Emerald | Journal of Global Responsibility | Table of Contents

Cultural dislocation: finding intercultural possibilities in exile

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Christopher J. Kazanjian) — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the ontology of the exile and its implications for intellectuals, educators, and those seeking greater intercultural understandings. Culture to these scholars of exile becomes problematized as they feel a sense of estrangement to all cultures. Design/methodology/approach – The paper acts as a review of literature from published scholars who have been lived a great deal of their life in exile. Findings – Ultimately the paper suggests that educators and intellectuals can learn a great deal from the intellect of the exile, as they live culturally displaced and forge new intercultural understandings. Originality/value – This paper offers intellectuals and educators a new perception for engaging a transmigrating world.

Business education and spirituality – the MBA with no greed

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Elizabeth More, Ekaterina Todarello) — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – Business schools increasingly have come into the spotlight following a range of corporate scandals, challenged to find a new approach to business education that goes beyond financial bottom lines, and results in the responsible corporate leadership. This article seeks to address the area of “how a Catholic university deepens and revitalises its culture and institutionalises its mission and identity in business education.” It aims to do so by focussing on the marketing for and nature of the student body in a postgraduate Master of Business Administration (Executive) (MBAE) program offered intensively by the Australian Catholic University, through an analysis of scholarship applications. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study used latent coding which reflected its interpretative nature and was based on the classic content analysis sensitive not only to the explicit, manifest content, but also to the implicit, not obviously present content. To arrive at a trustworthy interpretation of the latent content, the method required familiarity with the contexts of the researched. In the case of the study, the analysed applications of the scholarships were placed in the larger context of the in-depth interviews with the prospective students. As a result, a number of themes were induced from these texts. Findings – The findings demonstrate that candidates enter the program with a balance of self and social interest, and a different focus of self-interest, moving beyond negative greed as excessive materialism or career pursuit for money's sake. There emerged a picture of the MBAE applicant as a caring and skilled global citizen, wishing to make a positive difference to society and characterised by a sense of humility, a heightened sense of awareness, personal transformation and a sense of interconnectedness with others. Originality/value – This small study and approach suggests that individuals are seeking more meaning not only in their workplaces, but also from their business education. It depicts the intent of the Business Faculty staff to move beyond the cultural biases of self-centred and unrestrained individualism in order that a sole self-interest is transcended into benefits for the organisation and broader society, including the sustainability of the natural world.

Corporate volunteering – an analysis of volunteers' motivations and demographics

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Ana Cláudia Nave, Arminda do Paço) — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – Given the current importance of corporate social responsibility, this research is designed to discover the motivations that lead employees to agree to participate in the corporate volunteering activities promoted by their companies and to understand whether demographic variables such as gender and age have an influence on different types of motivations. Design/methodology/approach – This research had the collaboration of a company to develop the case study about its volunteering programme and for the collection of data through an electronic questionnaire. Findings – The variables related with the factor values were identified as the most important motivational category for people to engage in volunteering, which shows that what these volunteers want is to contribute to the success of the event and the respective social cause. On the other hand, the motivational category related with career was considered the less important. Practical implications – The participation in volunteering activities enable employees to broaden their communication skills, increase their aptitude for helping others, adapting, negotiating and working as a team, while also increasing their confidence, creativity, leadership capacity, their desire for continuing improvement and their problem-solving skills. Originality/value – A great part of existing research is focused on the motivations of “conventional” volunteers which collaborate occasionally with nonprofit organizations. Thus, the present study will expand the research in the area of corporate volunteering, contributing to a better understanding of what really motivates employees to volunteer.

Salience and corporate responsibility towards natural environment and financial performance of Indian manufacturing firms

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Supriti Mishra, Damodar Suar) — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine whether salience towards natural environment influences the corporate responsibility towards natural environment. It further aims to test whether the corporate responsibility towards environment impacts the financial performance of firms. Design/methodology/approach – The sample comprises 150 listed and non-listed Indian manufacturing companies. Salience and corporate responsibility towards environment were assessed with the help of standard instruments and the data on financial performance of companies were procured from secondary sources. The study used hybrid models to analyze the data. In the measurement model, the convergent validity of salience and corporate responsibility towards natural environment were ascertained through confirmatory factor analysis. In the structural model, the hypotheses were tested. Findings – Controlling the confounding effects of listing status of companies in stock exchanges, findings suggest that higher the salience of the environment, the more favorable is the corporate responsibility towards the environment. The favorable corporate responsibility towards environment increases the financial performance of firms. Practical implications – By according salience to the natural environment and adopting responsible environment practices, Indian companies can improve their financial performance. Originality/value – This study is the first of its kind in India to establish the link among salience of natural environment, corporate responsibility towards natural environment, and financial performance of firms. It reveals that salience accorded to natural environment leads to responsible business practices with respect to the environment that boosts the bottom line of firms.

Using Global Reporting Initiative indicators for CSR programs

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Kathleen Wilburn, Ralph Wilburn) — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose that the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI?) reporting guidelines, specifically its performance indicators, can be used to help a company create ethical corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies and to also help stakeholder groups evaluate how much of a company's CSR initiative truly means the stakeholder definition CSR and how much is merely philanthropy or marketing. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the GRI reporting guidelines for applicability to CSR principles, and explains the key elements of the economic, environmental, social, society, and product responsibility performance indicators. Findings – Examples of how companies have used the indicators to report data on GRI's website are provided as evidence that the distinctions made by the performance indicators indicate levels of adherence to CSR principles. Originality/value – Given the increased demand for accountability for the actions of companies toward their stakeholders, particularly the environment, using the GRI's performance indicators can continue dialogue on how CSR programs are evaluated by the ethics community, the public, and business.

Factors influencing the implementation of clean energy interventions in low-income urban communities in South Africa

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to identify the key factors that influence the successful implementation of clean energy interventions in low-income urban communities in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – The study took the form of three phases: an explorative, primary data-gathering process through semi-structured interviews where secondary data were made available by respondents in the form of official project reports; data analysis of the primary qualitative, explorative, semi-structured interview data and the secondary documentary data obtained with consent; and identifying and describing the key factors which influence the implementation of clean energy interventions in low income-urban communities. Findings – The results indicated that although many important factors were identified throughout this research, the ultimate success of the implementation of clean energy interventions in these communities lies not only in the clean energy interventions themselves, but rather hinges on nine key factors: project planning and development; community participation; community employment; political buy-in; communication and engagement; beneficiary criteria; installation and maintenance; project management; and technology and suppliers. Originality/value – The findings from this study provide useful insights to all stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of clean energy interventions in low-income urban communities.

The current state of female leadership in the United Arab Emirates

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to research the state of affairs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the presence (or absence) of women in senior business leadership positions, and to investigate where they are located within organizations (e.g. board members, chief officers, vice presidents, top management, division or unit heads). Design/methodology/approach – This is a quantitative gender analysis of 954 organizations; based on data available from the Zawya database that tracks information about public and private companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Findings – Women are still underrepresented in senior company and top department leadership positions, however, they are found slightly (but not significantly) more in departmental leadership, pseudo services and hospitality industries, and in smaller and public companies. Research limitations/implications – The database utilized did not contain completed company data; specifically any response variable; hence, the study was descriptive in nature and lacked advanced statistical techniques for comparison and relationship analysis. Practical implications – This study provides helpful insights for government leaders, as well as educators, and scholars, who work to help prepare women for leadership in this region. For business practitioners, the presence and development of female business leaders extends choice and increases value in the human resource pool. Social implications – The authors believe that it is important that UAE females take up roles in both the public and private sector so they can become more effective role models to a rising generation of female workers. Originality/value – This is one of the first scholarly studies conducted on the presence of women leaders in various sectors within the UAE.

The impact of shareholders' types on corporate social responsibility: evidence from Japanese firms

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Eri Nakamura) — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to use an empirical model to investigate the effects of eight types of shareholders on corporate social responsibility (CSR) investments in terms of the monetary amount and ratio of each investment. Design/methodology/approach – Cross-sectional data obtained from Japanese companies in 2010 were used and three equations were estimated which reflect the effects of various shareholders on three types of CSR using ordinary least squares (OLS). Findings – The study finds that the effects of shareholders on CSR investment are different depending on shareholder types. Investment funds and top management shareholders decrease each CSR investment, while the government, foreign companies and individuals, financial institutions, brokerages, and domestic companies and individuals increase CSR investments. Moreover, different shareholder types are interested in different CSR. Most shareholders are concerned with environmental policies, while foreign shareholders are also concerned with work-life balance policies. Investment funds shareholders pay attention to all kinds of CSR. In addition, most outside shareholders are only concerned about individual CSR investments rather than a company's entire CSR resource allocation strategy. Originality/value – This study empirically analyzes various types of shareholders, determining which hypothesis is valid and what type of shareholder increases or decreases CSR investment. This study considers shareholders' effects not only on each CSR action, but also in terms of an overall CSR strategy. This study provides guidance for managers that they should take into account in order to respond to each type of shareholder when they make decisions on CSR.

Are the science and the politics going in different directions?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Grant Jones) — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100