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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 29 July 2022

Herman Aksom

Once introduced and conceptualized as a factor that causes erosion and decay of social institutions and subsequent deinstitutionalization, the notion of entropy is at odds with…

Abstract

Purpose

Once introduced and conceptualized as a factor that causes erosion and decay of social institutions and subsequent deinstitutionalization, the notion of entropy is at odds with predictions of institutional isomorphism and seems to directly contradict the tendency toward ever-increasing institutionalization. The purpose of this paper is to offer a resolution of this theoretical inconsistency by revisiting the meaning of entropy and reconceptualizing institutionalization from an information-theoretic point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a theoretical paper that offers an information perspective on institutionalization.

Findings

A mistaken understanding of the nature and role of entropy in the institutional theory is caused by conceptualizing it as a force that counteracts institutional tendencies and acts in opposite direction. Once institutionalization and homogeneity are seen as a product of natural tendencies in the organizational field, the role of entropy becomes clear. Entropy manifests itself at the level of information processing and corresponds with increasing uncertainty and the decrease of the value of information. Institutionalization thus can be seen as a special case of an increase in entropy and a decrease of knowledge. Institutionalization is a state of maximum entropy.

Originality/value

It is explained why institutionalization and institutional persistence are what to be expected in the long run and why information entropy contributes to this tendency. Contrary to the tenets of the institutional work perspective, no intentional efforts of individuals and collective actors are needed to maintain institutions. In this respect, the paper contributes to the view of institutional theory as a theory of self-organization.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 31 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1989

Anghel N. Rugina

There is a double crisis in modern science and in particular inphysics and mechanics. Among others Einstein and Stephane Lupasco, inthe 1930s, warned about this crisis. The…

1985

Abstract

There is a double crisis in modern science and in particular in physics and mechanics. Among others Einstein and Stephane Lupasco, in the 1930s, warned about this crisis. The Quantum Theory cannot be reconciled with the Relativity Theory. Specifically there is a gap (cleavage) between micro – and macro‐physics and mechanics. Parallel or beneath there is also a second crisis derived from a discontinuity (again a cleavage) between classical and modern science, that is between two previous revolutions. A new research programme of a simultaneous equilibrium versus disequilibrium approach, initially applied in economics has now been extended to include natural sciences. It is the question of a new, more comprehensive methodology which is actually a sui generis synthesis between classical and modern heritage. The rigorous application of the new research programme leads to the organisation of an Orientation Table, that is, a methodological map of all possible combinations (systems). The Table shows, without any exaggeration, a few revolutionary results. For instance, with the help of the Table, modern science or the second revolution (Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg) does not appear contradictory but rather complementary to classical science or the first revolution (Newton, Lavoisier). The Kuhnian thesis to the contrary is disproved and the second crisis is solved. With the help of the Universal Hypothesis of Duality (the basis of the Orientation Table), matter and energy, at the micro – and macro‐level, appear in a double form (the Principle of Duality): stable (equilibrium) particles and unstable (disequilibrium) waves. The strong interactions from modern physics are associated with the law of gravitation (attraction) or stable equilibrium which governs stable matter and energy. The weak interactions are associated with the law of disgravitation (dispersion or repulsion) including entropy or unstable equilibrium which governs unstable matter and energy. In this way the first crisis is also solved.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2009

Valentin Cojanu

This paper aims to tackle in turn the merits and limits of Nicholas Georgescu‐Roegen's entropic model, as well as its implications for the methodological discourse in economics…

494

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to tackle in turn the merits and limits of Nicholas Georgescu‐Roegen's entropic model, as well as its implications for the methodological discourse in economics. This appraisal of the Georgescu‐Roegen's work emphasizes the emergence of the entropic nature of the economic processes as a paradigm à la Kuhn of explanation in social economics.

Design/methodology/approach

This work provides a critical assessment of the entropic model's main conceptual pillars, namely the role of mathematical formalism and the natural imagery of irreversibility. This discussion takes them in turn and develops a critique from a methodological point of view.

Findings

The focus of this work is that the proposed epistemological reconstruction of economics is vulnerable to attacks from two methodological objections. The first deals with the change of metaphor from the “pendulum” of mechanics to the “hourglass” of thermodynamics. The second refers to the changes this replacement of metaphors brings about as to the relevance of the formalism of the discipline.

Originality/value

This material has gathered arguments to show that the intellectual concurrence of the arguments onto the field of physics makes the methodological value of the new paradigm of entropy not transcend into a new logic of reasoning in economics. The limits of this approach stems from the same rationale for which it has got its revolutionary stature: what it proposes consists of a scientific discourse based on a mixture of evolutionary biology, economics and thermodynamics, which may open up new original and insightful perspectives, but which has never been justified on terms of economic nature alone.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 December 2018

Khuram Ali Khan, Tasadduq Niaz, Đilda Pečarić and Josip Pečarić

In this work, we estimated the different entropies like Shannon entropy, Rényi divergences, Csiszár divergence by using Jensen’s type functionals. The Zipf’s–Mandelbrot law and…

Abstract

In this work, we estimated the different entropies like Shannon entropy, Rényi divergences, Csiszár divergence by using Jensen’s type functionals. The Zipf’s–Mandelbrot law and hybrid Zipf’s–Mandelbrot law are used to estimate the Shannon entropy. The Abel–Gontscharoff Green functions and Fink’s Identity are used to construct new inequalities and generalized them for m-convex function.

Details

Arab Journal of Mathematical Sciences, vol. 26 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1319-5166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2000

Anghel N. Rugina

Attempts to prove, in this second chapter of the author’s monograph, that with a new research programme, it is possible to build a methodological bridge between economics and all…

4020

Abstract

Attempts to prove, in this second chapter of the author’s monograph, that with a new research programme, it is possible to build a methodological bridge between economics and all other natural sciences and the scientists should address this challenge. Reviews basic principles that govern nature, including Einstein’s findings along with such luminaries as Copernicus, Newton, Galileo and Jeans. Concludes that the future is safe, as a new generation of scientists is now emerging in the East and the West, and that the new methodology should provide enough space for new roads, ideas and interpretations, which may occur in the future. Closes by saying a new spirit should be initiated in economics and transplanted into natural sciences.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 27 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 8 August 2006

G.A. Swanson

From time to time, it proves useful to theorists of advancing disciplines to consider how ideas developing in related disciplines might provide insights into their own…

Abstract

From time to time, it proves useful to theorists of advancing disciplines to consider how ideas developing in related disciplines might provide insights into their own progression. Environmental accounting and the systems sciences are parallel developments of the past half-century. The purpose of this article is to introduce certain ideas that are maturing in the systems sciences for consideration by environmental accountants and managers. Particular emphasis is placed on the works of Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen and James Grier Miller. Collectively, these ideas present evidence that economies emerge in environmental processes and continue only as long as they are fed by those processes. Accounting is concerned with economic process disclosure. A conclusion might be drawn, consequently, that environmental processes should be conspicuously disclosed in public accounting statements.

Details

Environmental Accounting
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-366-2

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 June 2022

Alina Steblyanskaya, Mingye Ai, Artem Denisov, Olga Efimova and Maksim Rybachuk

Understanding China's carbon dioxide (C…

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding China's carbon dioxide (CO2) emission status is crucial for getting Carbon Neutrality status. The purpose of the paper is to calculate two possible scenarios for CO2 emission distribution and calculated input-output flows of CO2 emissions for every 31 China provinces for 2012, 2015 and 2017 years.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study using the input and output (IO) table's data for the selected years, the authors found the volume of CO2 emissions per one Yuan of revenue for the industry in 2012 and the coefficient of emission reduction compared to 2012.

Findings

Results show that in the industries with a huge volume of CO2 emissions, such as “Mining and washing of coal”, the authors cannot observe the reduction processes for years. Industries where emissions are being reduced are “Processing of petroleum, coking, nuclear fuel”, “Production and distribution of electric power and heat power”, “Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Husbandry and Fishery”. For the “construction” industry the situation with emissions did not change.

Originality/value

“Transport, storage, and postal services” and “Smelting and processing of metals” industries in China has the second place concerning emissions, but over the past period, emissions have been sufficiently reduced. “Construction” industry produces a lot of emissions, but this industry does not carry products characterized by large emissions from other industries. Authors can observe that Jiangsu produces a lot of CO2 emissions, but they do not take products characterized by significant emissions from other provinces. Shandong produces a lot of emissions and consumes many of products characterized by large emissions from other provinces. However, Shandong showed a reduction in CO2 emissions from 2012 to 2017.

Details

PSU Research Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2399-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1994

W. Edward Stead and Jean Garner Stead

Economic wealth is humankind′s most dominant myth. However, this mythmust be significantly altered if economic activity and ecologicalsustainability are to be achieved for…

2278

Abstract

Economic wealth is humankind′s most dominant myth. However, this myth must be significantly altered if economic activity and ecological sustainability are to be achieved for posterity. Changing the economic myth means shifting the paradigms which underlie it, and shifting these paradigms means changing the assumptions and values which lie at the heart of business′s relationship to the planet. Research supports the notion that widescale, fundamental change efforts are required to achieve such shifts. Examines the magnitude of the changes which probably will be necessary in order to achieve a truly sustainable society in the future. Discusses the nature of some of the scientific, economic, and management paradigm shifts which need to take place in business organizations before the myth of economic wealth can be truly modified to include Mother Earth.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2006

Stig Ingebrigtsen and Ove Jakobsen

This paper is an attempt to advance the critical discussion regarding environmental and societal responsibility in economics and business.

9557

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is an attempt to advance the critical discussion regarding environmental and societal responsibility in economics and business.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents and discusses as a holistic, organic perspective enabling innovative solutions to challenges concerning the responsible and efficient use of natural resources and the constructive interplay with culture. To reach the goal of sustainable development, the paper argues that it is necessary to make changes in several dimensions in mainstream economics. This change of perspective is called a turn towards sustainability. To illustrate the theoretical discussion, the paper gives some practical examples from the reprocessing industry in Norway.

Findings

The paper finds, first, effective and efficient use of natural resources is necessary to implement circular value chains. Second, sustainable development presupposes a perspective integrating economic, natural and cultural values. Third, to organize the interplay between all stakeholders we introduce an arena for communicative cooperation.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that circulation economics presupposes a change in paradigm, from a mechanistic to an organic world view.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 33 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2007

S.K. Chakraborty and D. Chakraborty

Among the several sub‐themes for this Special Issue this paper aims to deal, broadly, with the Hindu view of economics and allied matters.

1287

Abstract

Purpose

Among the several sub‐themes for this Special Issue this paper aims to deal, broadly, with the Hindu view of economics and allied matters.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a conceptual one that highlights a few crucial aspects of the “positive” flank of Hinduism vis‐à‐vis its “normative” dimension. Researchers, thinkers, scholars and, above all, some important but ignored realizers of Hindu psycho‐philosophy, have been dug into for materials comprising the paper.

Findings

The findings clearly show that the amazing sustainability of Bharat's (i.e. India's) socio‐economic processes, structures and systems, despite the tortures of history visiting her, can be explained by her abiding fidelity to the eternal as the basis of the temporal. This is the very foundation of the sacro‐secular character of Hindu culture.

Practical implications

The expected impact is long‐term through deep‐structure germination on a wide tract. Hurried practical application in tiny fractions is not intended as this will be premature and superficial.

Originality/value

The contents of this paper are meant to generate a holistic and respectful orientation to the forging of constructive links between culture and economics in the context of Hinduism.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 34 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000