Strong Institutions Research Articles

Institutional quality and emigration nexus: Empirical evidence from Türkiye

AbstractThis study attempts to fill an important gap in the empirical literature by investigating the impact of institutional quality in destination countries on emigrants from Türkiye using bilateral migration data from 2010 through 2020. For this purpose, the study builds an augmented gravity model, including economic, geographic, and cultural variables in an exponential form and estimates it by the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) method. Empirical results significantly confirm the pulling role of strong institutions in destination countries for emigrants from Türkiye since all institutional quality indicators are positively associated with emigrant movements, albeit just one of them, regulatory quality, is statistically insignificant. Among indicators of institutional quality, the most pulling ones for emigrants are voice and accountability and the rule of law, followed by government effectiveness, control of corruption, and political stability and absence of violence, respectively. Overall results indicate that institutions are front‐line players in the emigrants' migration decision and destination choice process. In this context, policy‐makers in both Türkiye and the destination country may implement an institutional policy considering the outcomes stemming from migration movements.

Regulatory Quality, Rule of Law and Foreign Direct Investment Inflows: Evidence from the Economic Community of West African States

In literature, the role of institutions in stimulating FDI inflows has been documented. This study examined the contributions of two institutional-quality variables, regulatory quality and the rule of law, in attracting FDI in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The study used an annual series covering the period from 2000 to 2020 using three different estimation techniques: the panel ARDL, the panel FMOLS, and the panel DOLS. Findings reveal that while the rule of law had a negative and significant impact on FDI inflows under the panel ARDL and FMOLS, the impact of regulatory quality was negative and significant under the panel ARDL and DOLS. The short-run ARDL results revealed that only the population growth rate positively and significantly impacted FDI inflows. However, in the long run, findings showed that while the population growth rate had a positive and significant impact on FDI inflows under the ARDL, the impact of GDP was positive and significant in all the models. The exchange rate was also found to negatively and significantly impact FDI inflows in all the models. The study consequently recommends building strong institutions through collaboration among the member countries while improving human capital and economic growth.

SDG 16 at a Glance: Exploring Moral Values and Service Dedication among Aspiring Law Enforcers in a State University of the Cordilleras, Philippines

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 and ethical issues in law enforcement are global concerns, yet studies contextualizing these issues in educational sectors still need to be made available. This study addresses this gap and acknowledges the role of education as a foundation of peace and justice and ensuring strong institutions by assessing the aspiring law enforcers’ moral values and service dedication at a college within a state university in the Cordilleras, Philippines. The study employed a convergent mixed methods approach. Graduating students and recent graduates (n = 280) completed the survey, while faculty and staff (n = 6) participated in one-on-one interviews to triangulate the data. Quantitative findings reveal occasional moral values and service dedication manifestations across five dimensions. Qualitative findings highlight factors influencing these manifestations, which include financial limitations, disinterest in social and political issues, personal weaknesses, conflicting interests, limited understanding of humanitarian law enforcement, reluctance to discuss ethical issues, procrastination, and delayed decision-making. Converging the data emphasizes the importance of enhancing ethics in education within law enforcement curricula to ensure socially conscious and ethically responsible future law enforcers. Future research could explore localized learning outcomes to inform broader policies like SDGs.

Linkages between the Sustainable Development Goals and health in Somalia

BackgroundThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 compromises 17 universal and indivisible goals for sustainable development, however the interactions between the SDGs in Somalia is not known which is vital for understanding potential synergies and trad-offs between the SDGs. Hence, this study aims to identify and classify the linkages between the SDGs with a focus on health and well-being (SDG 3) in Somalia.MethodsFollowing the SDG Synergies approach, 35 leading experts from the public and private sectors as well as academia and civil society gathered for a 2-day workshop in Mogadishu and scored the interactions between the individual SDGs on a seven point-scale from − 3 to + 3. From this, a cross-impact matrix was created, and network models were used to showcase the direct and indirect interactions between the SDGs with a focus on SDG 3 (good health and well-being).ResultsMany promoting and a few restricting interactions between the different SDGs were found. Overall, SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) influenced the other SDGs the most. When second-order interactions were considered, progress on SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) showed the largest positive impact on SDG 3 (good health and well-being). SDG 3 (good health and well-being) was heavily influenced by progress on other SDGs in Somalia and making progress on SDG 3 (good health and well-being) positively influenced progress on all other SDGs.ConclusionThe findings revealed that in Somalia, the interactions between the SDGs are mostly synergistic and that SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) has a strong influence on progress on other SDGs as well as progress on SDG 3 (good health and well-being). This study highlights the need for a multisectoral strategy to accelerate progress on the SDGs in Somalia in general, and particularly SDG 3 (good health and well-being).

Integrating SDGs in the Developed Sample Teaching Guides in NGEC

The Sustainable Development Goals set for accomplishment in 2030 offer diverse opportunities in various sectors including the academe. The academe performing multiple functions may serve as a channel for attaining its targets. The paper content analyzed the topics among the core Social Science New General Education subjects as prospects for achieving applicable SDGs. The results of the analysis became the basis for the development of sample teaching guides integrating SDGs. The results revealed SDG 4- Quality Education SDG 5- Gender Equality, SDG 10- Reduced Inequalities, SDG 12- Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13- Climate Change, and SDG 16- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions are the most feasible for integration the Contemporary World, Ethics, Readings in Philippine History and Understanding the Self. Teaching Guides integrating SDGs characterized by the essential elements for the meaningful development of the learners are available and ready for use

Creating safe and inclusive spaces for children: A catalyst for positive societal impact in Kolkata's neighbourhoods

The establishment of environments that are suitable for children is of utmost importance in fostering communities that are both healthy and content, particularly in regions undergoing rapid urbanisation, such as Kolkata, India. The objective of this research was to ascertain the key areas of focus for the enhancement of child-friendly localities in Kolkata, as determined by the viewpoints of 258 inhabitants who partook in an internet-based questionnaire. The survey conducted a ranking of 12 amenities, encompassing a variety of services such as parks and childcare facilities, based on their respective levels of significance. The findings of the study indicate that the provision of parks, footpaths, street lights, street trees, and resting places are crucial in creating child-friendly neighbourhoods in Kolkata. Nevertheless, an examination based on parental status indicated minor variations, as parents exhibited a greater inclination towards prioritising libraries for their children in comparison to non-parents. Conversely, healthcare provision was deemed less significant among parents relative to non-parents. This research holds significant societal implications, as it offers valuable insights to urban planners and policymakers regarding the development of more sustainable and equitable communities for children residing in Kolkata. Urban planners can enhance the livability and inclusivity of neighbourhoods by prioritising child-centric amenities, such as parks and footpaths, while also taking into account the unique needs of parents and non-parents. This approach can foster social cohesion and promote community resilience. The present research holds significance for multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Sustainable urban planning has the potential to make a significant contribution towards the attainment of SDG 3 by establishing environments that are conducive to the physical and mental well-being of children. Urban planners can make a significant contribution towards the attainment of SDG 11 by giving priority to the creation of public spaces that are safe and accessible. Urban planning can play a role in realising SDG 16 through the provision of child-centric amenities that promote social inclusion and equity.

Antecedents of Mobile Banking User Loyalty Factors

The growth of a nation's economy cannot occur without the presence of strong financial institutions. The purpose of this research is to investigate a variety of factors that have an impact on the level of fidelity displayed by customers who use mobile banking. The trust of the business and the satisfaction of its customers are essential components. The research was conducted in a non-bank financial institution known as the Village Credit organization (LPD), which is situated in Kelan Traditional Village in Badung Regency in the province of Bali. The study included a total of 120 participants who were clients of LPD Kelan and regularly utilized Mobile Banking. The participants were chosen through the use of a straightforward random sampling method. The dissemination of surveys was done directly through the use of Google Forms as part of the process of data collection. Quantifying replies in the questionnaire is done using a scale that ranges from strongly disagreeing to strongly agreeing on a 1-10 point interval scale. For the purpose of this study, the Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) methodology was applied to the data analysis, and the SmartPLS 3.2 program was utilized. The findings of this investigation indicate that all hypotheses have been confirmed. Client loyalty is directly and significantly influenced in a positive way by factors such as quality of service, trust in the provider, and overall level of happiness with the provider's offering. Conversely, the influence of trust and service quality on loyalty is mediated by customer satisfaction, resulting in a positive and significant impact. As a result, the level of satisfaction functions as an efficient mediator of the study model

Institutions and carbon emissions: an investigation employing STIRPAT and machine learning methods

We employ an extended Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) model combined with the environmental Kuznets curve and machine learning algorithms, including ridge and lasso regression, to investigate the impact of institutions on carbon emissions in a sample of 22 European Union countries over 2002 to 2020. Splitting the sample into two: those with weak and strong institutions, we find that the results differ between the two groups. Our results suggest that changes in institutional quality have a limited impact on carbon emissions. Government effectiveness leads to an increase in emissions in the European Union countries with stronger institutions, whereas voice and accountability lead to a fall in emissions. In the group with weaker institutions, political stability and the control of corruption reduce carbon emissions. Our findings indicate that variables such as population density, urbanization and energy consumption are more important determinants of carbon emissions in the European Union compared to institutional governance. The results suggest the need for coordinated and consistent policies that are aligned with climate targets for the European Union as a whole.

Environmental Governance and Gender Inclusivity: Analyzing the Interplay of PM2.5 and Women’s Representation in Political Leadership in the European Union

This research addresses a critical gap in the literature by establishing a direct correlation between particle pollution from fine particulates (PM2.5) and women’s political participation. It offers a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics in governance and their impact on environmental outcomes. Focusing on 27 European Union (EU) countries from 2013 to 2021, econometric techniques unveil common trends, underscoring cross-sectional dependence. This study reveals distinct gender behaviors in combating pollution, with women in parliaments and regional assemblies notably contributing to pollutant reduction. However, the negative impact of women’s engagement in politics on PM2.5 intensifies the lower part of the representation hierarchy. Policymakers are urged to create conditions fostering women’s political participation, advocating for gender quotas to address underrepresentation. The research emphasizes the interconnectedness of gender, politics, and environmental issues, urging heightened awareness among policymakers. Limitations include a confined scope and duration, requiring cross-validation beyond the EU. Future research pathways involve exploring the intricate connections between gender, politics, and environmental initiatives, seeking thresholds for impactful women’s representation. In contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this study aligns with SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).

Green HRM and Teaching Sustainability in higher education Institutions: For Promoting Sustainable Education and Sustainable Development Goals

Purpose: Sustainable education is achieved through Green Human Resource Management practices such as virtual interviews, training, e-meetings, recycling, green payroll, energy-efficient office spaces, and raising awareness among teaching faculty about pedagogical techniques that connect the environment, economy, and society in the fields of education, agriculture, and medicine by utilizing the Teachers, Students, and Education Institutions (TSE) approach to developing 21st-century skills with multidisciplinary, Interdisciplinary, research, incubation for Student Nirbhar (SN) through business leaders, marketing experience lab, sustainable entrepreneurship with AI, Chat GPT, allowing faculty members to participate in Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) based approaches to building a better world, quality of life, and values for future generations. UNESCO emphasizes that course metrics should include Sustainable Development Goals. Green HRM and Teaching Sustainability in Higher Education can be met. SDG-1: No Poverty SDG-4: Quality Education, SDG-5: Gender Equality, SDG-8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG-9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG-10: Reduced InequalitySDG-13: Climate Action, SDG-16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG-17 SDG-17: Partnerships for the Goals It is possible to meet 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a sustainable livelihood and an inclusive society. Methodology: This study is solely based on secondary data, case studies, and the literature reviews of several scholars. The study collects information from online journals, e-papers, newspaper stories, and websites for the present research article. Analysis/Results: The Main impact of this research paper A case study on NIRBHAR-SREE KUTUMBH and ABCD analysis gives more insight into Green HRM in HEIs sustainability. Originality/Value: The institutional 3’sP sustainability model highlights higher educational institutions, GHRM (Green Human Resource Management) - People & Planet, Policy and Program for Institutional Sustainability and this original study highlights its significance. Type of Research: Conceptual research. Social Implication: Research article as created on the environment as well as social awareness in the HEIs through, Institutional 3p’s Sustainability Model.

Bank Loan Loss Provision Determinants in Non-Crisis Years: Evidence from African, European, and Asian Countries

Loan loss provision is an important accounting accrual in the banking sector. There have been numerous debates about the determinants of loan loss provision in several contexts. This study extends the debate by investigating the determinants of bank loan loss provision in non-crisis years for 28 countries from 2011 to 2018. The non-crisis years cover the periods after the global financial crisis and the periods before the COVID-19 pandemic while the countries consist of African, European, and Asian countries. Using the generalized linear model regression and the quantile regression methodologies, the results show that institutional quality is a significant determinant of bank loan loss provision, indicating that the presence of strong institutions decreases the size of bank loan loss provision in non-crisis years. In the regional analyses, it was found that economic growth is a significant determinant of bank loan loss provisions in African and Asian countries. Loan loss provision is higher in times of economic prosperity in African and Asian countries. Bank overhead cost is a significant determinant of bank loan loss provisions in Asian countries. Meanwhile, bank loan loss provision determinants are insignificant in European countries.

The Guardian State: Strengthening the public service against democratic backsliding

AbstractLiberal democracy has become vulnerable to illiberal political movements and the gradual erosion of democratic institutions. To safeguard liberal democracy, we propose the concept of the Guardian State, which embraces liberal principles while acting as a defensive barrier against illiberal tendencies. We need strong administrative institutions that uphold liberal democratic norms and resist pressures from populist politicians. Institutionalizing guardianship as the key norm within the civil service fortifies democratic institutions against backsliding. The principle of neutrality alone cannot ensure that only liberal citizens come to power. Structural measures at the individual and organizational levels are essential to fortify the foundations of the Guardian State and protect liberal democracy against evolving threats. Proactive efforts are necessary to defend and strengthen the public service to ensure the long‐term viability of democratic governance. The Guardian State places the bureaucracy in a key role in preserving the core principles of democracy.

Large-scale agricultural investments and local food security – Evidence from a mixed-method case study in Benin

AbstractLarge-scale agricultural investments (LSAIs) and their impacts on local communities in host countries have been controversially discussed in recent years. As scholars increasingly call for more structured and comprehensive analyses, we develop a mixed-method approach using an expanded version of the “Right to Food” (RtF) framework to systematically investigate the local food security impacts of a recently established tomato-producing LSAI in Central Benin, West Africa. We find that the LSAI keeps natural resources as accessible as possible for the local community and provides employment opportunities, leading to higher dietary diversity of employees and multiplier effects in the local economy. At the same time, we find inequalities regarding the compensation of former land users as well as high job insecurity for temporary laborers who face high transportation costs to reach the LSAI. We argue that fair and inclusive compensation, improved access to markets and machinery, access to natural resources for often overlooked groups (pastoralists, hunters, fishermen) and social infrastructure are crucial factors in promoting positive outcomes of LSAIs on communities and that strong local institutions play a key role for achieving this. We conclude that the specific characteristics of our case (relatively small size, labor-intensive crop, focus on regional markets) provide favorable conditions for positive impacts on local food security. We encourage further, structured mixed-method studies, ideally including longitudinal and comparative research designs, to investigate the multidimensional effects related to the establishment of LSAIs. The extended RtF framework can thereby serve as a structural lens to systematically analyze the findings.

Staying in the shadow or not? Remittances and the Shadow Economy

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigates the impact of remittances on the shadow economy and how domestic institutions, particularly property rights, moderate this relationship.MethodsWe employed a quantitative research method using panel data from developing countries from 1990 to 2018. We adopted both fixed‐effects and instrumental variable approaches to address possible endogeneity concerns between remittances and the shadow economy.ResultsThe results demonstrate that remittances are positively associated with the shadow economy's size. However, this positive effect is weaker in countries with strong property rights institutions. These findings remain robust across alternative measures of key variables and estimation techniques.ConclusionThe results suggest that foreign income in the form of remittances is an important determinant of the shadow economy in recipient countries. We believe that exploring the relationship between foreign sources of income and the decisions of economic actors to enter specific sectors warrants further investigation.

Assessment of Government Liberalization Policy and the Growth in Nigeria’s Trade Industry

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the contraction of government revenue, it has become increasingly difficult for government to continue with “subsidy oriented” policies hence, this paper evaluates Nigeria’s liberalization policies as a major drivers of trade growth in the country. A quantitative approach was adopted in this paper. Data used in this paper were secondary data sourced from World bank indicators and Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin (1980-2018 version). This paper used Error Correction Classical Linear Regression estimate to analyse the data. The result of the study showed that changes in the key liberalization policy variables have significant influence on output growth but not statistically significant to trade growth. Industrialization oriented policies was therefore recommended for Nigeria to actualize her dreams of being an industrialized country, a strong and competitive institution that foster a sustainable industrial sector through policy is also advised. This study adds to the limited available evidence concerning the contribution of government liberation policy on the growth of Nigeria trade sector. It stands as the first to consider trade openness, government liberation policy and the Nigeria industrial sector. 
 
 Received: 18 June 2023 / Accepted: 15 February 2024 / Published: xx March 2024

‘My Charges About the Highways’: Constables and Infrastructure in Seventeenth-Century Yorkshire

The processes through which northern townships, customarily governed by strong manorial institutions, came to embrace the structures and routines of vestry governance and supervision by county justices have long required further scholarly investigation. This paper presents a reassessment of the role played by the constables of the West Riding township of Sowerby, Halifax parish, in managing the highways function over the seventeenth century. This is feasible through the happy combination of contemporaneous paper records for the Wakefield court leet and of unusual and exceptionally revealing petty constables’ accounts. Sowerby’s constables creatively exploited mechanisms at the leet to enforce tenurial and township obligations for road repairs. While the appointment of surveyors is unattested before 1694 and statute duty arrangements are, at best, uncertain, a precocious policy of tax-funded maintenance became embedded in governance routines, as the township’s propertied and clothier elite responded to the mid-century political crisis and pulses of assertiveness from the Justices’ bench. Independency and improvisation are strongly supportive of change from below as the north’s distinctive contribution to state formation in early modern England.

Why Nepal Needs Strong Defense and Security Institutions?

There are multiple threats to Nepal's National Interests. A country with strong political, diplomatic, economic, military, and informational foundations will have multiple policy options, but Nepal does not have that luxury at present. Therefore, Nepal must maintain a strong and professional Nepali Army and other national security institutions to effectively deter and counter possible threats to its National Interests.

International financial institutions and the development of Nigeria

The study investigated the existing relationship between International Financial Institutions concerning the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, African Development Bank, and the development of Nigeria. The historical design was used to organize and analyze secondary data derived from books, articles, official journals of international financial institutions, government/official documents and internet sources related to the problem of the study. The study adopted the Modernization theory of development as its theoretical framework in explaining Nigeria's development from the perspective of her affiliation with the international financial institutions (Bretton Woods Institutions and African Development Bank)'s loan policies and initiatives and their implications for Nigeria's development. The findings revealed that the policies and initiatives of the Bretton Woods Institutions and African Development Bank influenced the Nigeria development project, which has resulted in the constant granting of loans to Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the Nigerian government should quickly look inward at other internally generated revenues from custom duties, sales of crude oil, sales of refined crude (Petro), maritime and other agricultural products' revenues and re-channel them towards Nigeria's development instead of wholly depending on loans and otherwise set up independent, as well as strong institutions to oversee and manage funds from foreign loans to avoid mismanagement and diversification that may lead Nigeria into more foreign debts thereby further retarding development in Nigeria.

Sustaining subak, the balinese traditional ecological knowledge in the contemporary context of Bali

Abstract Subak is a local organization that formalizes the Balinese traditional ecological knowledge and wisdom in managing and distributing water for agricultural purposes. This organization combines cosmology, spirituality, science, ecology, and engineering dimensions of knowledge. As the current development of Bali Island as one of the international tourist destinations has changed its landscape which involves various factors such as physical, social, and cultural. Hence, to what extent the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) practice can be sustained in the current context and development setting become our focus of study. This paper has three objectives. The first is to collate/document the various perspectives of TEK from sustainable agriculture practices, ecological principles, water irrigation systems, and spiritual practices and values as part of the learning document. The second is to analyze the interdependence of the human and environmental systems in the context of the socio-ecological system framework for Subak TEK and its cultural sustainability. Third, to outline the potential effort to sustain Subak TEK by strengthening its adaptive capacity in the broader context of learning to strengthening the community based tourism planning. This study deploy the socio-ecological system, SES framework as the underlying theory and analysis and explore diverse initiatives to sustain Subak in the future. The study was conducted in conjunction with a sustainability leadership program which deployed an inter- and transdisciplinary approach of sustainability science that focuses on Subak as its case. Situational and content analysis from the workshop discussion notes is used to provide examples that describe diverse initiatives in tourism, agriculture, and education. The study found out that the SES framework of analysis in Subak TEK documented several core ritual activities, the interpretation of THK philosophy and its local wisdom and values which represent the interaction the social and natural system. Hence, demonstrate as a living monument with strong human institutions and nature interaction. Further, the Subak TEK has substantial community capital values that need to be strengthened by integration in the formal and non-formal education, the enhancement of the Tri Hita Karana (THK) awards and accreditation for tourism operators and hotels in the broader context of education for sustainable development framework as well as community-based tourism development planning. This initiative need to be supported by a community-based tourism by involving Pekaseh and youngsters in the current context of Bali community-based tourism.

Evaluating Innovation and Institutions for Tech-Trade: A Global Assessment in the Quest for Sustainable Economic Prosperity

Sustainable economic prosperity lies in the production of technological products that use the latest technology and do not depend upon natural, non-renewable sources. Trade of such goods boosts the economy and diversifies its existing trade pattern. This study analyses various variables that contribute to high-tech exports. All countries of the world that have more than one per cent share of high-tech exports to manufactured products are taken from 2008 to 2021. A robust statistical method called Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS-hetero) is used to deal with heteroscedasticity. To minimize the impact of outliers, quantile regression, and bootstrap quantile regression techniques are also used. The main purpose of using multiple regression techniques is to assess whether the sign and significance of the coefficient will change by change in estimation techniques. The findings reveal that innovation, access to information, strong institutions, and partnerships between universities and industries all play a significant role in boosting high-tech exports in all estimation techniques. Financial development has a significant direct impact on high-tech export in the case of simple linear regression and FGLS (hetero) but an insignificant positive impact in the case of quantile regression and bootstrap quantile regression.