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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 April 2024

Raphael Lissillour and Minelle E. Silva

Despite the growing interest in the field of supply chain sustainability (SCS), little exploration of new theories exists. Therefore, this paper aims to introduce practice…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the growing interest in the field of supply chain sustainability (SCS), little exploration of new theories exists. Therefore, this paper aims to introduce practice theories to SCS studies through a practice turn.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper in nature. Hence, based on theoretical arguments, the authors elaborate on how the practice turn can arise in the SCS field.

Findings

The theoretical elaboration is rooted in the understanding that sustainability is not limited to the materiality of environmental and social issues, as often observed. Instead, there is a need to include immaterial, emotional and intangible elements to better comprehend SCS practice. The authors argue that a continuum exists for a practice turn, including practice-based view, practice-based studies and critical practice theory.

Research limitations/implications

The authors provide a research agenda with a comprehensive perspective of understanding the application and implications of practice theories to SCS.

Practical implications

The practice turn in SCS studies can support managers to better understand their practices not only through recognizing explicit activities but also mainly by reflecting on hidden elements that affect their performance.

Social implications

SCS studies can better engage with grand challenges through a practice turn, which helps increase its contribution to solving social problems.

Originality/value

Unlike previous literature, the paper elaborates on how practice theories are powerful in supporting both scholars and practitioners in moving away from an extremely economic focus to genuinely embrace sustainability practice. In doing so, the practice turn appears as an important phase for SCS field maturity.

Details

RAUSP Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2531-0488

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Mathew Baker and Michael Lee Joseph

Examine how social studies preservice teachers conceptualize and enact critical historical inquiry.

Abstract

Purpose

Examine how social studies preservice teachers conceptualize and enact critical historical inquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical qualitative case study.

Findings

Differing conceptual understandings and had trouble infusing their practice with the critical theory learned in the university.

Originality/value

Examine how a core practice is bolstering the practice-theory connection in teacher education.

Details

Social Studies Research and Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1933-5415

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2023

Chamari Pamoshika Jayarathna, Duzgun Agdas and Les Dawes

Despite the wide use of quantitative assessment to identify the relationship between green logistics (GL) practices and the sustainability performance (SP) of firms, results of…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the wide use of quantitative assessment to identify the relationship between green logistics (GL) practices and the sustainability performance (SP) of firms, results of these studies are inconsistent. A lack of theoretical foundation has been cited as a potential reason for these contradictory findings. This study aims to explore the relationship between GL practices and SP qualitatively and to provide a theoretical foundation for this link.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a multi-methodology approach, the authors used the grounded theory method (GTM) to investigate perceived relationships through qualitative analysis and adopted the system thinking (ST) approach to identify causal relationships using causal loop diagrams (CLDs).

Findings

The authors identified different sustainability practices under three major categories: logistics capabilities, resource-related practices and people-related practices. This analysis showed the relationships among these practices are non-linear. Based on the results, the authors developed three propositions and introduced a theoretical foundation for the relationship between GL practices and SP.

Practical implications

Managerial personnel can use the theoretical foundation provided by this study when making decisions on GL practices adoption. This theoretical foundation suggests applying a holistic approach that can help optimize SP by selecting suitable practices. On the other hand, researchers can use a multi-methodology approach suggested by this study to explore complex social issues.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge from a methodology perspective as no previous studies have been conducted to identifying the relationship between GL practices and SP by combining GTM and ST approaches. This combination can be extended to build system dynamics models for sustainable logistics impacts bringing novelty to the research field of sustainable logistics.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Muhammad Al Mahameed, Umair Riaz, Mohammad Salem Aldoob and Anwar Halari

This paper aims to explore how sustainability practices were implemented in a higher education institution within a local setting in the Gulf and Arab Emirates Region. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how sustainability practices were implemented in a higher education institution within a local setting in the Gulf and Arab Emirates Region. This study examined the impact of social and cultural requirements on the development of the master plan for the New Kuwait University campus with regards to sustainability to illustrate how current social and cultural requirements impact the design of a future learning environment whilst highlighting the essential role of organisational actors in this implementation process.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an in-depth case study approach, the authors conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with educators and administrative staff who had been involved in the sustainability implementation process at Kuwait University. These participants were involved at different stages in the implementation of a major sustainability project at Kuwait University. The interviews were further supplemented by analysing supporting documents and communications.

Findings

The analysis reveals that sustainability was embedded in a narrative that was repeated at the practice level; this directed the setting of objectives for the project and its various sub-tasks. It also helped actors to develop their understandings of practice and the importance of social emotions, self-intentions and patterns of culture in the process. This study further reveals that participants mainly focused on environmental issues regarding saving paper/electricity and overlooked aspects of a wider concepts and core values of sustainability, and there is a significant amount of lack of knowledge and awareness on matters about sustainability, especially with the understanding of its definition.

Originality/value

This study draws on practice-organisation framework used by Schatzki (2002, 2010), suggesting that sustainability implementation is a process led by rules, practical understanding, general understanding and teleoaffective structures, to highlight the role of agency and change among various actors in implementing sustainability. A practice-theory framing is used to signpost the roles played by various actors in establishing goals and tasks for the project while taking account of local understanding and independence in the implementation of sustainability practices. Engaging with practice theory framework offers us theoretical basis that is fundamentally different from the theories of interaction-oriented approaches in sustainable design.

Details

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

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 26 January 2024

Debolina Dutta and Vasanthi Srinivasan

There is an emerging interest in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) inclusion among researchers and practitioners. However, the interplay of macro-, meso- and…

Abstract

Purpose

There is an emerging interest in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) inclusion among researchers and practitioners. However, the interplay of macro-, meso- and micro-level factors that influence the behavior of various agencies, systems, structures and practices in different national, cultural and social contexts still needs to be researched. This paper aims to examine how organizations meaningfully engage with the marginalized and underrepresented workforce, especially the LGBTQ community, to promote diversity and inclusion through comprehensive policies and practices, thereby developing a sustainable inclusivity culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a practice theory lens and using a case study design, including multilevel interviews with 28 different stakeholders, this study examines how organizations institutionalize LGBTQ inclusion practices in an emerging market context with a historically low acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

Findings

Findings indicate that macro influences, such as regulatory, societal and market pressures and adopting international standards and norms, impact meso-level structures and practices. At the organizational level, leadership evangelism and workforce allyship serve as relational mechanisms for institutionalizing LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Furthermore, collaboration, partnerships and enabling systems and processes provide the structural frameworks within which organizations build an LGBTQ-inclusive culture. Lastly, at the micro level, cisgender allyship and the LGBTQ micro work environments provide the necessary psychological safety to build trust for authentic LGBTQ self-expressions. This study also indicates that organizations evolve their LGBTQ inclusion practices along a trajectory, with multiple external and internal forces that work simultaneously and recursively to shape HRM policies and practices for building an inclusive culture.

Originality/value

This study addresses the significant gaps in diversity and inclusivity research on LGBTQ employees and contributes to the literature in three significant ways. First, this study examines the diversity management mechanisms at the organizational level and explicates their interplay at the micro, meso and macro levels to create congruence, both internally and externally, for engaging with LGBTQ talent. Second, this study adopts a practice theory lens to examine the behavior of various actors, their agencies, the “flow” of underlying and emerging structures and processes, the continuous interplay between structure and action and how they enable inclusive culture for the LGBTQ community as a whole. Last, it addresses the call by diversity researchers for context-specific multilevel research design, including qualitative research, focusing on national, cultural and institutional contexts, where socio-organizational and historical factors and interactions among them shape diversity practices. Much of the literature on LGBTQ inclusion has, thus far, been within the Western context. By examining the emergence of inclusion practices in emerging markets like India, this study contributes to diversity and inclusion research.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2023

Kia Turner, Darion Wallace, Danielle Miles-Langaigne and Essence Deras

This study aims to present radical abolition studies, which encourages us to (re)member that the abolition of institutions and systems is incomplete without the abolition of their…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present radical abolition studies, which encourages us to (re)member that the abolition of institutions and systems is incomplete without the abolition of their attendant epistemes of domination. The authors draw on the etymology of the word radical to encourage abolitionist praxis to grab systemic harm at its epistemological roots. Within radical abolition studies, this study presents Black abolition theory, which aims to make explicit a theorization of Blackness and works to abolish the episteme of anti-Blackness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers Black abolition theory within radical abolition studies to reground abolition in its Black theoretical roots and to interrogate the concept of anti-Blackness and other epistemes of domination in abolitionist study and practice. Using a close reading of W.E.B. Du Bois’ Black Reconstruction, and subsequent books and articles in abolition studies and educational studies that reference it, the authors highlight Du Bois’ original conceptualization of abolitionism as an ultimate refutation of a racial-social order and anti-Blackness. The authors then put Michael Dumas and kihana ross’ theory of BlackCrit into conversation with abolitionist and educational theory to push forward Black abolition theory.

Findings

Radical abolition studies and its attendant strand of Black abolition theory presented in this paper encourages scholars and practitioners to go beyond the dismantling of current instantiations of systemic harm for Black and other minoritized people – such as the school as it currently operates – and encourages the questioning and dismantling of the epistemes of domination sitting at the foundation of these systems of harm.

Originality/value

Black abolition theory contextualizes abolition in education by rooting abolitionist educational praxis in Black lineages. More generally, radical abolition studies encourages further research, study and collaboration in partnership with others who have historically participated in the fight against being labeled as subhuman to upend all epistemes of domination.

Details

Journal for Multicultural Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-535X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2024

William Henry Collinge

The paper aims to apply social practice theory to clarify the process of innovation design and delivery from one successful digital innovation: the building information modelling…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to apply social practice theory to clarify the process of innovation design and delivery from one successful digital innovation: the building information modelling (BIM) risk library. The paper clarifies the practices surrounding construction innovation and provides a schema useful for practitioners and technology designers through a social practice analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies Schatzki's “organisation of practice” concepts to a construction project innovation to clarify how the practice of innovation revolves around understandings, rules and teleoaffectivities (emotive behaviours). Sources for the study include notes from meetings, workshops with experts and the shared artefacts of innovation.

Findings

The practice of innovation design and delivery are clarified through a social practice analysis: a distinct “field of practice” and a “schema” of generalisable prescriptions and preferences for innovation delivery being presented.

Practical implications

The paper informs the practice and process of innovation design and delivery; the insights clarify how collective understandings and rules of use evolve over time, becoming formalised into contracts, agreements and workplans. Practically, processes whereby innovation “sayings” evolve into innovation “doings” are clarified: a schema detailing prescriptions and preferences of practitioners and developers being presented.

Originality/value

The social practice analysis of one successful construction innovation is an original contribution to the body of knowledge, adding a level of detail regarding innovation design and delivery often missing from reported research.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 October 2023

Rajasshrie Pillai and Kailash B.L. Srivastava

The study explores the factors affecting the use of smart human resource management 4.0 (SHRM 4.0) practices and its effect on dynamic capabilities and, consequently, on…

Abstract

Purpose

The study explores the factors affecting the use of smart human resource management 4.0 (SHRM 4.0) practices and its effect on dynamic capabilities and, consequently, on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used socio-technical and dynamic capabilities theory to propose the notable research model. The authors explored the factors driving the use of SHRM 4.0 practices and their contribution to organizational performance through the development of dynamic capabilities. The authors collected data from 383 senior HR managers using a structured questionnaire, and PLS-SEM was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that socio-technical factors such as top management support, HR readiness, competitive pressure, technology readiness and perceived usefulness influence the use of SHRM 4.0 practices, whereas security and privacy concerns negatively influence them. Furthermore, the authors also found the use of SHRM 4.0 practices influencing the dynamic capacities (build (learning), integration and reconfiguration) and, subsequently, its impact on organizational performance.

Originality/value

Its novelty lies in developing a model using dynamic capabilities and socio-technical theory to explore how SHRM 4.0 practices influence organizational performance through dynamic capabilities. This study extends the literature on SHRM 4.0 practices, HR technology use, HR and dynamic capabilities by contributing to socio-technical theory and dynamic capabilities and expanding the scope of these theories in the area of HRM. It provides crucial insights into HR and top managers to benchmark SHRM 4.0 practices for improved organizational performance.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2023

Thanh Tiep Le, Cuong Cao Ngo and Ha Pham Hai Nguyen

This study's main goal is to explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food as well as beverage (F&B) area should evolve to survive in a bustled post-pandemic…

Abstract

Purpose

This study's main goal is to explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food as well as beverage (F&B) area should evolve to survive in a bustled post-pandemic future.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the knowledge-practice gap in the field of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) as well as Business Model Innovation (BMI), this study examines an integrated framework using the F&B sector as an empirical field of research. This study uses an empirical quantitative approach using the main information aggregated from a questionnaire administered during the study. The sample had 467 valid responses (71.08% response rate). This paper uses the Partial-Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) to examine structural relationships because this technique is usually proposed for models with complex relations.

Findings

According to the research EO is directly and indirectly, correlated with BMI. The correlation is positive and significant. Simultaneously, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is partially mediated in the stated relation between EO as well as BMI, and CETA where it shows a positive moderation part in EO's influence on CSR. In particular, it elucidates how EO promotes CSR and BMI, alongside moderating part of circular economy principles adoption (CEPA).

Practical implications

These research findings suggest that SMEs in the F&B sector should transform the way they traditionally manage their businesses by applying circular economic principles into entrepreneurial orientation to promote CSR-based practices and acquire the resources obtained from internal and external stakeholders. Hence, their business can recover from post-pandemic effects and become resilient to future disruptions. Furthermore, this study suggests that adopting circular economy principles provides a key source of knowledge and insights that allows firms to sharpen their entrepreneurial orientation toward incorporating stakeholders and social environmental concerns into business models for sustainability, especially in the uncertain and drastic changing environment.

Originality/value

This study proposes a novel approach by which BMI is formed and evolved based on circular economy principles-oriented entrepreneurship and the synergies of stakeholders through undertaking corporate social responsibility practices. Drawing from the knowledge-practice gap, this research adds to the existing knowledge about EO as well as BMI with a conceptualized and operationalized empirical framework in a novel context that was not covered in current literature, especially in the context of uncertainties and disruptions experienced during COVID-19 outbreaks. The F&B sector was hit and how it should evolve to recover and build resilience is perceived as an urgent issue.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2023

Adeel Shah, Musawir Ali Soomro, Arsalan Zahid Piprani, Zhang Yu and Muhammad Tanveer

The desire of international retail brands to implement sustainable supply chain practices in the fashion value chain and improve suppliers' sustainability efforts; this research…

Abstract

Purpose

The desire of international retail brands to implement sustainable supply chain practices in the fashion value chain and improve suppliers' sustainability efforts; this research paper elucidates the relationship between blockchain technology and sustainability to impact apparel firms' triple bottom line.

Design/methodology/approach

For studying the impact of sustainable supply chain practices on the triple bottom line, a survey questionnaire was chosen and sent out to 500 garment companies simultaneously, of which 371 responded. The data collected is cross-sectional. The questionnaire survey was developed keeping in mind a few demographic elements such as experience, age and qualification to generalize the findings. For analysis, SmartPLS is used to run model structuring and regression analysis.

Findings

Test runs on model structure confirm the instrument's validity and reliability. Bootstrapping on the theoretical model to test developed hypotheses suggests that supply chain sustainability practices positively affect social, environmental and economic performance in a direct relationship. Further, indirect relation testing conducted to test blockchain technology's moderation influences only the constructs' relations.

Research limitations/implications

The clubbing of sustainable supply chain practices and blockchain technology is a novel idea in the apparel industry; however, there are more constructs in the context of practice-based theory and supply chain which impact firm performance. Also, the research limits itself from discussing IT infrastructure and smart contract types that impact the technology's performance.

Practical implications

The study provides a framework for interpreting the synergetic influence of SSCP on firm social, environmental and economic performances, which is demanded both by consumers and regulators in an industry. The results suggest that managers sustainably design the production ecosystem, thus eliminating any discrepancy or slackness in the complete chain. Usually, suppliers are ignored, which are precursors in implementing SSCP.

Originality/value

The paper studies sustainability problems through ecological modernization theory and practical-based theory giving a unique perspective on the issue faced by the apparel industry and combining sustainable supply chain practices and blockchain.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

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