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Article
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Maria Da Graça Benedito Jonas, Luis Artur, Siri Ellen Hallstrøm Eriksen and Synne Movik

Disaster management practices depend on societies' knowledge. As climate change rapidly reshapes knowledge, questions arise about how knowledge for disaster management is produced…

Abstract

Purpose

Disaster management practices depend on societies' knowledge. As climate change rapidly reshapes knowledge, questions arise about how knowledge for disaster management is produced and (re)shaped in modern world and how effective it is to withstand the ever-growing frequency and magnitude of disasters. This paper discusses the dynamics of knowledge creation and its use for disaster management in Chokwe district, southern Mozambique.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviews historical archives to identify how disaster management knowledge has changed from pre-colonization to the present.

Findings

Before colonization, local knowledge associated with traditions of asking gods and ancestors for rain and blessings in life prevailed. With colonization, around the 1500s, Portuguese rulers attempted to eliminate these local practices through an inflow of European settlers who disseminated scientific knowledge, built dams and irrigation schemes, which changed the region’s knowledge base and regimes of flooding and drought. After independence in 1975, the new government nationalized all the private property, expelled the settlers and imposed a socialist order. All knowledge on disaster management was dictated by the new government; those against this new order were sent to re-education centers implanted nationwide. Centralization of knowledge and power was, therefore, implanted. Socialism collapsed by the 1990s, and over time, there has been an amalgam of different knowledge bases and attempts to recognize local disaster management practices.

Originality/value

The Chokwe case shows that knowledge for disaster management evolves with local socioeconomic, political and environmental changes.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 February 2024

R.N.K. Soysa, Asankha Pallegedara, A.S. Kumara, D.M. Jayasena and M.K.S.M. Samaranayake

Although publicly listed firms in Sri Lanka have been increasingly adapting sustainability reporting into their annual reporting practices, a limited number of firms prepare…

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Abstract

Purpose

Although publicly listed firms in Sri Lanka have been increasingly adapting sustainability reporting into their annual reporting practices, a limited number of firms prepare sustainability reports by integrating sustainable development goals (SDGs) into reporting mechanisms. This study attempts to develop an index to monitor firms' sustainability reporting practices based on Global Reporting Institute (GRI) guidelines integrating SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a sustainability score index using the 17 SDGs utilising the results of content analysis of corporate annual reports of a selected sample of 100 firms listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Principal component analysis was employed to examine the reliability of data in the developed index.

Findings

Findings show that the developed scoring index is efficient for evaluating the contents of the sustainability reports of Sri Lankan firms. Sustainability reporting practises with regard to the SDGs were observed to have a turbulent period from 2015 to 2019 and the SDGs 12 and 15 were identified to be mostly reported in Sri Lankan corporate sustainability reports.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study add to knowledge on the monitoring of sustainability reporting practises with reference to SDGs. The study outcomes are useful for the investors, stakeholders, and statutory bodies to measure the sustainable performance of business firms and assess the firm’s commitment towards the global sustainability agenda.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that constructs a sustainability reporting score index integrating SDGs.

Details

Journal of Asian Business and Economic Studies, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2515-964X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2024

Kumudu Nanayakkara Wasam Mudage, Nipuni Weerasinghe, Mahesh Madusanka, Candauda Arachchige Saliya, Anuja Akalanka Lokeshwara and C. Dilshanie Jayatissa

While extensive research has explored poverty in various dimensions, there remains a notable dearth of studies focusing on success stories of slum dwellers overcoming adversity…

Abstract

Purpose

While extensive research has explored poverty in various dimensions, there remains a notable dearth of studies focusing on success stories of slum dwellers overcoming adversity. This research seeks to address this gap by investigating the strategies employed by individuals to transcend poverty. Moreover, it evaluates the practicality and effectiveness of existing theories in real-world contexts through careful interpretation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from two distinct cases through comprehensive, in-depth interviews. These narratives were subjected to scrutiny employing the Description Analysis Interpretation method. Subsequent interpretation and theoretical exploration were guided by Bourdieu’s class theory. The overarching goal was to shed light on the remarkable journeys of specific slum residents who surpassed the constraints of poverty. This endeavor not only highlighted the practical efficacy of these theories but also underscored their relevance in illuminating real-world scenarios through interpretation.

Findings

The findings underscore the capacity of slum dwellers to rise above poverty, thereby emphasizing the practical utility of specific theories aimed at poverty alleviation in elucidating their experiences. Notably, social capital, a cornerstone of Bourdieu’s class theory, emerges as equally pivotal as economic capital in shaping individuals' trajectories.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s scope is confined to narratives within the Colombo slums, offering a platform for future researchers to extend their investigations beyond this context. By employing alternative methodologies and exploring diverse geographical regions, scholars can broaden their understanding of poverty alleviation strategies and their applicability across varied socioeconomic landscapes. This calls for wider research for comprehensive exploration and comprehension of poverty dynamics beyond singular locales.

Practical implications

The study provides invaluable insights for policymakers, governmental bodies and nongovernmental organizations, urging them to reconsider and reformulate policies, educational strategies and community development programs tailored to the needs of slum dwellers and their children. These insights offer a pathway toward more effective interventions aimed at fostering sustainable upliftment within these marginalized communities.

Originality/value

This research fills a critical gap in poverty literature by exploring success stories of slum dwellers overcoming adversity, an area often overlooked. It uniquely investigates the strategies these individuals employ to transcend poverty, offering fresh insights into the practical application of poverty alleviation theories. Utilizing Bourdieu’s class theory, the study highlights the importance of both social and economic capital in these success narratives. By focusing on real-life experiences, it underscores the relevance and utility of these theories in real-world contexts, enriching the theoretical discourse and providing valuable perspectives for policymakers and practitioners.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2024

Kajenthiran Konalingam, Tharmartnam Thivaakaran, Navaneethakrishnan Kengatharan, Achchuthan Sivapalan, Grace Hyacinth Hensman and Archchutha Harishangar

Drawing on the theory of planned behavior and value-belief norms theory, this study aims to explore the causes of pro-environmental behavioral intentions in the context of Sri…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the theory of planned behavior and value-belief norms theory, this study aims to explore the causes of pro-environmental behavioral intentions in the context of Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were garnered from 503 subjects with the aid of self-reported questionnaires. The formulated hypotheses were examined using a variance-based statistical approach (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that personal values, particularly altruistic and biosphere values, significantly strengthen the psychological drivers of pro-environmental behavioral intentions. The study further found that religiosity enhances the association between personal norms and pro-environmental behavioral intentions and the place attachment augments the relationship between attitude and pro-environmental behavioral intentions.

Practical implications

This study suggests that instilling altruistic and biosphere values in individuals can boost pro-environmental behavioral intentions. Campaigns and educational programs could focus on instilling these values to foster responsibility and empathy. Recognizing the influence of religiosity on pro-environmental behaviors and attitudes, this study suggests collaborative efforts between organizations and religious institutions. Religious leaders can integrate environmental stewardship into teachings, emphasizing ethical responsibilities.

Originality/value

The study pushes back the frontiers of environmental consciousness literature by highlighting the importance of personal values, psychological factors and contextual variables such as religiosity and place attachment in fostering pro-environmental behavior within the specific context of an emerging country – Sri Lanka.

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Kalavila Pathirage Nilmini Bhagya, Priyanka Virajini Medagedara Karunaratne, Gayathri Madubani Ranathunga and Achini Ranaweera

This study systematically explores the literature on global niche market strategies within the fashion industry to allow the mapping of niche practices and examine the benefits…

Abstract

Purpose

This study systematically explores the literature on global niche market strategies within the fashion industry to allow the mapping of niche practices and examine the benefits, success factors and characteristics of a niche strategy. Additionally, it identifies data gaps and necessitates a detailed examination to uncover areas with inadequate information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA 2020) method for systematic review and included 70 studies to analyze their findings.

Findings

This systematic literature review pinpoints niche strategies shaping the future of the fashion industry while developing sectors of the textile and apparel industry, fashion technology, fashion retail business, fashion media and communication, luxury fashion, sustainable fashion, adaptive clothing and transgender fashion within the fashion supply chain. A niche market strategy utilizes both pull and push marketing in the fashion industry. Scholarly literature commonly underscores the understanding of the consumer as a pivotal factor in the success of fashion niche market strategy.

Practical implications

This review offers a comprehensive overview of fashion niche strategy practices, aiming to inspire fashion industry professionals. It also serves as a guide for fashion industry professionals, summarizing best practices across various fashion industry sectors to help develop effective niche strategy competencies for firms.

Originality/value

This review thoroughly analyzes niche strategy implementation in the fashion industry, presenting an important resource for individuals new to this sector. It highlights the significance of niche strategies in improving the comprehension of emerging participants in the fashion business.

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2024

Kumari JS, K.G.P. Senani and Roshan Ajward

This study aims to examine the behavioral intention and the usage of Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) in external auditing by extending the original Unified Theory of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the behavioral intention and the usage of Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) in external auditing by extending the original Unified Theory of the Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach is used in this study and 474 responses were secured from external auditors through a self-administered questionnaire, which was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings reveal that lower Perceived Risk (PR) and Anxiety (AN) of external auditors, which were two constructs that we additionally introduced, contributed as the highest impact factors to the increased intention to use CAATs in external audits. In addition, all other determinants that were introduced [i.e. Self-efficacy (SE), Attitude toward Technology (AT), Perceived Credibility (PC) and Trust (TR)] had a positive impact on the intentions to use CAATs. However, social influence surprisingly negatively influenced the intentions to use CAATs and was positively moderated by Voluntariness (VO). Furthermore, Performance Expectancy (PE) and Effort Expectancy (EE) were also observed to have a positive impact on intentions to use CAATs in external auditing. Moreover, Facilitating Conditions (FC) and Intentions to Use (IU) CAATs were noted to have positive influences on the Actual Use (AU) of CAATs.

Originality/value

The present study extended the UTAUT model by introducing relevant additional constructs: SE, PR, AT, AN, PC and TR, and examined the impact of these on the intention to use CAATs, and subsequently such intentions on the actual use of CAATs in external auditing, with several implications.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2024

Madduma Hewage Ruchira Sandeepanie, Prasadini Gamage, Gamage Dinoka Nimali Perera and Thuduwage Lasanthika Sajeewani

The purpose of the paper is to afford a comprehensive conceptualization and operationalization of the construct of talent management through an inclusive exploration of conceptual…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to afford a comprehensive conceptualization and operationalization of the construct of talent management through an inclusive exploration of conceptual clarifications for existing confusions while developing a complete measuring instrument.

Design/methodology/approach

The archival method was adopted together with a systematic review based on Khan et al.’s (2003) five steps of systematic literature review. The systematic review has encircled published research articles between 1982 and 2023 in the human resource management (HRM) arena. A total of 130 articles were initially scrutinized, and 106 were systematically reviewed to conceptualize, operationalize and explore clarifications for confusions and instrument development for talent management.

Findings

This study explored conceptual clarifications for existing confusions towards talent management while recognizing definitions that come under the main philosophical schools for the underlying concept of talent. A novel practical definition has been established for talent management while recognizing dimensions, and then certain elements. A comprehensive instrument has been developed to measure talent management.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to instrument development in measuring talent management; nevertheless, there is an enormous scope for using the instrument to empirically measure talent management through organizational and employees perspectives linked to diverse global contexts in future studies.

Originality/value

The developed comprehensive instrument is a vibrant contribution to future investigations related to empirically measuring talent management associated with organizational and employee perspectives related to diverse global contexts in winning “war for talent.” This study endows a significant input to the whole frame of HRM knowledge as it resolves existing conceptual ambiguities towards talent management while defining and operationalizing it.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 47 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 January 2024

L.R. Rupasinghe, M.D. Pushpakumari and G.D.N. Perera

Green innovations (GI) is an emerging field that presents an opportunity to thrive in the competitive market. Nevertheless, in the field of green innovation, there is no clear and…

1188

Abstract

Purpose

Green innovations (GI) is an emerging field that presents an opportunity to thrive in the competitive market. Nevertheless, in the field of green innovation, there is no clear and complete picture. To fill this gap the current study was conducted with the following objectives. (1) To identify existing knowledge on green innovation and offer bibliographic insights through a systematic literature review (SLR), (2) To comprehend the areas in which research is lacking within the territory of green innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The SLR methodology was employed in this study, following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 381 articles published between 2015 and 2023 were extracted from Lens org. database for review. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to fulfill the research objectives.

Findings

The findings revealed that the field of green innovation lacks sufficient scholarly attention, despite being an emerging area. As a result, several gaps have been identified, encompassing various aspects of green innovation. These gaps include areas such as green innovation behavior, green finance, barriers to green innovation, green product innovation, green technological innovation and more.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing body of knowledge on green innovation by addressing identified knowledge gaps. In particular, this knowledge contributes to future researchers aiming to design and conduct studies that target these identified research gaps.

Details

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-279X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 August 2023

Sisira Dharmasri Jayasekara, K.L. Wasantha Perera and Roshan Ajward

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how agency conflicts between people and main government organs affect the combatting ability of white-collar money laundering in an…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how agency conflicts between people and main government organs affect the combatting ability of white-collar money laundering in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a qualitative design under the philosophy of interpretivism. The case study research strategy is used inductively to investigate how structural limitations affect white-collar money laundering.

Findings

This study reveals that serious agency conflicts exist between public and main government organs which are detrimental to the rights of people to enjoy a crime-free society. First agency conflict of people and legislature intensifies as a result of limited understanding of the legislature and failure to take precautionary actions to develop an anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime with evolving global standards. This delay has resulted in identifying Sri Lanka as a deficient AML/CFT regime twice. The second conflicts arise between people and the executive which is a serious conflict due to misuse of statutory power and failure to perform duties. The independence and integrity of administrative authorities who perform executive functions were inherent problems of implementing a sound AML/CFT regime. Lack of monitoring, nonavailability of an independent audit and inappropriate reporting channels were other encouraging factors of administrative organs to misuse statutory power. The third conflict between people and the judiciary was not intensified because the function was not so exposed to create agency conflicts. After all, an adequate number of cases had not proceeded to the judiciary due to inherent limitations as a result of intensified first two agency conflicts. The agency conflicts have intensified over the years and AML/CFT regime has been ineffective as a result of limited influence and understanding of the principal, people. Therefore, the principal has to influence the agents to make reforms in the AML/CFT regime to make the country a white-collar crime-free country.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses a case study strategy to assess the context of Sri Lanka as an emerging economy. It is recommended to take into consideration the contextual facts when the findings are applied to other jurisdictions.

Originality/value

This paper is an original work of the authors which discusses how agency conflicts arise between people and three main government organs in implementing a sound AML/CFT regime in Sri Lanka as an emerging economy.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 May 2024

Kesavan Manoharan, Pujitha Dissanayake, Chintha Pathirana, Dharsana Deegahawature and Renuka Silva

The sustainability of the construction industry is associated with the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of the firms, which are significantly affected by…

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Abstract

Purpose

The sustainability of the construction industry is associated with the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of the firms, which are significantly affected by inefficient site supervision and labour management approaches. This study aims to use a case study with mixed methods to evaluate the site supervisory characteristics in labour management, labour performance assessment and labour productivity measurement towards developing meaningful guidelines in polishing construction supervision attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Well-developed modern apprenticeship elements were applied to 62 construction supervisors who were selected using the snowball sampling method, and their relevant competency characteristics were assessed using a comprehensively developed grading mechanism connected with useful training manuals/tools. Academic reviews, experts’ consultations and other meticulous mixed approaches were applied at different stages of the research plan’s sequential layout.

Findings

The mean performance scores of supervisors indicate proficient-level grades in the competency characteristics related to applying efficient labour management procedures and developing-level grades in designing productivity measurement tools, performing assessments on efficiency and productivity and proposing enhancement practices on efficiency and productivity for site operations. The findings point to a modern generalised guideline that establishes the ranges of supervisory attributes within the scope of the study. The validity, reliability, adaptability and generalisability of the findings were assured by using pertinent statistical tests and professional assessments.

Research limitations/implications

Though the study’s conclusions/findings are primarily applicable to the construction environment of a developing country comparable to the Sri Lankan context, they will considerably impact current/future industrial practices in various other countries and emerging industries.

Originality/value

The research has produced a conceptualised modern tool that guides determining the capacity levels of supervisory attributes for carrying out labour management, labour performance assessment and labour productivity measurement aspects in construction. The research has opened a pump that inflows new values of highly workable supervision features for strengthening the site management structures and filling the industry’s knowledge vacuum in the methodical execution of apprenticeships.

Details

Journal of Responsible Production and Consumption, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2977-0114

Keywords

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