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Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Maria Felice Arezzo, Colin C. Williams, Ioana Alexandra Horodnic and Giuseppina Guagnano

The aim of this paper is to evaluate whether the acceptability of different types of business- and individual-level non-compliance has different impacts on the likelihood of…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate whether the acceptability of different types of business- and individual-level non-compliance has different impacts on the likelihood of participation in undeclared work.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate this, data is reported on the EU27 and the UK from the special Eurobarometer survey no. 498, using a novel statistical methodology that deals with two potential sources of bias: sample selection error (avoidance to answer to the question about participation to undeclared work) and misclassification in the response variable (false statements about engagement in undeclared work).

Findings

This reveals the association between tax morale and participation in undeclared work. It shows that citizens find far more unacceptable undeclared work conducted by firms than individuals, but both are significantly associated with participation in undeclared work although the greatest effect is clearly exerted by individual-level tax morale.

Originality/value

This paper uses a methodology that accounts for the potential bias related to sample selection error and misclassification in the response variable of participation in undeclared work and sheds light on different components of tax morale.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 44 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2023

Donald R. McClure, Anne-Lise Halvorsen and Daniel J. Thomas III

This study explores the value of sports films for engaging youth in issues related to patriotism, justice, equity and liberty. The authors analyze how two sports films, 42 and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the value of sports films for engaging youth in issues related to patriotism, justice, equity and liberty. The authors analyze how two sports films, 42 and Battle of the Sexes, have pedagogical potential and value in secondary social studies methods classes, as well as what criteria educators might use when selecting films (and television series) for classroom use.

Design/methodology/approach

Using content analysis, the authors respond to the following questions: (1) What critical themes related to civic education surface in the sports films 42 and Battle of the Sexes? and (2) What framework might guide the use of selecting sports films and sports film clips for educators' civic educational use?

Findings

Five themes surfaced in the films 42 and Battle of the Sexes: economics as a force for social change; racism and anti-Blackness, athletes as more than athletes, resisting oppression, and sexism and homophobia. Instruction related to these themes has the potential to engage students in critical, awareness-based approaches to civic education.

Originality/value

Sports films show promise for engaging youth due to their interests in the medium of film and in sports, both as participants and spectators. Across the world, athletes face questions and issues related to patriotism, justice, equity and liberty on courts, fields, tracks and rinks, These questions and issues are deeply embedded in civic education. This study is among the first of its kind to explore the pedagogical potential of sports films.

Details

Social Studies Research and Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1933-5415

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 May 2023

Hazwan Haini, Roslee Baha and Pang Wei Loon

This study examines the interconnected effects of formal, informal, environmental and skill-based institutional barriers on firm performance. The Economic Community of West…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the interconnected effects of formal, informal, environmental and skill-based institutional barriers on firm performance. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region has implemented various reforms and policy initiatives to support small businesses yet are unsuccessful as formal institutional framework and governance remains a challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a sample of 3,515 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the ECOWAS and a two-stage instrumental variable approach to control for endogeneity. Additionally, the authors check for robustness using various measures of firm performance such as profitability, productivity and export intensity.

Findings

The authors confirm that formal institutions are insignificant for firm profitability and productivity, whilst reducing informal, environmental and skill-based institutional barriers are associated with firm performance. However, when barriers to informal, environmental and skill-based institutions are at the lowest, formal institutions are associated with firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation lies in the policy implications. Informal institutions come into play when formal institutions are weak. However, informal practices must be addressed in the form of formal enforcement. This leads to a conundrum.

Practical implications

Policymakers should continue to market-supporting institutions and a conducive business environment to complement the formal institutional framework.

Originality/value

This study provides new empirical evidence on how institutional quality affects firm performance by examining whether other institutional factors, such as the informal, environmental and skill-based institutional barriers, can moderate this effect.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 43 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2023

Afshin Omidi and Cinzia Dal Zotto

Online collaboration software (OCS), such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, has become widespread among news organizations as these tools help news workers collaborate across…

Abstract

Purpose

Online collaboration software (OCS), such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, has become widespread among news organizations as these tools help news workers collaborate across different locations and make communication more efficient inside newsrooms. While such technologies are increasingly employed as teamwork productivity boosters, the authors’ knowledge of their potential role in shaping control mechanisms and power dynamics within news work is limited. This paper addresses how different types of control may emerge within virtual newsrooms being operated by OCS. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs an interview-based qualitative method and provides evidence gathered from 20 interviews with digital journalists and media managers representing 11 online news media in Switzerland.

Findings

The findings reveal how OCS could lead to various control mechanisms in the workplace by directing, evaluating and disciplining journalists in specific ways. This study suggests that while OCS can be valuable in boosting collaborations among news staff, it might create a situation where journalists are less able to focus on their work and creative activities. Most importantly, OCS bolsters an “always-on” work culture in news media and removes obstacles for employers and managers to invade journalists' space, time and mind.

Originality/value

By focusing on three aspects of control mechanisms, including direction, evaluation and discipline, this paper contributes to a better understanding of the role of OCS in shaping control and power dynamics within news media organizations.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 43 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2022

Hazwan Haini, Yazid Abdullahi Abubakar and Pang Wei Loon

This study examines whether institutional quality affects the relationship between income inequality and entrepreneurial activity. The authors specifically examine whether the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines whether institutional quality affects the relationship between income inequality and entrepreneurial activity. The authors specifically examine whether the greasing or sanding effect holds for the relationship between income inequality and entrepreneurship, while moderating for institutional quality. The greasing effects suggest that income inequality can promote entrepreneurial activity, while the sanding effects disincentivise it.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine this relationship using a sample of 100 advanced and developing countries from 2006 to 2018 using a dynamic panel estimator to control endogeneity and simultaneity. Additionally, the authors include an interaction term to estimate the marginal effects of income inequality, while moderating for institutional quality. Furthermore, the authors differentiate between six measures of institutional quality.

Findings

Overall, the authors find that institutional quality and income inequality have a positive and significant impact on entrepreneurial activity. However, when moderating for institutional quality, the findings show that the marginal impact of income inequality is negative for countries with low levels of institutional quality. The authors show that the rule of law and government effectiveness are effective moderators in terms of magnitude. Furthermore, the authors find that the sanding effect of income inequality is observed in developing economies, even when moderating for institutional quality.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation lies in the estimation of entrepreneurial activity, which is measured using new business formation. While this is commonly used, it focuses on formal entrepreneurial activities and overlooks the informal economy.

Originality/value

This study provides new empirical evidence on whether institutional quality can moderate and explain the puzzling link between entrepreneurial activity and income inequality.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 43 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Ian Pepper, Colin Rogers, James Turner, Nick Louis and Bronwen Williams

This paper aims to explore perceptions and provides insights, from students who volunteer in policing whilst also studying the college of policing licenced professional policing…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore perceptions and provides insights, from students who volunteer in policing whilst also studying the college of policing licenced professional policing degree (PPD) in Wales. It examines issues that act as enablers and blockers to volunteering in this public service, which also provides opportunities to develop their employability towards the careers to which they aspire. The paper provides insights from students and makes recommendations of interest to multiple stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally and internationally regarding attracting and recruiting volunteers.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups were conducted with students at three separate universities in the South and West of Wales. These undergraduate students were volunteers in different police forces and agreed to take part in connection with their experiences. The results were analysed using NVivo to establish commonalities.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights concerning the issues surrounding the way those undergoing the process for recruitment as volunteers within policing are either hindered (blocked) or assisted (enabled). It identifies specific problematic areas as well as areas which have been of assistance. Policy makers, educators and recruiters should be aware of such blockers and enablers when considering adopting volunteering as an opportunity to enhance student employability. It also has resonance for other forms of volunteering in alternate public services.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to those volunteers who are undertaking the licenced PPD at three separate universities in Wales. Although the research adds to the broader evidence-base with regards to volunteering and its use to enhance employability.

Practical implications

The paper includes practical implications for multiple stakeholders including university programme educators, administrators and decision makers in policing with regards to volunteering, employability, programme structures and process management.

Originality/value

The research is based upon the experiences and perceptions of those individuals who are actually engaged in volunteering.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2023

Antonio Williams and Zack Paul Pedersen

Branded merchandise and licensed apparel comprise a substantial portion of revenue for many organizations and public figures that choose to employ such an endeavor. Endorsement…

Abstract

Purpose

Branded merchandise and licensed apparel comprise a substantial portion of revenue for many organizations and public figures that choose to employ such an endeavor. Endorsement deals with apparel manufacturers have historically been utilized for athletes looking to supplement their salaries and establish greater brand awareness. However, as some athletes establish ownership of their logo and become less reliant on companies such as Nike and Adidas for merchandise distribution, assessing the influence of various entity's logos on the athlete brand has become worthy of analysis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence that cobranded merchandise has on consumers when the athlete logo is displayed next to another team or manufacturer logo.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online panel and survey, a final sample of 127 participants completed a questionnaire to examine their attitudes towards various athlete brand elements. ANCOVA's and MANCOVA's were utilized to assess significant findings, holding the variable of identification constant.

Findings

The results revealed that only the perceptions of merchandise quality significantly varied between an athlete brand and an apparel manufacturer (i.e. Nike) co-brand. The findings indicate that athletes should look to co-brand with high brand awareness manufacturers, and that there is no significant difference between consumers' perceptions of athlete brands when co-branding with team brands.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to evaluate the relationship between the athlete brand and external entities from a consumer perspective.

Details

Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-678X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2022

Colin Michael Hall, Siamak Seyfi and Sara Naderi Koupaei

The 2030 Agenda provides the normative framework for much contemporary thinking on sustainable tourism. This viewpoint paper aims to discuss the inherently political nature of the…

Abstract

Purpose

The 2030 Agenda provides the normative framework for much contemporary thinking on sustainable tourism. This viewpoint paper aims to discuss the inherently political nature of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the implications for tourism and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a paper that highlights the political dimensions of positioning tourism within the SDGs.

Findings

This paper highlights continuing challenges in the broader politics of sustainable development in terms of the development of the 2030 Agenda and its implementation. It finds that the SDGs function as a form of metagovernance for sustainable development and sustainable tourism in particular.

Originality/value

This paper reinforces the importance of understanding the politics of the 2030 Agenda by locating sustainable tourism and the SDGs in the broader political context and the significance of metagovernance. In so doing, this paper contributes to continued theoretical debates on the framing of sustainable tourism that are key to understanding the politics of sustainable development and the winners and losers in the politics of tourism.

目的 

《2030议程》为关于可持续旅游业的许多当代思考提供了规范的框架。 该观点论文讨论了可持续发展目标(SDGs)固有的政治属性以及对旅游业和可持续性的影响。

设计/方法 

本文强调了在可持续发展目标中定位旅游业的政治维度。

研究发现 

本文强调了在制定《2030议程》及其实施层面, 可持续发展会在更广泛的政治维度遇到持续的挑战。它还强调了可持续发展目标在可持续发展和可持续旅游业方面作为一种元治理形式的作用。

原创性/价值 

本文通过将可持续旅游业置于更广泛的政治背景下, 强化了理解《2030议程》的政治和元治理的重要性。通过这种方式, 本文在关于构建可持续旅游业框架、持续性理论辩论的问题上做出贡献, 这些问题对于理解可持续发展政治以及旅游政治中赢家和输家至关重要。

Propósito 

la Agenda 2030 constituye el marco normativo para gran parte del pensamiento contemporáneo sobre el turismo sostenible. Este artículo de opinión analiza la naturaleza intrínsecamente política de los ODS y sus implicaciones para el turismo y la sostenibilidad. 

Diseño/metodología/enfoque 

este artículo destaca las dimensiones políticas del posicionamiento del turismo dentro de los ODS.

Resultados 

este artículo pone de relieve los continuos desafíos en la política más amplia del desarrollo sostenible en términos de la evolución de la Agenda 2030 y su implementación. Destaca que los ODS funcionan como una forma de metagobernanza, en particular, para el desarrollo y el turismo sostenibles.

Originalidad/valor 

este artículo refuerza la importancia de comprender las políticas de la Agenda 2030 al situar el turismo sostenible y los ODS en un contexto político más amplio y la importancia de la metagobernanza. Al hacerlo, este artículo contribuye a los continuos debates teóricos sobre el marco del turismo sostenible que son clave para comprender las políticas del desarrollo sostenible, y los ganadores y los perdedores en las políticas de turismo.

Article
Publication date: 3 November 2021

Richard Ohene Asiedu, Patrick Manu, Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu, Colin Anthony Booth, Paul Olomolaiye, Kofi Agyekum and Mohamed Abadi

Effective procurement of infrastructure is partly dependent on infrastructure procurement personnel having the skills that are important for the discharge of their role…

Abstract

Purpose

Effective procurement of infrastructure is partly dependent on infrastructure procurement personnel having the skills that are important for the discharge of their role. Addressing the infrastructure deficits in developing countries, therefore, calls for an understanding of the skills that are important for the discharge of the roles of public personnel that are involved in infrastructure procurement. This study aims to investigate these skills from the perspective of public infrastructure procurement personnel in the sub-Saharan African region.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey of procurement personnel yielded 590 useable responses, which were analysed using t-tests and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

Findings

EFA established eight key components of important infrastructure procurement skills to include skills related to: project success factors; social and environmental sustainability; marketing and e-procurement; project phase management, the application of procurement laws and procedures; soft skills, ICT and communication; and data analysis and team building.

Originality/value

The findings are crucial in developing infrastructure procurement capacity building programmes that would be appropriate for infrastructure procurement personnel in developing country contexts. Infrastructure procurement personnel ought to engage more in capacity development training that is aligned to enhancing skills within the eight components.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Athletic Activism
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-203-4

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