View Of Management Research Articles

Exercise, nutrition, and medicine timing in metabolic health: implications for management of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Chrono-medicine considers circadian biology in disease management, including combined lifestyle and medicine interventions. Exercise and nutritional interventions are well-known for their efficacy in managing Type 2 Diabetes, and metformin remains a widely used pharmacological agent. However, metformin may reduce exercise capacity and interfere with skeletal muscle adaptations, creating barriers to exercise adherence. Research into optimising the timing of exercise has shown promise, particularly for glycaemic management in people with Type 2 Diabetes. Aligning exercise timing with circadian rhythms and nutritional intake may maximise benefits. Nutritional timing also plays a crucial role in glycaemic control. Recent research suggests that not only what we eat but when we eat significantly impacts glycaemic control, with strategies like time-restricted feeding (TRF) showing promise in reducing caloric intake, improving glycaemic regulation, and enhancing overall metabolic health. These findings suggest that meal timing could be an important adjunct to traditional dietary and exercise approaches in managing diabetes and related metabolic disorders. When taking a holistic view of Diabetes management and the diurnal environment, one must also consider the circadian biology of medicines. Metformin has a circadian profile in plasma, and our recent study suggests that morning exercise combined with pre-breakfast metformin intake reduces glycaemia more effectively than post-breakfast intake. In this review, we aim to explore the integration of circadian biology into Type 2 Diabetes management by examining the timing of exercise, nutrition, and medication. In conclusion, chrono-medicine offers a promising, cost-effective strategy for managing Type 2 Diabetes. Integrating precision timing of exercise, nutrition, and medication into treatment plans requires considering the entire diurnal environment, including lifestyle and occupational factors, to develop comprehensive, evidence-based healthcare strategies.

Utilizing social network analysis methodology to assess innovative leadership in it organization

Social networking technology is a new and promising view of IT organization management, allowing for a deeper understanding of the organization’s internal relationships, structure, and social dynamics. This article examines modern approaches and prospects for developing social networking technologies in managing an IT organization based on innovative leadership. The article’s primary purpose is to study modern approaches and prospects for developing social networking technologies as applied tools in IT organization management based on innovative leadership. The article is a theoretical research work that defines the prospects for further research in organizational management. It is expected that the study’s results will reveal the importance of social networks in the context of innovative leadership and justify the effective use of social networking technologies to improve the performance of an IT organization. In addition, identifying the main components that influence the effectiveness of innovation leadership will enable IT organization leaders to effectively implement innovation leadership strategies and contribute to the successful integration of innovations in the organizational environment. The study of this topic is of practical importance. It can be used to develop human resource management strategies and improve the mechanisms for implementing innovations in the organizational environment. Moreover, the research will offer new insights into how social network structures can be optimized to foster a culture of continuous innovation. Given this, the article’s author seeks to consider and study the effectiveness of innovative leadership through the prism of social network theory since she assumes that the structure of the organizational social network can influence its effectiveness.

Comprehensive Guide to Paravalvular Leak: Symptoms, Effects, and Treatments.

Paravalvular leak (PVL) represents a common complication often encountered following valve replacement surgeries, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges within the field of cardiology. The condition, characterized by an abnormal flow of blood around the edges of a prosthetic valve, can lead to a spectrum of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic states to severe heart failure or hemolysis. Its relevance is underscored by its contribution to morbidity and mortality among affected individuals, necessitating a deeper understanding of its etiology, diagnosis, and management. The exploration of advanced diagnostic tools, such as echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance, alongside novel treatment approaches, underscores the dynamic and evolving landscape of PVL management. This is a concentrated guide to understand the various aspects related to PVL, starting with defining the condition to determine its short- and long-term effects on the patient. It will further direct the reader through diagnosis, going through the advancements made in cardiac imaging, especially three-dimensional modeling and echocardiography. The discussion of predisposing factors, technical considerations intrinsic to procedural interventions, and clinical implications is therefore an important part of the discourse and helps set a foundation for an in-depth exploration of contemporary and emerging treatment modalities. From the incorporation of various surgical and percutaneous techniques to the tactical uses of devices, in particular, the AMPLATZer Vascular Plug, associated with the technical development of transcatheter closure, the current review tries to present a panoramic view of PVL management, from diagnosis to closure and insight into mitigation of its impact on outcomes.

Organizational Factors Driving the Realization of Digital Health Transformation Benefits from Health Service Managers: A Qualitative Study.

Healthcare is experiencing a global period of profound transformation, and digital health shows the promise of dispensing innovative and contemporary service models. However, changes are required to improve the capabilities of health managers in driving successful digital transformation. This paper aims to explore the organizational barriers that health service managers have encountered when realizing the benefits of a digitally transforming environment. This is part of a larger research study exploring digital competencies for health service managers, with the findings from focus group discussions providing a baseline from which to address the organizational improvements and changes in system capabilities required to assist in realizing the benefits of digital health transformation. The study is qualitative in nature. It employs focus group discussions to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and views of health service managers and identify the benefits and barriers that managers have experienced in introducing digital health in their workplace. Barriers encountered in realizing digital health benefits in the workplace were evidenced across five major themes: (1) change resistance and usage, (2) trust and uniformity, (3) resourcing and procurement, (4) digital literacy, and (5) siloed systems. Findings from this study demonstrate that in driving the realization of digital health transformation benefits, health service managers need organizational and system-wide efforts to support managing in the digital health context. The key identified barriers experienced by health service managers include facing human and technical challenges with system adoption and the governance of data-driven decision-making in the digital context. The importance of digital transformation in healthcare is evident and will increasingly become a necessity for organizational survival and success. This study adds important insights into the organizational barriers that health service managers have encountered when realizing the benefits resulting from digital transformation. Addressing these barriers requires macro-, meso- and micro-level system investments. These benefits are enhanced by enabling factors critical for digital health adoption that have been described in key categories involving health system related: (1) policy and system, (2) organizational structure and processes, and human resource management, and (3) people factors. The importance of ensuring the organizational factors driving the realization of benefits in a digitally transforming environment is also addressed and capitalized upon for health service managers.

An Update on Clinically Evaluated Medicinal Plants for Psoriasis Management.

Psoriasis is a prevalent inflammatory disease affecting almost 0.5-5 % of the world population. Multiple treatment approaches have been developed to manage psoriasis so far. Although concerns exist in the long-term usage of conventional and biological agents in terms of safety, effectiveness, expensiveness, and tolerability, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a promising point of view for future psoriasis management. In this study, databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched for relevant literature on herbal medications clinically evaluated for psoriasis, especially those originating from traditional medicine. About 40 relevant papers were selected by March 2023. Most of the studies were clinical trials on poly-herbal formulations from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). There are controversial results regarding the efficacy of these herbal formulations in psoriasis mainly due to the variation in the study design. Moreover, the probable protective mechanisms and responsible herbal metabolites of these formulations are summarized. There is a global need for more in-vitro and in-vivo studies based on the standard protocols in terms of the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of topical/ systemic herbal preparations for psoriasis.

Realization of environmentally friendly behaviours in sports from the point of view of managers and organizers

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to realize environmentally friendly behaviors in sports from the point of view of managers and organizers of sports events. Methodology: In order to collect data, a 4-part researcher-made questionnaire including 40 questions was used. The face and content validity was confirmed by a survey of related faculty members, and its reliability was reported using Cronbach's alpha of 0.83. The statistical sample of the research consists of managers and organizers of sports events in ten provinces of the country. After distributing the questionnaires, finally 254 questionnaires were returned. Results: Data analysis was done using Amos and SPSS-19 software. Pearson's correlation coefficient and path analysis were used to test hypotheses, and bootstrap method was used to test indirect relationships (mediation). The proposed model was also tested to investigate the relationships between the factors. The results showed that the three factors of environmental awareness, perception of environmental effects, and the intention to support green sports events affect the actual environmental friendly behavior. Also, the results showed that the variable that intends to support green sports events plays a role as a mediating variable and the extent of the impact of environmental awareness and perception on the actual environmentally friendly behavior is caused by the intention to support green sports events. Conclusions: Based on the proposed research model, the environmentally friendly behaviors of sports event organizers and managers and their intention to protect green sports events are largely influenced by their knowledge and understanding of environmental issues. It seems that understanding the basic factors affecting people's actual and supportive behaviors towards green sports is necessary to promote environmental behavior.

Psychosocial risk Management of Employees from the perspective of Managers of social service Facilities, case 5P

Objective: The aim of the research was find out the importance of supporting the management of psychosocial risks of mental health in helping professionals from the view of managers of social service facilities. Design: Qualitative analysis, pilot pre-research probe. Participants: Head manager of the Social Services Home for Adults in Zavar, in the Trnava district, creator of an authentic support project, and head manager of the Social Services Home for Children and Adults in Pastuchov, in the Hlohovec district, a participant in the activities of the project. Methods: At the beginning stage of the preparation of the pre-survey project, the authors designed semi-structured interviews to be carried out with social workers in management positions with many years of managerial experience in social service facilities. Results: The intention was to find out what the baseline situation is when it comes to the perception of the importance of mental healthcare. The results of the pilot study aimed at recognizing the authenticity of the 5P support project and reflecting the positive effects of employee participation in preserving one’s own mental balance. The source of the greatest benefit is individual self-development. Conclusion: The case of 5P has become an exemplary model of effective subvention of psychosocial mental health risk management in helping professionals.

Information technology capabilities: a bibliometric vision of the conceptual and intellectual structures and the past and future research directions

Purpose Scientific production on the topic of information technology (IT) capabilities grows each year, leading researchers working in the field into difficulties to keep abreast of the new research flows, as well as to know the intellectual and conceptual structures that sustain the area. Thus, this study aims to present the result of the application of a quantitative approach on the international scientific production on the subject. Design/methodology/approach Several complementary bibliometric techniques were combined, such as keywords co-occurrence, bibliographic coupling and cocitation analysis. Considering that the bibliometric research support software currently available to the academic community has strengths and weaknesses, the present study uses three recent tools of analysis (VOSviewer, SciMAT and Bibliometrix), to explore the best that each can offer. Findings The authors analyzed 219 scientific papers available on the Web of Science. The authors identify the origins of the current literature on IT capabilities, as well as its foundations and main intellectual and conceptual structures, including a longitudinal view of the development of the theme. The paper also presents the main research fronts in the field, as well as several opportunities that can contribute to the advancement of research involving IT capabilities. Originality/value The fundamental themes for structuring the whole of the scientific production on IT capabilities, which had a higher level of development and connection with external research flows, are organizational performance, strategic management, resource and value-based view. Thus, future researchers will find underlying literature on IT capabilities in the context of business a rich and varied literature involving these major themes.

Sociological impacts of energy management at Tema Oil Refinery

The study at Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) analyzes how gender, age, and educational qualifications impact energy management. Established in 1963 and state-owned since 1977, TOR’s capabilities have notably grown post-1996 reforms. Analyzing 200 employees across key departments with a Likert-scale questionnaire and SPSS, the study finds significant gender differences in energy management views, advocating for inclusive and tailored communication. It highlights age and education's role in shaping perceptions, suggesting targeted engagement and training. The optimism of newer employees underscores the need for continuous engagement. The study recommends TOR tailor its energy management and environmental strategies to its diverse workforce demographics to improve sustainability initiative effectiveness and acceptance.

Strategies for Household Waste Management in Winong Village Waste Bank

Background: Legal frameworks are vital for guiding village autonomy and waste management practices. Specific Background: In Indonesia, laws such as Law No. 6/2014 and Law No. 18/2008 regulate these areas but face implementation challenges. Knowledge Gap: There is a lack of integration between community perspectives and local governance practices. Aims: This study analyzes the legal foundations of waste management in rural settings and assesses practical implementation through stakeholder input. Results: Using a normative legal approach alongside Focus Group Discussions with various stakeholders, the research identifies gaps in the application of waste management laws and emphasizes the need for tailored legal recommendations. Novelty: By merging legal analysis with empirical insights, the study provides a comprehensive view of waste management in rural contexts. Implications: Findings highlight the necessity for adapting legal frameworks to local systems and engaging communities, offering practical solutions for rural waste management that contribute to environmental governance. Highlights : Legal Foundations: Examines laws governing waste management and village autonomy. Stakeholder Input: Utilizes Focus Group Discussions to gather community perspectives. Contextual Adaptation: Emphasizes the need for tailored legal solutions for effective implementation. Keywords: legal frameworks, waste management, village governance, community engagement, empirical analysis

MAIN STAGES OF EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT STRENGTHENING IN PRODUCTION ORGANIZATIONS

As management strategies and organizational structures change, the aim is to discover ways that will help make the activities of each employee, as well as the entire production organization, more efficient. In each successful organization, the leader’s and employee's ability to understand each other and to work together in a team is very important. At present, a new term is being emphasized and promoted- empowerment – the leader's actions towards the employee in order to successfully achieve the goals of the organization. Dimensions of structural empowerment: opportunities - the employee's perception of the extent to which he has opportunities to perform challenging work using existing abilities and at the same time acquiring new abilities, information - to the extent that, in the employee's perception, information is available to him in a wider context than his individual work, support - to the extent that the employee feels that he can receive advice or feedback during the performance of various tasks, resources - to what extent all the necessary resources are available to the employee to perform the planned tasks. Empowerment is essentially a democratic process that allows employees to have more say in decisions that are currently made by managers in traditional command and control centers. A model for strengthening employee empowerment is presented, consisting of 3 stages, which allows identifying employee empowerment problems when making decisions on quality issues and providing solutions. The quantity of features and characteristics of a product reflects its quality. One of the most important aspects is that managers and executors (team members) must understand the importance of quality and know what factors affect it and what solutions take place with identified problems. Based on the identification of product quality from the point of view of managers and executives, problems are identified, and solutions are provided to change the situation. If they do not have a common understanding of product quality issues, the situation in production only worsens. Organizations must empower their frontline employees with the authority and training to make decisions related to equipment operation and maintenance. The obtained results of a quantitative study carried out in a manufacturing company proved that employees partially feel empowered by managers to make decisions: especially in the second stage, which is associated with work performance, quality requirements, job satisfaction and efficiency. Recommendations are provided for management to develop a sense of personal efficacy through employee empowerment. The role of managers is to empower their subordinates to make decisions on their own, relying on established (approved) requirements. This research about employee empowerment can be useful for organizations in assessing the effectiveness of measures, enabling leadership, and the innovations implemented, as well as in forming a holistic approach to the phenomenon of employee empowerment, combining the assumptions that make up empowerment into a common system and the consequences that are significant for work and the organization.

A theoretical analysis of philosophical dimensions in engineering education

This article presents a theoretical analysis of the philosophical dimensions embedded in engineering education, highlighting the importance of integrating ethical, social, and environmental considerations into the development of future engineers. As engineering increasingly shapes society through technological innovation, philosophical inquiry becomes crucial in addressing contemporary challenges such as sustainability, technological ethics, and social justice. The paper explores how philosophical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, provide engineers with tools to critically evaluate the broader impact of their designs and decisions. By embedding these ethical perspectives within the engineering curriculum, educators can prepare students to navigate the moral complexities inherent in technology and innovation. Moreover, the analysis underscores the role of philosophy in promoting sustainability in engineering, encouraging students to adopt a long-term view of environmental stewardship and resource management. The discussion also highlights the importance of addressing issues related to technological ethics, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence, automation, and biotechnology, where ethical challenges are becoming increasingly prominent. In addition, the paper examines the contribution of philosophy in fostering critical thinking and social responsibility, ensuring that engineers consider the societal implications of their work, especially in marginalized communities. Ultimately, this theoretical analysis argues that integrating philosophy into engineering education is essential for preparing engineers who are not only technically proficient but also ethically conscious, socially responsible, and capable of addressing the complex global challenges that define modern society.

П РИМЕНЕНИЕ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ ЭКОНОМИКИ КАЧЕСТВА ПРИ ВЫБОРЕ МЕТОДОЛОГИИ ДЛЯ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯ

The problem of choosing a methodology for decision-making at an enterprise in choosing a tool for shaping the path of sustainable development, posed by the authors, is relevant and practically significant. The purpose outlined in the article is to select tools for the scientific justification of measures that an enterprise can take to counter possible threats and dangers based on timely strategically significant decisions that meet the national interests of the Russian Federation and are necessary to preserve sustainability. As the conducted research has shown, in the practice of Russian enterprises, there are three ap- proaches to understanding achievements in the field of sustainable development that are similar in essence, but different in content and levels of implementation. In this regard, it is assumed that the use of elements of the quality economy and their tools significantly brings enterprises closer to solving problems in this area. The formation of a scientific basis for eliminating the existing methodological inaccuracy is also of interest from the point of view of strategic planning and management at the enterprise. The article substantiates the use of standardization and quality man- agement tools for the sustainable development of enterprises. The article contains recommendations on standardization of key areas of sustainable development in the enterprise.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT IN THE ASPECT OF RISK MANAGEMENT

The purpose of the article is to study the theoretical and methodological aspects of personnel management risks and the specifics of developing their management strategies in the context of modern dynamic business conditions. The work highlights the key aspects of personnel risks, methods of their analysis, methods of management and regulation, and gives practical recommendations for managers and managers. Method. To achieve the goal, the methods of analysis and synthesis, comparison, etc. are applied. The results. The theoretical aspects of risk management with human capital are studied. Analyzed and systematized methods aimed at reducing the impact of personnel risks on the productivity and stability of the enterprise. The result of the application of such strategies is an increase in the efficiency of personnel management, a reduction in the probability of problems, and the optimization of work processes. Scientific novelty. The article offers a comprehensive view of risk management in the context of personnel management. The use of modern methods of risk analysis and management allows in-depth solving of problems arising in personnel management and the development of effective strategies for their elimination, taking into account today's conditions. Practical significance. The results of the research can be useful for leaders and managers in the field of personnel management, contributing to the stability and efficiency of the organization. The considered strategies and methods can help to implement practical management solutions with the aim of reducing personnel risks and increasing labor productivity.

Growing the portfolio: circular economy through water reuse in Iran

In Iran, water scarcity is increasing due to the rapid growth in economy and population, but also due to waste and overuse. Marginal water resources (unutilized water of lower quality) can provide important options to augment water supply or replace freshwater use. In this way, they can reconcile the seemingly opposing views of water development and water management. Encouraging reuse and circulation of marginal water can enhance water availability and conserve freshwater. This paper analyses water reuse options and policies in Iran. It explains policy constraints based on the type of water for reuse and compares the water reuse policies in Iran to regional experiences. Such a contextualization of Iran’s policies from a regional perspective provides opportunities for mutual learning and lessons for policy reforms. For Iran, there is a need for investments and comprehensive reuse policies. New water sources need to be appropriately identified, treated, delivered and accepted by end-users and society.

Rainfall interception in temperate evergreen broadleaved forest and Japanese cypress plantation with abundant lower-layer vegetation in south-west Japan

ABSTRACT The interception of rainfall in conifer plantations has been intensively studied. However, research on broadleaved forests is limited, although the broadleaved forests dominate approximately half of forest area in Japan. Here, we compared the throughfall and stemflow of each vegetation layer to clarify interception in a naturally regenerated temperate evergreen broadleaved forest (lucidophyllous forest) and a Japanese cypress plantation over a three-year period. Both forests were approximately 100 years old and had abundant lower-layer vegetation. We found that approximately a quarter of rainfall was intercepted in both forests, although the half of that interception in the Japanese cypress plantation was owing to the abundant lower-layer vegetation. This indicated that the interception in the evergreen broadleaved forest was twice that of the Japanese cypress upper canopy. The well-developed layer structure in the evergreen broadleaved forest efficiently intercepted rainfall. From the point of view of water resource management, this study implies that both evergreen broadleaved forests and Japanese cypress plantations with abundant lower-layer vegetation can decrease the amount of water infiltrating soils.

Dessabank, Lembaga Keuangan Masa Pemerintah Hindia Belanda di Pedesaan Buleleng-Bali, Awal Abad XX

The Dutch East Indies Government’s view of traditional financial management was an early attempt by the government to establish a network of modern financial institutions in rural areas. The government introduced Dessabank as a modern financial institution whose operational task is under the supervision or guidance of central cash officers. Dessabank as a banking institution has to follow the system of rural financial management. The establishment of Dessabank Patemon in 1914 in Patemon Village, Pengastulan District, Buleleng, was responded by the villagers through village officials and utilized the regulations (awig-awig) of Patemon Village. The Dessabank in Banjar Buleleng utilized local administrative personnel and The Dutch East Indies government expected the Dessabank will function well and meet the needs of the village community. In the villages where a Dessabank has been successfully established, there were successful stories such as; the setting of interest rates, the obligation to repay the loan principal, the introduction of the difference in the number of days between the Saka year and the Gregorian year, and the involvement of villagers as bank employees.

Digital national waiting time information system - View of Finnish public oral healthcare managers

ObjectivesThe study evaluated the digital national waiting time information system from the point of view of oral healthcare managers in Finland in 2021. The information system (IS) was implemented in 2014, primarily to monitor waiting times in public healthcare. The system reported the information on realised waiting times on the Internet. MethodsWe gathered the data using a cross-sectional survey. Evaluating the system was based on a modified IS success model with the dimensions of information quality, system quality, individual impact and organisational impact. We used convenience sampling when including in the study managers working in public primary oral healthcare in the spring of 2021. ResultsThe managers (n = 97) perceived it as easy to access the waiting time information on one website, but they evaluated the information as low quality. The information on realised waiting times supported them in the management of current waiting times to a minor degree. The managers associated the information inaccuracy in the national system with dental nurses’ poor data entry in electronic patient ISs in oral healthcare organisations. The inaccuracy meant that waiting time monitoring data was not valid. ConclusionsOur modified IS success model was sufficient to ascertain that poor information quality likely influenced the effectiveness of managers in information-driven waiting time management. Information must be relevant and accurate to promote the success of ISs. Further research is required to explore how to improve the design of national ISs from the point of view of different stakeholders in healthcare.

The Notion of Accountability in the Public Sector

Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to investigate the various views, perceptions and attitudes of people with regards to the notion of accountability within the public sector with the hope of suggesting, recommending and creating knowledge base that can be utilized to enhance best accountability practices in the public sector. Players in the public sector accountability roles should be helped to take an active role in shaping the notion of accountability for public effectiveness and efficiency. The current employment accountability system is top-down and excludes players at the bottom to contribute to the formulation of accountability parameters and standards. The notion stems from the assumption that individuals in organizations are held to a certain standard of excellence, hence responsible for their actions and be answerable for the results of their actions. Implementers at the receiving end just receive parcels of finished products for implementation .This creates platforms for those in management positions to take advantage of their counter parts and abuse them in effecting accountability as a tool for control and appraisal .The current practice has opened up avenues for practice of unprofessional and the unethical practices to prevail in work places .Thus , the presentation came up with mitigatory measures to shift the current perception of accountability to a user-friendly approach that will promote unity among players and ensure quality work and service delivery in work places if adopted Material and Methods: This presentation used the qualitative survey methodology to gather data on, ‘The Notion of Accountability in Public Sector. The interpretivist approach was taken on body in this presentation. This philosophy of qualitative survey was selected for use in this presentation as it is powerful when it comes to individual in-depth interviews or questionnaires to collect analyze and interpret data on what people see, believe hear or think about the notion of accountability in the public sector. The methodology clearly reports on the meaning, perceptions, characteristics and descriptions of phenomena. Actually it was chosen for use due to its open endedness and exploratory nature which are basic fundamentals of depth research. Questionnaires were chosen for their ability to solicit definitive information without allowing chances of data ambiguity. Conversely, the interviews were taken on board in this presentation due to their upper hand in gathering qualitative thick descriptive data hence providing the researcher with the much needed data to warranty research finding generalization. The approach allowed random sampling from the study population leading to data gathering, presentation, analysis and discussions. Findings: The research findings revealed a wide range of scenario coming out of the notion of accountability in the public sector. The major finding emanates from the theory x of the trait theories where those in management view employees as naturally lazy and unwilling to do their jobs or task assignment. As such management and public in general expect employees to account for their performance so that they can be appraised where work outcomes are positive to pre-determined goals and be punished where performance fall short of set expectations and goals. Concerns and perceptions of those at the bottom who happens to account to top management are often neglected and not taken seriously leaving those who are supposed to account feeling worthless and not owning the entire process of accountability. Some of the tasks given to employees to carry out are not feasible but the door for grievance and challenge handling is closed since there is a one way information flow system which is predominantly top-down. The long chain of bureaucracy is a barrier to information communication which should be two way. Those in lower levels of management lack clarity of some specific issues but are compelled to ensure task accomplishment by those in top management who have no time and mandate to receive instruction from people at the bottom lines of the accountability chain. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The presentation recommended best accountability practices where people at the lower level of accountability are offered opportunities to contribute to the construction and formulation of accountability guidelines so that they do not become strangers in implementation of tasks meant for them so as to account. This can be achieved through making reviews on basic assumptions under pinning decision making in areas of accountability within the public sector.

Technocracy without society: a critique of nudging as an approach to managing risk

ABSTRACT This article considers the evolution of public risk management over the past half century in the United States, focusing on ‘nudging’ as a technique to manage a variety of risks – environmental, health, and financial – through shifts in individual behaviour. I argue that nudging operates according to a privatised, market-based logic of security that displaces more democratic approaches. I further show how nudging aims to go beyond the political – which is to say beyond the realm of democratic contestation over the assessment and mitigation of risk, thereby reinforcing an unsustainable view of risk management as an apolitical set of ‘best practices’. I further argue that this technocratic approach to risk has become particularly problematic amid a populist backlash against scientific expertise and elite institutions, and may even leave advanced democracies less able to manage the risks they face: the erosion of public trust in experts and government undermines both the attempt to nudge individuals towards ‘prudential’ choices and government mandates to manage risks through more aggressive regulatory means.