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1 – 10 of over 2000Melodena Stephens Balakrishnan and Immanuel Azaad Moonesar
Emiratisation, dual bottom-line, destination policy making and strategic development, ecosystem perspective and human capital.
Abstract
Subject area
Emiratisation, dual bottom-line, destination policy making and strategic development, ecosystem perspective and human capital.
Study level/applicability
This case is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying policy; strategy and human resources. Practitioners from the human resource industry, government sector and destination marketing may also benefit from the case.
Case overview
ATIC is an investment company with a dual bottom line mandate. This means besides the financial objective it has for its investors (which is largely the Government of Abu Dhabi), it must contribute to socio-economic objectives outlined by the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. For this perspective, ATIC had developed a unique approach looking at the “Ecosystem” perspective. Some key areas are destination development as an advanced technology hub and human capital development or “Emiratisation”. All these are key to long-term success of the country as the Middle East North Africa region has one of the youngest populations and an increasing unemployment rate. Most government organizations are saturated and it is vital that nationals start working and performing in the private sector. This case outlines the plans and efforts of ATIC towards those goals.
Expected learning outcomes
Management of “Emiratisation” at policy and implementation; scenario planning and strategy management especially looking at advanced technology sector; organizational values – development and implementation at recruitment and marketing; destination marketing and policy looking at the case of Abu Dhabi, stakeholder management.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the social bottom line in subsistence markets or base of the pyramid. This examination aims to suggest that social strategies for the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the social bottom line in subsistence markets or base of the pyramid. This examination aims to suggest that social strategies for the second bottom line should be focused at the community level in measurement, assessment and impact.
Design/methodology/approach
A discussion of the double bottom line is presented. Social strategies are then discussed in terms of impact assessment at the community level and an impact assessment framework is developed reflective of the subsistence marketplace perspective. Implications are discussed in terms of poverty alleviation in subsistence markets and business
Findings
This examination suggests social strategies for the second bottom line should be focused at the community level in measurement, assessment and impact. Focusing social strategies at the community level reframes the role of firms and promotes a business in service of the community approach. Assessing impact at the community level creates a long‐term sustainable focus to business in subsistence markets. This perspective is a more holistic view that incorporates the social, economic and environmental ecology of the community from a multi‐generational perspective that requires entrepreneurs to commit their life's work to developing and servicing the community they live in. Using “And beyond Africa” as a case example of the community‐level social strategy the theory and practice are integrated and the conceptual ideas can be understood as a holistic reflection of the community. Further, examining how social strategies at the community level are understood in terms of the individual and humanity level creates greater awareness of the importance of a social strategy at the community‐level. Suggesting that a social strategy focused on the community level can make the largest impact on all three levels (individual, community and humanity). By considering more than customer impact, a social strategy can look at a business's impact on the community and better understand its impact on humanity. This conclusion changes the role of the entrepreneur and business to be in the service of the community.
Originality/value
This paper develops a community‐level social strategy view to the double‐bottom line in subsistence markets or base of the pyramid.
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The financial crisis of 2007/2008 has caused many to question the basic premises of the current business system. Porter and Kramer suggest that the purpose of the corporation…
Abstract
Purpose
The financial crisis of 2007/2008 has caused many to question the basic premises of the current business system. Porter and Kramer suggest that the purpose of the corporation needs to be redefined. They posit that the corporation, rather than merely pursuing financial value creation set out to pursue shared value creation. They further declare social entrepreneurs the paragons of said shared‐value creation. The purpose of this paper is to explore that claim.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper critically analyzes the pathway of shared‐value creation in three leading social enterprises employing a genealogical perspective.
Findings
It is found that very innovative shared‐value creating ventures opted out of balance‐oriented, shared‐value creation strategies and embraced either financial or social‐value primacy strategies over time. The findings thus question the power of the shared‐value creation notion when viewed as balance orientation.
Originality/value
The paper presents a new concept, a new methodology, and interesting case studies.
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Kyleen K. Myrah and Tina L. Odinsky‐Zec
Both social entrepreneurship (SE) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are explored as parts of the contemporary movement toward sustainable business practices. In…
Abstract
Purpose
Both social entrepreneurship (SE) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are explored as parts of the contemporary movement toward sustainable business practices. In particular, this paper aims to address some of the confusion with the emerging field of SE through an exploration of theoretical models and practical applications across contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
This article reviews an array of research that has focused on defining a continuum of social mandate across the for‐profit to non‐profit arenas. It further experiments with plotting examples from North America (Canada) and Europe (Croatia) to test the models' practical value.
Findings
There are many gradations but the basic elements of intention and implementation along the lines of double (mission and money) and triple (people, planet, profit) bottom lines are converging. As the SE movement gains momentum across the world both experts and those new to the field are in search of a common tool to aid in consensus building and development across borders and sectors.
Research limitations/implications
The V formation model emphasizes the importance of the starting point of a social organization in terms of whether it is rooted in charitable or business practices, before allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the depth and intensity of its commitments to balance at the V‐Point of symmetry.
Originality/value
The authors present their own conceptual model with ten mini case studies presenting a diverse spectrum of SE activity that supports an inclusive rather than exclusive view of the present and future of both social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
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The purpose of this article is to systematically review extant research on the corporate governance (CG) of microfinance institutions (MFIs) from a global perspective. In the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to systematically review extant research on the corporate governance (CG) of microfinance institutions (MFIs) from a global perspective. In the process, it discusses scholarly contributions and highlights key issues from the findings of past studies on several governance attributes, in particular, their interconnections and influence on different institutional outcomes of the sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Although academic work on microfinance governance is substantial, prior studies lack a comprehensive approach to reviewing the literature on this topic. We adopted a systematic method to review past studies on microfinance CG by applying particular inclusion and exclusion criteria. In this regard, the study developed specific questions and sought to find their answers from the existing literature.
Findings
The findings from our research indicate that microfinance governance-performance relationship is the central focus of the majority of our reviewed papers, although a few attempts have been made to explain the interconnection between CG mechanisms at the firm and institutional level. Our findings also show that existing studies have used a variety of techniques to measure MFI performance vis-à-vis their hybrid mission, such as profitability and outreach. Moreover, the study found that common topics discussed in the mainstream literature include board structure, CEO characteristics, audit quality, external governance, disclosure and MFI ownership type.
Research limitations/implications
This review has some limitations that warrant further research. First, we considered only peer-reviewed scientific publications for our systematic review. Second, we omitted non-English journal papers from our sample. In light of these limitations, we provide some future research directions that may shed further light on our current inquiry.
Originality/value
This paper evaluates past relevant studies using a systematic approach (in preference to the commonly used narrative approach) for a span of over eighteen years; thereby contributing significantly to the sectoral governance literature. This study is novel in that it offers new incentives and opportunities for further research in order to meet the shortcomings of reviewed papers from various theoretical, empirical, methodological and geographical standpoints.
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George Thomas Solomon, Nawaf Alabduljader and Ravi S. Ramani
Social entrepreneurship courses are among the fastest growing category of course offerings to entrepreneurship students (Brock and Kim, 2011) because both high growth potential…
Abstract
Purpose
Social entrepreneurship courses are among the fastest growing category of course offerings to entrepreneurship students (Brock and Kim, 2011) because both high growth potential- and steady growth-social ventures can create value and help solve social issues effectively and efficiently. As knowledge disseminators, entrepreneurship educators are in prime position to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities of students, which, in turn, increases their intentions to start a social venture and their ability to manage and grow their venture. Students gain an understanding about the role of entrepreneurship in addressing social opportunities, as well as knowledge related to starting, managing and growing social entrepreneurship ventures. This paper is divided into three parts. First, the authors broadly discuss the concept of social entrepreneurship. Second, the authors present an overview of the field of social entrepreneurship education (SEE) and its evolution. Finally, the authors supplement this review with an analytical examination of SEE, in which the authors present results of a cross-country analysis survey of over 200 entrepreneurship education programs in the USA and Canada. This paper aims to present information about: student enrollment in social entrepreneurship courses in comparison to other entrepreneurship courses; the frequency of offering social entrepreneurship courses and programs compared to other entrepreneurship courses and programs; and future trends in SEE. The results revealed a strong demand for social entrepreneurship from students, room for improvement in terms of the supply of course offerings, and a strong belief in the continued growth of social entrepreneurship. The authors conclude with suggestions about the future of SEE.
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis of secondary data derived from the oldest and most-frequently cited sources regarding entrepreneurship education in the USA and a novel data set examining entrepreneurship education in Canada. Both data sets were collected using an online self-report survey.
Findings
Demand for SEE continues to rise in both the USA and Canada. However, course and program offerings have not kept pace. Prominent trends in social entrepreneurship such as cross-campus programs and addressing the evolving demographics of students in higher education institutions need more attention.
Originality/value
A cross-cultural study of SEE that provides a high-level view of the state of the field today. In addition, the paper outlines the potential of the field of knowledge management for the future of SEE.
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Drawing on agency theory and resource dependence theory, the study aims to link board demographic diversity and independence to corporate social performance.
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on agency theory and resource dependence theory, the study aims to link board demographic diversity and independence to corporate social performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from various sources for a sample of 475 publicly traded Fortune 500 companies between the years 2007 and 2008.
Findings
It is found that board gender diversity is positively related to institutional and technical strength ratings, while board racial diversity is positively related to institutional strength rating only. Both the proportion of outside directors and CEO non‐duality were negatively associated with institutional and technical weakness ratings.
Research limitations/implications
The sample was predominantly large, publicly traded national and international corporations, which might limit the generalizability of the findings.
Practical implications
Management personnel should be cognizant of how board configurations and leadership structure may influence their corporate reputation for social responsibility. Efforts should be made to foster a group dynamic that is conducive to effective board functioning.
Originality/value
Few empirical studies have examined the relationship between board characteristics and corporate social performance. This study contributes to the literature by examining such associations.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine whether capital structure matters for earnings management of microfinance institutions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether capital structure matters for earnings management of microfinance institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical study is conducted using a sample of 575 MFIs over 2007 to 2015, we determined in the first step the discretionary part of provision for loan impairment. In the second step, we examine the effect of debt and donated equity on discretionary provision for loan impairment.
Findings
We found robust evidence that MFIs manage their earnings for external finance purposes. Debt exhibits a negative effect on earnings management for both profit and nonprofit MFIs. However, donated equity incites managers of MFIs to engage this practice in nonprofit MFIs.
Practical implications
Findings could be valuable to fund providers and investors who should consider accounting information quality in order to reach a better investment decision.
Originality/value
This paper is among the few to explore earnings management motivation of MFIs and to determine the role of external financing on earnings management practice.
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Sai Mohini M and Lavanya Vilvanathan
The study aims to focus on data envelopment analysis for assessing the microfinance institutions (MFIs) efficiency over the footings of its undesirable output, i.e. non-performing…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to focus on data envelopment analysis for assessing the microfinance institutions (MFIs) efficiency over the footings of its undesirable output, i.e. non-performing loans (NPLs). The attention is not only to evaluate the efficiency but also to identify the variable wise inefficiencies incorporating the quality of the portfolio.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper assessed MFI efficiency using three different methods of treatment of undesirable output to portray the significant difference. It also has used an advanced methodological model, i.e. weighted Russell directional distance model (WRDDM), under the non-radial assumption that allowed us to find the variable-wise inefficiency contribution. The study also investigated the efficiency differences concerning ownership, including all sizes of MFIs.
Findings
The study findings evidence the fall in efficiency score as NPL integrated, and it is found to be statistically significant. In the context of inefficiency assessment, among all input and output variables, total employees and operating expenses, portfolio quality inefficiencies are the leading causes of MFI inefficiencies. Undesirable output inefficiency accounts for almost one-third part of the total inefficiencies and remaining due to input inefficiencies. It is significant to draw attention that there is no improvement in undesirable output inefficiency. By contrast, input inefficiencies retained gains for two years and gradually showed a decreasing trend throughout 2015–2017.
Research limitations/implications
The authors have used balanced panel data of 72 Indian MFIs for five years' period from 2013–2017 whose complete data were available in the Microfinance Information Exchange.
Practical implications
The paper has focused on identifying the inefficiencies that are needed to be focused on to attain efficiency. It could provide vital information to the managers, policymakers in identifying the causes of inefficiencies, which is crucial to improve for long-term sustainability. It will be a roadmap for benchmarking, strategy building and policy-making processes.
Social implications
The findings of the study help in finding the benchmarking information for the inefficient decision-making units to identify the target units that need particular attention to focus. These practices could give a positive outcome, not only for institutions but also for the MFI clients.
Originality/value
The study provides an insight in to variable-wise inefficiency measurement using advanced model WRDDM in Indian context MFIs.
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Carlo Borzaga and Giulia Galera
This article has two objectives: to clarify the organizational and managerial differences between social entrepreneurship and social enterprises and to investigate the role of…
Abstract
This article has two objectives: to clarify the organizational and managerial differences between social entrepreneurship and social enterprises and to investigate the role of social enterprises and their impacts on the welfare systems of European countries. The authors describe social entrepreneurship as a trend across all forms of enterprises and social enterprise as the institutionalization of a new typology that is distinguished by specific features from its inception. By relying on a theoretical analysis, the article supports the interpretation of social enterprise as an innovative institutional tool that can have a role in supporting growth and welfare. The essential features of social enterprise, which justify their competitiveness vis-à-vis public and for-profit organizations in the production and delivery of general-interest services, are thoroughly investigated. The article sheds light on the contribution of social enterprises to reforming and democratizing the traditional European welfare systems, which – since the 1980s – have revealed their inability to distribute welfare services inclusively and cope with the growing phenomena of poverty and inequalities.
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