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1 – 10 of 14Juan José Tarí, Eva M. Pertusa-Ortega, María D. López-Gamero and Jorge Pereira-Moliner
This study aims to examine the relationships between quality management, human capital and innovation (both incremental and radical), and social sustainability practices in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationships between quality management, human capital and innovation (both incremental and radical), and social sustainability practices in hospitality. Also considered are the mediating roles of human capital and innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The study considers 365 hotels located in Spain, using a structural equation model based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis.
Findings
The findings show that quality management practices, human capital and incremental innovation all have a direct relationship with social sustainability practices. Human capital and incremental innovation partially mediate the relationship between quality management and social sustainability practices. Radical innovation has no impact on social sustainability practices and does not play a mediating role.
Research limitations/implications
This study enriches the literature on social sustainability in hospitality by showing that quality management, human capital and innovation can enhance social sustainability practices. It offers practical insights by understanding key drivers for promoting social sustainability in the hospitality sector.
Originality/value
Prior research in hospitality has not used a mediation model to empirically examine the aforementioned relationships.
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Sónia Monteiro, Verónica Ribeiro, Patricia Gomes, Maria José Fernandes and Cristiana Molho
Local governments (LGs) play a crucial role as policymakers and catalysts for change at the local level, making them well-positioned to connect the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda…
Abstract
Purpose
Local governments (LGs) play a crucial role as policymakers and catalysts for change at the local level, making them well-positioned to connect the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda goals with local communities. Therefore, LGs should collect and analyze data to monitor progress toward the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and report on the outcomes. In this regard, webpages on the internet stand out as a valuable tool to enhance accountability in LGs and to promote stakeholder engagement with the community. Thus, this paper aims to analyze whether Portuguese municipalities disclose information regarding the SDGs on their websites, and to identify the main drivers of SDG web-reporting.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the theoretical foundation of legitimacy theory, this study examines the relationship between SDG reporting and the characteristics of several municipalities (such as geographical location, municipality size, financial performance, political ideology and gender), as well as adherence to some programs/networks/platforms (such as CESOP_Local and ODSLocal). The websites of 306 Portuguese municipalities were analyzed using the content analysis technique. A bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis was applied.
Findings
Bivariate analysis shows that coastal, larger and financially efficient municipalities are more likely to disclose SDG information on their websites due to visibility and stakeholder pressure. Contrary to extant literature, left-wing municipalities are not necessarily more inclined to embrace the 2030 Agenda. However, the presence of women in decision-making bodies and adherence to networks and sustainable programs positively influence SDG disclosure. In multivariate analysis, logistic regression identifies two significant factors impacting online SDG disclosure: the representation of women in municipal plenaries; and adherence to the CESOP_local network. Other factors show no significant influence, highlighting these two variables as the main drivers for SDG information disclosure.
Practical implications
The findings are in line with the literature review and lead us to conclude that SDG reporting in LGs is still in its infancy. Therefore, policymakers and regulators need to work together to implement and standardize sustainability reporting within LGs.
Social implications
Considering the significance of the gender variable, the findings could have implications for policy formulation, promoting gender diversity and its impact on the quality of SDG reporting.
Originality/value
Empirical research on SDG reporting remains limited, particularly within the context of LGs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous studies have delved into the reporting of SDGs specifically in this Portuguese context.
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María Calero, Tatiana Pina, Olga Mayoral, José Cantó, M. Ángeles Ull and Amparo Vilches
The purpose of this research is to analyse the level of knowledge about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of pre-service teachers in Early Childhood and Primary School…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to analyse the level of knowledge about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of pre-service teachers in Early Childhood and Primary School Education at the University of Valencia (Spain) and the origin of this knowledge over several academic years, as well as to compare it with that of students of the Degree in Environmental Sciences at the same university.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was designed, validated and administrated to 1,040 students of Degree in Early Childhood Education, Primary School Education and Environmental Science of the University of Valencia to analyse their knowledge of the SDGs and their evolution over three academic years (2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22).
Findings
Statistical analysis shows that most of the participants are either unaware of the SDGs and their importance or have insufficient knowledge of the SDGs and their linkages.
Practical implications
The need to continue promoting teaching resources to favour the implementation of education for the SDG in initial teacher training is highlighted.
Social implications
Pre-service teachers can become agents of change if they understand the magnitude and complexity of the socio-environmental crisis and get involved through their educational action in the required measures to advance in the construction of more sustainable societies.
Originality/value
This study aims to emphasize the necessary training and involvement of students of the Degree in Early Childhood Education, Primary School Education and Environmental Science at the University of Valencia to advance in the transition to Sustainability.
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Marta Ortiz-de-Urbina-Criado, Eva-María Mora-Valentín and Juan-José Nájera-Sánchez
Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development defines 17 goals with 169 targets in economic, social and environmental fields to guarantee human rights. Universities and companies are…
Abstract
Purpose
Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development defines 17 goals with 169 targets in economic, social and environmental fields to guarantee human rights. Universities and companies are two driving forces for achieving these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, university research and, specifically, business and management studies should include this new economic-social panorama. Focusing on business and management education, this study aims to analyze who can help to implement the SDGs and how.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive examination of the evolution of documents and journals on business and management education was performed. Next, a co-authorship analysis, studying the collaboration among researchers, was performed. Finally, a co-word analysis that identifies the main topics and relationships between them was developed.
Findings
This study’s results suggest the necessity of expanding collaboration networks between countries and institutions. The analysis also reveals two emergent topics: entrepreneurship and sustainability. Then, three lines for teaching business and management according to the SDGs are proposed: two regarding university-firm relationships – job creation and entrepreneurship – and the third regarding universities effects on society – including sustainability principles and actions in higher education.
Originality/value
The main contribution is to show the important role that universities, in general, and business and management education, in particular, play in achieving the SDGs. Universities must mobilize their managers, professors and students because implementing the SDGs is possible through coordinated and integrated participation.
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Ana-María Ríos, María-Dolores Guillamón and Bernardino Benito
Nowadays, there is a strong public interest in promoting transparency to be informed about the actions of the public sector. At the same time, there has been a significant change…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays, there is a strong public interest in promoting transparency to be informed about the actions of the public sector. At the same time, there has been a significant change in society’s perceptions and concerns about sustainable development, with a marked increase in attention to this area. In this context, our main objective is to investigate the impact of transparency practices in local government on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Spanish municipalities.
Design/methodology/approach
We will analyse a sample of 84 municipalities, using the Dynamic Transparency Index published by Dyntra to measure transparency. For the level of implementation of the SDGs, we will use an index specifically created using data from the report “The SDGs in 100 Spanish Cities”, published by the Spanish Network for Sustainable Development in 2020.
Findings
Municipalities with a larger dependent population tend to achieve higher SDG levels. Municipalities with lower financial surpluses and more self-generated resources show better SDG implementation. Progressive political parties lean more towards sustainability, and coalition governments show higher SDG implementation than majority governments. Gender appears to play a minor role in SDG implementation, but male leadership is associated with higher levels. Factors such as population density and government transfers do not have a significant impact on SDG implementation levels.
Originality/value
This study seeks to address the lack of empirical research on the potential impact of transparency on the achievement of the SDGs, while also taking into account other socio-economic, financial and political aspects of the municipality. In doing so, it also contributes to the limited empirical literature on the determinants of the level of SDG implementation in local governments.
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Ashutosh Samadhiya, Rajat Agrawal and Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes
Key success factors (KSFs) of total productive maintenance (TPM) have historically played a vital role in attaining economic and ecological sustainability but have overlooked…
Abstract
Purpose
Key success factors (KSFs) of total productive maintenance (TPM) have historically played a vital role in attaining economic and ecological sustainability but have overlooked social sustainability. Hence, this study analyses and ranks the most significant TPM KSFs for attaining social sustainability in manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
The research employs a deductive methodology to identify the relevant TPM KSFs and social sustainability indicators and then uses Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to rank the TPM KSFs in order to achieve social sustainability, followed by a sensitivity analysis to assess the methodological robustness.
Findings
The findings indicate that the top five TPM KSFs influencing social sustainability are employee health and safety, organizational culture, top management commitment, employee engagement and effective communication and effective workplace management. In addition, the results indicate that effective equipment utilization is the least significant TPM key factor affecting social sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
SME manufacturing managers do not need to worry about all of the TPM KSFs if they only concentrate on the ones that will have the most impact. If managers use the top 5 TPM KSFs as a starting point, they may create customized TPM training programs for their companies. As a result, this will facilitate the efforts of their personnel toward social sustainability.
Originality/value
In the existing literature, little emphasis has been paid to social sustainability and how SMEs may implement these practices. This research adds to the current theory of TPM and social sustainability and sheds light on how SMEs might use TPM to advance toward more socially sustainable operations.
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Mariam Bader, Jiju Antony, Raja Jayaraman, Vikas Swarnakar, Ravindra S. Goonetilleke, Maher Maalouf, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes and Kevin Linderman
The purpose of this study is to examine the critical failure factors (CFFs) linked to various types of process improvement (PI) projects such as Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the critical failure factors (CFFs) linked to various types of process improvement (PI) projects such as Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and Agile. Proposing a mitigation framework accordingly is also an aim of this study.
Design/methodology/approach
This research undertakes a systematic literature review of 49 papers that were relevant to the scope of the study and that were published in four prominent databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and EBSCO.
Findings
Further analysis identifies 39 factors that contribute to the failure of PI projects. Among these factors, significant emphasis is placed on issues such as “resistance to cultural change,” “insufficient support from top management,” “inadequate training and education,” “poor communication” and “lack of resources,” as primary causes of PI project failures. To address and overcome the PI project failures, the authors propose a framework for failure mitigation based on change management models. The authors present future research directions that aim to enhance both the theoretical understanding and practical aspects of PI project failures.
Practical implications
Through this study, researchers and project managers can benefit from well-structured guidelines and invaluable insights that will help them identify and address potential failures, leading to successful implementation and sustainable improvements within organizations.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first study of its kind to examine the CFFs of five PI methodologies and introduces a novel approach derived from change management theory as a solution to minimize the risk associated with PI failure.
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Javier Andrades, Manuel Larrán Jorge, Maria Jose Muriel and Maria Yolanda Calzado
The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it identifies whether sustainability reporting has become an institutionalized cultural norm in the daily routines and organizational…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it identifies whether sustainability reporting has become an institutionalized cultural norm in the daily routines and organizational practices of Spanish public hospitals. Second, it finds out why sustainability reporting has become (or not) an institutionalized norm in the Spanish public hospital field.
Design/methodology/approach
To accomplish the research aims, the authors have adopted a qualitative method approach by combining two main data sources: (1) a documentary analysis of reports published by 60 Spanish public hospitals that consistently maintained their commitment to this activity over the past 10 years; and (2) a semi-structured interview with seven hospital managers and with seven participants from professional organizations.
Findings
The authors have found that sustainability reporting has not become an institutionalized practice in the Spanish public hospital setting. Based on the notion of normativity, the findings indicate that the institutional conditions that support the emergence of a norm are not met (Bebbington et al., 2012). In particular, the lack of a coherent normative framework, the absence of congruence with previous similar practices and the lack of clarity in the norm explain why a reporting norm has not emerged. Currently, the societal context has not developed an appropriate discourse around the development of sustainability reporting in the Spanish public sector.
Originality/value
The contribution of this research is double: (1) From a practical level, this paper contributes to the accounting literature by analyzing the development of sustainability reporting practices in the public sector; (2) According to the notion of normativity, the novelty of this paper is to explore whether a sustainability reporting norm emerges in Spanish public hospitals.
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Martin Mabunda Baluku, Simon Kizito, Richard Balikoowa and Betty Namale
The study examines the effects of organizational compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic on teachers' mental health and, consequently, their commitment and work engagement. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The study examines the effects of organizational compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic on teachers' mental health and, consequently, their commitment and work engagement. The study tests a serial mediation model for the effects of organizational compassion on employee engagement via mental health and the three components of organizational commitment.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional sample (N = 436) completed an online questionnaire towards the end of the prolonged lockdown of schools in Uganda (2021–2022). Serial mediation analysis in PROCESS Macro was employed to test the hypotheses.
Findings
As hypothesized, organizational compassion was significantly related to teachers' mental health, the three components of organizational commitment, and employee engagement. A double mediation path of the effects of organizational compassion on employee engagement via mental health and affective commitment was significant.
Practical implications
The findings highlight how organizational compassion benefits employees’ psychological health and work attitudes and behavior. The findings draw attention to the need to design compassion practices that boost the emotional value of organizational compassion to the individual over the economic and normative value.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the literature on organizational compassion outcomes by focusing on employee engagement and the underlying mediating mechanisms. The study is also one of the few that has examined the effects of organizational compassion on the three components of organizational commitment.
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This study aims to promote the preservation of endangered traditional knowledge and practices in the Andes of Peru by documenting, publishing and disseminating them.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to promote the preservation of endangered traditional knowledge and practices in the Andes of Peru by documenting, publishing and disseminating them.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a literature review of coca and coca divination, the author will describe these types of divination practices. Subsequently, the author will address the context and characteristics of a coca reading conducted in October 2022. Afterwards, the threats and prejudices faced by this type of indigenous knowledge and practice are discussed.
Findings
Coca divination in the Andean region of Ancash differs from the most common form of divination with coca leaves performed in northern Argentina, Bolivia, northern Chile, Colombia and southern Peru. The results of the coca reading conducted in October 2022 align with Andean worldviews. These practices and the associated episteme face various threats from academic, social and political actors and their discourses.
Practical implications
Scientific and academic researchers should be aware that their work can foster and maintain epistemic colonialism in Latin American territories. Archaeological excavations and interpretations should respect ancestral and traditional worldviews and practices.
Originality/value
This study advances the understanding of coca divination in the Andes of Ancash, Peru, by providing nuanced insights into this cultural practice in relation to a landslide event that occurred near a 3,000-year-old temple. The implications extend beyond academic discourse, offering valuable perspectives for conducting archaeological excavation activities that respect ancestral and traditional local beliefs. Future research should build on these findings to deepen comprehension of threats to traditional beliefs and practices.
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