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1 – 4 of 4Amy Lakeman and Michael Jindra
In this article, we examine the historical and cultural foundations of Nordic states’ strong contemporary social indicators to understand whether their successes can be replicated…
Abstract
Purpose
In this article, we examine the historical and cultural foundations of Nordic states’ strong contemporary social indicators to understand whether their successes can be replicated in other contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
We draw on a range of academic literature to frame a comparison of two regions’ cultural and theological roots, identifying contrasts to make arguments about prescriptions for contemporary welfare policy.
Findings
We find Nordic history contributes to a duty-based culture with strong cohesion and social trust. These cultural norms make palatable welfare policies with strong activation measures, while the US model prefers to avoid the latter because of its strong cultural orientation to rights and autonomy.
Social implications
To mitigate differences between the Nordic states and other cultural contexts, policymakers seeking to replicate Nordic welfare successes should consider welfare programming that combines stronger activation policies with oversight and relational components that mitigate gaps in social cohesion.
Originality/value
We uniquely bring together the literature on comparative welfare policy and on religion and culture to understand the precursors of contemporary attitudes and their implications for welfare policy prescriptions.
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The article extends the distinction of semantic from syntactic labour to comprehend all forms of mental labour. It answers a critique from de Fremery and Buckland, which required…
Abstract
Purpose
The article extends the distinction of semantic from syntactic labour to comprehend all forms of mental labour. It answers a critique from de Fremery and Buckland, which required envisaging mental labour as a differentiated spectrum.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts a discursive approach. It first reviews the significance and extensive diffusion of the distinction of semantic from syntactic labour. Second, it integrates semantic and syntactic labour along a vertical dimension within mental labour, indicating analogies in principle with, and differences in application from, the inherited distinction of intellectual from clerical labour. Third, it develops semantic labour to the very highest level, on a consistent principle of differentiation from syntactic labour. Finally, it reintegrates the understanding developed of semantic labour with syntactic labour, confirming that they can fully and informatively occupy mental labour.
Findings
The article further validates the distinction of semantic from syntactic labour. It enables to address Norbert Wiener's classic challenge of appropriately distributing activity between human and computer.
Research limitations/implications
The article transforms work in progress into knowledge for diffusion.
Practical implications
It has practical implications for determining what tasks to delegate to computational technology.
Social implications
The paper has social implications for the understanding of appropriate human and machine computational tasks and our own distinctive humanness.
Originality/value
The paper is highly original. Although based on preceding research, from the late 20th century, it is the first separately published full account of semantic and syntactic labour.
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Michael Murgolo, Patrizia Tettamanzi and Valentina Minutiello
This study aims to investigate the quality of disclosure of a cutting-edge reporting tool – integrated reporting (<IR>) – in terms of its effectiveness to report on COVID-19…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the quality of disclosure of a cutting-edge reporting tool – integrated reporting (<IR>) – in terms of its effectiveness to report on COVID-19 pandemic information, its ability to provide forward-looking information and risk impact implications, and its quality determinants in challenging times.
Design/methodology/approach
Thanks to a content analysis of 247 <IR> for FY20, an integrated reporting disclosure score was developed to assess the disclosure quality provided by the sampled companies. Three research questions were tested through logistic regressions.
Findings
Non-financial disclosure activities struggle to provide adequate information in terms of potential future scenarios, risk assessment and forward-looking analyses. However, companies incorporated in “Anglo-Saxon” territories drafted integrated reports of higher quality. More recently, incorporated companies have made a greater effort to measure and report COVID-19 pandemic impacts on environmental, social and governance and business activities, also increasing their risk assessment and mitigation efforts. Concerning the determinants of disclosure quality, leverage, corporate governance structures, country of incorporation and belonging to “high impact” industries all lead to a higher quality of <IR> disclosure.
Originality/value
Examining in detail corporate social responsibility activities and corporate governance integrity is pivotal to orienting strategy towards sustainable trajectories: to do so, corporate reporting and disclosure practices are essential tools. In this context, corporate governance systems that emphasize board diversity are proven, even in disruptive circumstances, to play a crucial role in providing corporate reports of higher quality. High disclosure quality that goes beyond mere financial results is considered to be necessary to remain competitive strategically, socially and environmentally.
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Michael Stadler and Nicoline Scheidegger
Recent research has highlighted limited explicit knowledge of a company’s strategy on the part of its employees. The concept of Open Strategy has emerged as a promising approach…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent research has highlighted limited explicit knowledge of a company’s strategy on the part of its employees. The concept of Open Strategy has emerged as a promising approach to address and enhance knowledge and understanding of an organization’s strategy across all hierarchical levels. However, empirical investigations of the relationship between the degree of openness in a strategy process and employees’ strategy knowledge remain scarce. This study aims to fill this gap.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted an online survey of individuals from various organizations, measuring the degree of openness of their strategy process and using regression analysis to determine the impact on strategy knowledge among the respondents. We operationalized strategy knowledge using two concepts. The first concept encompassed general knowledge of the employer’s strategy, mission, and vision. The second concept measured strategy knowledge in a more concrete manner by assessing factors such as the company’s markets, how it positions itself and its economic logic.
Findings
Our findings indicate that regardless of the level of hierarchy, the degree of openness has a strong positive effect on strategy knowledge. However, this effect is smaller when specific aspects of strategy knowledge are assessed compared to a general understanding of strategy. Our results highlight the potential of Open Strategy as an effective approach to enhancing employees’ knowledge of the employer’s strategy.
Originality/value
Our research demonstrates that the degree of openness in strategy processes significantly enhances strategy knowledge, thereby laying the groundwork for effective strategy implementation. The results highlight the importance of cultivating a culture of transparency, participation and inclusion of employees as well as ongoing communication to effectively integrate strategy into organizational practices. We offer practical implications for managers striving to optimize their strategic management processes.
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