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1 – 6 of 6Dina Biscotti and Nicole Woolsey Biggart
A growing religious-environmental movement is working to reconcile environmental thought and practice with the mission and ministry of religious organizations. We examine two…
Abstract
A growing religious-environmental movement is working to reconcile environmental thought and practice with the mission and ministry of religious organizations. We examine two leading interfaith social change organizations and identify key strategies they routinely employ to create shared meaning and alignment between environmentalism and faith. They reframe stewardship in religious organizations by (1) highlighting and interpreting environmental themes in sacred texts and scriptures, (2) celebrating and fostering mutual awareness of environmental action by faith-based organizations, and (3) providing resources and creating linkages between clergy and lay leaders across religious congregations. By emphasizing moral and spiritual rationales for the adoption of resource-saving products and behaviors at both the congregational and household level, these networked organizations help shift the perception of global climate change from an insurmountable problem to one that is being addressed in cooperation with similar others. Our investigation reveals organizational actors deeply engaged in growing moral calls for political action to address climate change and underscores the need for more socially realistic models of technology adoption and behavior change.
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Thomas D. Beamish and Nicole Woolsey Biggart
This article traces the regimes of worth that defined energy for centuries as a productive force of human and animal labor, an understanding that transformed in the 18th century…
Abstract
This article traces the regimes of worth that defined energy for centuries as a productive force of human and animal labor, an understanding that transformed in the 18th century to an “industrial-energy” regime of worth supporting an economy of mass production, consumption, and profit and more recently one centered on market forces and price. Industrial and market energy and the conventions and institutions that support them are currently in a period of discursive and material ferment; they are being challenged by different higher order principles of worth. We discuss eight emergent energy justifications that argue what kind of energy is – and is not – in the best interests of society.
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The purpose of this paper is to identify the spiritual and economic reasons behind Homo sapiens' misuse and destruction of the biotic web. Through the argument that we are a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the spiritual and economic reasons behind Homo sapiens' misuse and destruction of the biotic web. Through the argument that we are a self‐seeking, opportunistic species that now acts out our domination of the planet without restraint, attention to given to the motivations for such actions. To counter the downward spiral of rampant exploitation, consumption and poverty, by presenting the religious environmental perspectives that can be used to stem the process of global environmental devastation.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodologies utilized are ecosophical, ecofeminist, comparative religious discourse, and structural functionalist.
Findings
The issues are overwhelming without a strong moral, environmental foundation. The power to effect the practical, widespread changes necessary can be derived from the ancient concepts of the sacred, or the concept of inherent worth, within all life forms. These concepts can and do combat the exploitive materialism of our global economies and could change the way the “system” works.
Practical implications
The paper identifies the root causes of our environmental dysfunction and presents the potential within the religious environmental perspectives. These perspectives can be used as a means to create a practical modus operandi for the practitioner of religion and the policy maker.
Originality/value
The paper presents the reality of environmental degradation and, through environmental spirituality, offers a valid alternative to the maximum trade growth and systemic global consumer mentality. Using ancient concepts, it establishes a viable avenue of dialogue between religious communities and business for the benefit of all.
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Mujde Bideci and Caglar Bideci
The purpose of this study is to explore the dimensional structure of visitor experience in a sacred place based on the framing process.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the dimensional structure of visitor experience in a sacred place based on the framing process.
Design/methodology/approach
Mix-method research was conducted in Turkey–Virgin Mary House which featured a sacred and popular tourist destination. Qualitative research, including interviews and expert panels, was used to create a set of knowledge for further analysis. Quantitative research, including two field studies comprising 842 participants, was used to validate the framing of visitor experiences in a sacred place providing reliability and construct validity.
Findings
The six dimensions were found within three framing axes of religious, environmental and organizational: inner experience; religious experience; physical environment; history; tour organization and service experience.
Originality/value
Current studies on visitor experience in a sacred place have mainly focused on emotions, motivations or physical dimensions. By synthesising the framing process and theoretical approaches, this study contributes to the literature by analysing the unique characteristics of visitors' experiences in sacred places, regardless of their religious identities.
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Juan Almandoz, Matthew Lee and Christopher Marquis
How does environmental uncertainty affect the process of starting new hybrid organizations? Our comparative analysis of the formation of two “green” banks – with hybrid goals…
Abstract
How does environmental uncertainty affect the process of starting new hybrid organizations? Our comparative analysis of the formation of two “green” banks – with hybrid goals linked to banking and environmental logics – reveals that shifts in their strategic orientations resulted from attempts to align uncertain and changing resource environments with the composition and goals of the organizations’ top leadership. While the initial idea and goals of the founders were similar, the organizations they established ended up with divergent strategic orientations and senior leadership groups.
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