks, and generating bibliometric maps to represent the scientific mapping of results and findings visually. Bibliometric analysis is a technique employed to assess the performance of a journal. This study utilises bibliometric analysis to uncover contributions, deficiencies, and limitations in four areas: sustainable development, ex-situ conservation, biodiversity, and climate change. The novelty of this work is crucial to highlight, as it explores a previously unexplored issue with a creative methodology.

Cost-effectiveness of the ‘Stay One Step Ahead’ Home Safety programme for the prevention of injuries among children under 5 years

BackgroundUnintentional injuries are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the under-5s, but undertaking home safety practices can reduce injury risk. Stay One Step Ahead (SOSA) is an evidence-based...

The macroeconomic overview of the alcohol industry: a perspective from the emerging market of Asia

Purpose This study aims to analyze the relationship between the alcohol brewing industry and the macroeconomic variables of the emerging market of Asia. Design/methodology/approach The study uses secondary data for the period of 32 years and applies the autoregressive distributed lag-error correction method (ARDL-ECM) approach to understand short- and long-run dynamics in the alcohol industry by considering macroeconomic variables. Findings The findings of the study confirm the existence of a long-run relationship between the alcohol brewing industry and the macroeconomic variables considered for this study. Research limitations/implications The authors present a few limitations of this study. First, this study uses secondary data originating from one of the emerging markets of Asia. Second, the study is solely conducted from an economic perspective rather than from a social or health perspective. Finally, the study considers the data originating from the organized sector of the alcohol industry of India. Practical implications The study will be helpful to the researchers in guiding the future course of research in the area of the alcohol industry. This study can be helpful to the policymakers in framing the National Alcohol and taxation Policy. This study also helps both the producers and exporters to strategize sustainable production and trade of alcoholic beverages. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to analyze the alcohol industry from the macroeconomic perspective through the ARDL-ECM approach.

Observation on the Influence of Apple Woolly Aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausm.) on Vegetative Parameters of Grafted Plants in Container Production

The use of fruit-propagated planting material has played a vital role in the growth of the fruit market from both economic and social perspectives. When creating new orchards using a material with unclear phytosanitary conditions, the trees may dry out gradually or rapidly during the early stage. This material leads to significant losses and failure to recoup the investment in establishing and cultivating the orchards. As responsible producers, Bulgaria and other EU member countries adhere to Commission Implementing Directive 2014/98/EU, which enforces Directive 2008/90/EC on marketing fruit trees for propagation purposes. This compliance ensures that we uphold the highest standards in our operations, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of the fruit market. Pests play a crucial role in producing planting material as they can, directly and indirectly, influence the process. Pests can directly damage the quality and quantity of the produced material, while indirectly, they can act as carriers of infection. Observations on woolly apple aphids in Bulgaria's scientific community date back to the end of the last century. According to a 2021 report by CABI, Bulgaria is one of the six countries with a wide distribution of the woolly aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausm.).