Search Results (46)

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of kinship-based control, which serves as a mechanism of labour exploitation among Bangladeshi migrant workers in manufacturing and labour-intensive sectors in the Northern Emirates. The current study explores different case studies regarding participants dominated by familial control mechanisms that lead to Bangladeshi migrant workers finding themselves in vulnerable situations. This study incorporated an ethnographic research method. Data was gathered through participant observation, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews. The study includes different participant cases, including accounts from Bangladeshi migrant workers and their family members. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of twelve participants to understand the experiences of Bangladeshi migrant workers and analyzed using a thematic approach. The findings of this study reveal six major themes: moral blackmail, isolation within the family, moral obligation and silence, familial control structures, abuse framed as duty, and informal hierarchies. This study shows that the existing labour mechanism is challenging for Bangladeshi workers, requiring strict attention from the host country to address challenges related to cultural obligations, the minimum wage, restricted movement, and harsh working conditions. It is implied that Bangladesh must make policy changes to create protective migration policies, establish worker independence, and provide pre-departure welfare programmes. Educational programmes developed by NGOs and public officials must include widespread awareness initiatives to heighten the focus on migrants and their family members and break unsustainable cultural standards. The novel aspect of this study lies in the fact that it explores family-based labour exploitation, which is rarely studied in migration research. Full article

Background: Spirituality has emerged as a potential protective factor that may promote mental well-being and resilience among healthcare workers. Aim: This study aims to examine the relationship between spirituality, stress, and depression among healthcare professionals in Greece. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 412 employees at the Corinth General Hospital in Greece, including medical, nursing, and administrative personnel. The data were collected using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-Being 12 (FACIT-SP12), the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The statistical analyses included non-parametric tests, correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. Results: The mean spirituality score was 34.6 (±6.83), while the stress and depression scores were 74.6 (±14.87) and 14.7 (±10.20), respectively. Spirituality was significantly and negatively correlated with both stress (r = −0.479, p < 0.001) and depression (r = −0.452, p < 0.001). Gender, years of service, educational level, and marital status were also associated with variations in stress, depression, and spirituality levels. Women and those with lower education reported significantly higher levels of stress and depression. Additionally, some demographic variables such as age and sector of employment did not show significant associations with spirituality or depression. The regression analysis confirmed spirituality as an independent predictor of lower stress levels (B = −1.158, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Spirituality is a significant predictor in mitigating stress and depression among healthcare workers. Promoting a supportive spiritual climate and incorporating elements of spiritual leadership in healthcare settings may enhance employee well-being and resilience. Future research should expand on these findings across diverse institutional and cultural contexts. Full article

In order to mitigate the risks of losing key personnel and their innate tacit knowledge resources, this paper explored a framework for reducing knowledge loss in South African public sector enterprises (PSEs) through the integration of knowledge management (KM) and human resource management (HRM) strategies. The study used a quantitative research design, administering survey questionnaires to 585 randomly selected employees in three South African PSEs. The survey yielded a 25% response rate and was analysed using Statistical Analysis Software, resulting in a Cronbach alpha of 0.94. The findings of the exploratory factor analysis showed that a framework for reducing knowledge loss can be developed by integrating HRM practices and focusing on seven factors: knowledge loss recognition, knowledge management practices, human resource training, organisational culture, recruitment practices, employee retention, and organisational barriers. Three important components constitute the developed framework for knowledge loss minimization. Tacit knowledge loss was recognised as a critical strategic issue based on the results of the chi-square test for independence and logistic regression. This realisation, along with control and intervention variables, created the three main components of the framework. This paper explored the Knowledge Loss Reduction framework, focusing on South African PSEs as a case, to help organisations address the complex tacit knowledge loss prevalent in public and commercial firms worldwide. It contributes to the knowledge-based view, focusing on knowledge-absorptive and -retentive capacities and praxis in knowledge (risk) management and human resource management. Full article

Family violence is a social issue that impacts families and communities every day in Canada and around the world. As family violence rates continue to increase there is an urgent need for cross-sectoral collaboration to codesign social work and social service systems, in partnership with those experiencing family violence. This article will share learnings from a two-year community-based participatory research study that worked alongside survivors and witnesses of family violence, community partners from diverse social service agencies, and researchers, to understand experiences of family violence in racialized communities in Peel region, Ontario, Canada. An intersectional-trauma-informed approach guided the work that included establishing a community advisory board, hiring peer research assistants, Photovoice, and holding a knowledge exchange event (KEE) with survivors and witnesses of family violence, researchers, and community partners to rapidly generate ideas for intervention areas through a 25/10 crowdsourcing activity and codesign preliminary solutions through a mini hackathon. Key findings from the photovoice highlighted systemic failures and gaps experienced by those facing family violence. As we shifted into ideation, this preliminary focus on systems solidified and top ideas identified included barrier-free, culturally aware provision of services ranging from mental health supports, safe housing, financial independence, and accessing wrap-around services. Our work concluded with the collaborative development of preliminary solutions to these ideas and emphasized the need for cross-sectoral partnerships and lived experience engagement to change systems. Centering the voices of those who have experienced FV in system-level change and advocacy is necessary to ensure services and supports meet the needs of service users. Full article

As nonprofits operate in a competitive environment with limited resources, they constantly seek new ways to optimize their resources. This study investigates factors influencing nonprofits’ decision to integrate flexible labor, such as independent contractors, into their workforce. Using longitudinal data from 2008 to 2018 in the arts and cultural sector in the United States, this study tests hypotheses related to the impact of an organization’s financial health, cost of permanent employment, reliance on government funding and donations, organizational size, and service demand variations on flexible labor use. The findings confirm that nonprofits offering higher fringe benefits and facing greater service demand fluctuations rely more on flexible labor. However, contrary to our expectations, this study also finds that nonprofits with stronger long-term financial health are more inclined to adopt flexible labor, while larger nonprofits use less flexible labor than their smaller counterparts. This study advances our understanding of the organizational and sector-level factors behind flexible labor adoption in nonprofits and offers practical implications for managing it. Full article

The convergence of Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) offers transformative potential across numerous sectors. However, existing studies often examine these technologies independently or in limited pairings, which overlooks the synergistic possibilities of their combined usage. This systematic review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines in order to critically analyze peer-reviewed literature from highly recognized academic databases related to the intersection of VR, AI, and IoT, and identify application domains, methodologies, tools, and key challenges. By focusing on real-life implementations and working prototypes, this review highlights state-of-the-art advancements and uncovers gaps that hinder practical adoption, such as data collection issues, interoperability barriers, and user experience challenges. The findings reveal that digital twins (DTs), AIoT systems, and immersive XR environments are promising as emerging technologies (ET), but require further development to achieve scalability and real-world impact, while in certain fields a limited amount of research is conducted until now. This review bridges theory and practice, providing a targeted foundation for future interdisciplinary research aimed at advancing practical, scalable solutions across domains such as healthcare, smart cities, industry, education, cultural heritage, and beyond. The study found that the integration of VR, AI, and IoT holds significant potential across various domains, with DTs, IoT systems, and immersive XR environments showing promising applications, but challenges such as data interoperability, user experience limitations, and scalability barriers hinder widespread adoption. Full article

Biochar, a by-product of agri-food waste, has shown benefits in plant growth and soil health. However, its use in vitro remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of biochar supplementation in the culture medium, alone or in combination, with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), on kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa), cv. Tomuri proliferation. Kiwifruit explants were cultured on media enriched with 0, 4, or 6 g/L biochar, without or with BAP (0.2 mg/L), over two subcultures (SUB1 and SUB2). Parameters such as shoot and root number and length, fresh and dry weight, as well as plantlets’ total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, were measured and analyzed. Biochar enhanced plantlets proliferation, particularly with BAP. In SUB1, at 4 g/L, biochar promoted shoot production (2.00 vs. 1.63) and their length (1.50 cm vs. 0.98), independently of the presence of BAP. The presence of biochar in the BAP-free media, favored rhizogenesis; particularly in SUB2, where on average, 5.58 roots per plantlets were recorded. Biochar increased the plantlets’ total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, especially in BAP-free media. The addition of biochar as an additive to the culture medium during the kiwifruit in vitro proliferation phase could be a breakthrough outcome for the nursery sector. Full article

This article describes the Heritage Sustainability Index (HSI), a benchmarking tool that draws on a series of key indicators to rate company actions as they relate to the protection of cultural heritage. The purpose of the HSI is to provide an independent framework for lenders, borrowers, and civil society, including Indigenous Peoples, to evaluate corporate safeguard policies and practices related to cultural heritage, enabling informed decision making. Given their importance and influence, the HSI focuses on the practices of Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs), which were chosen to represent a baseline for comparison across all industry sectors. The HSI’s indicators (n = 12) and sub-indicators (n = 48) were successful in illustrating the variability that exists among the G-SIBs. Corporations with an HSI value below the upper quartile of the distribution should take steps to enhance their cultural heritage safeguard practices. This is crucial because scores below this value reflect weak practices, indicating higher financial and reputational risk exposures and poor outcomes for cultural heritage. By focusing on improving their HSI values, these corporations can better mitigate potential risks and enhance their overall sustainability profile. The success and longevity of the HSI will depend on industry goodwill and the perceived risk that cultural heritage poses to corporate financial performance and reputation. Given the potential financial and reputational damage from a significant failure in cultural heritage stewardship, corporations are expected to recognize these advantages and find it an easy decision to support the adoption of the HSI. Full article

Voluntary HIV testing and counselling (VCT) in the workplace could reach population groups who may be at risk for HIV but may not readily seek out testing from other services. We conducted a scoping review to understand (a) the nature of evidence related to initiatives and interventions for vocationally active adults on VCT in occupational settings, and (b) any facilitators and barriers to the delivery of and/or engagement with VCT initiatives/interventions in the workplace. JBI scoping review methodology was followed. The protocol was pre-registered. Included studies focused on vocationally active adults (population), VCT interventions or initiatives (concept), and workplaces in any sector or country (context). The review included studies published after 2000, in English, and of any research design. Studies relating to mandatory workplace HIV screening were excluded. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials were searched. Sources of grey literature included Google Scholar and governmental and organisational websites. One reviewer screened titles and abstracts; a second reviewer independently screened 10%. Data extraction utilised a modified JBI data extraction tool. We identified 17 studies reporting on 12 workplace VCT interventions (20,985 participants, 15–70 years). Studies were conducted in eight countries between 2001 and 2022. Interventions were delivered in organisations of different types, sizes and sectors. Testing included rapid blood tests and oral fluid self-tests. Where reported, the average on-site HIV testing uptake rate was 63%, and the average linkage to care rate was 86.85%. Views of workers, employers and service providers were largely positive. Barriers included being male, masculinity-driven workplace culture, HIV-related stigma, poor knowledge, low risk perceptions, lack of time and low support. Facilitators included on-site testing for convenience and accessibility, rapid and free tests, organisational, managerial and peer support, and embedding HIV tests within general health checks. Evaluation methods varied, although randomised trial designs were uncommon. Despite the limited number of studies, the workplace appears to be a viable route to the delivery of community-based VCT, albeit barriers should be addressed. Reporting quality of interventions and associated evaluations is variable and could be improved with the use of appropriate checklists. Full article

Background: The cider industry is becoming an increasingly important segment of the apple fruit sector in Argentina. This study evaluated different inoculation strategies using two Patagonian strains to produce ciders with reduced malic acid and enhanced quality from acidic apple musts. Methods: Fermentations were performed using Pichia kudriavzevii NPCC1651 (isolated from cider) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ÑIF8 (isolated from wine) in pure, simultaneous, and sequential inoculations. Viable cell counts, glucose and fructose consumption kinetics, and malic acid depletion were measured during fermentation, while physicochemical and aromatic profiles of the ciders were also analyzed in the final products. Results: P. kudriavzevii was capable of coexisting with S. cerevisiae until the final stages of fermentation, independently from the inoculation strategy employed. The simultaneous inoculation at a 1:1 ratio and the sequential inoculation initiated with S. cerevisiae showed the best performance. Both strategies produced ciders with high fermentative efficiency and elevated levels of lactic and succinic acids, isoamyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol, isoamyl acetate, and 2-phenylethyl acetate while reducing acetic acid and ethyl acetate levels. These fermentations also achieved higher malic acid consumption compared to pure cultures. Conclusions: The simultaneous inoculation at a 1:1 ratio is proposed for further pilot-scale testing in natural acidic musts due to its operational practicality and its potential to produce ciders with reduced malic acid and improved sensory quality. Full article

Classical organizational management literature draws clear parallels between organizational culture and climate and effective use of power and influence as key to successful policy implementation of reforms in public sector organizations. On the other hand, the public policy literature, in particular, policy transfer as a strand within policy studies, emphasizes the role of the national context, more specifically, ‘facilitators’ and ‘constraints’ of ‘‘politico-administrative culture” within the national context, as crucial to understanding processes of transfer, convergence, and diffusion of public policy. There is a plethora of studies by Western scholars of public management who have successfully utilized these theoretical underpinnings to study the effectiveness of public service reforms in mature policy environments such as the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and others. However, the public policy and comparative public management literature only offers a limited number of case studies from developing, middle-/upper-middle countries, which rely on concepts of organizational management in addition to narratives on the impact of policy learning from global doctrines, such as Weberianism, New Public Management (NPM), and New Public Governance (NPG), and national politics, on the implementation of administrative reforms in those contexts. Kazakhstan, as a resource-affluent post-Soviet country and a bastion of modernization and ‘open government’ in Central Asia or the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in the post-Soviet era is a case in point. Based on ethnographic research consisting of interviews with elite academics, civil servants, and think-tank activists, as well as reviews of OECD and government strategy reports in Astana, the findings point to a potential abatement of the impact of context constraints such as large power distance and collectivist behavior by context facilitators such as those surrounding the use of ‘trilingualism’ and public diplomacy towards reforms in Kazakhstan particularly in recent years. Full article

The engineering projects sector has presented numerous challenges in achieving success. The need arises to understand the reasons for these challenges and determine the best way to address the issues and achieve success using the best approach. This study aims to gain a good understanding of the factors impacting project success in the engineering sector. The literature review revealed variables that influence project success. These variables are company culture, effective management, employee engagement, and effective planning. The study presents a statistical analysis of the data. This analysis shows that each independent variable studied has a distinct impact on the dependent variable, project success. The South African engineering projects industry has shown a relationship between identified factors and project success. This study recommends laying a solid foundation to apply and improve the identified factors that have an impact on project success in the industry. Full article

This presentation builds upon the Sarawak Liberica Refinement Project introduced at the 2023 International Coffee Convention (ICC), focusing on advancements in coffee preparation and business strategies. The study explores how Liberica coffee (Coffea liberica), known for its resilience in extreme climates, is being cultivated, processed, and marketed in the low-altitude equatorial tropical regions of Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia. The discussion will cover innovative processing methods adapted for the humid, hot environment of Sarawak, where annual rainfall exceeds 4000 mm. These techniques, developed in collaboration with hundreds of independent indigenous small plantation owners, are crucial in producing high-quality Liberica beans suitable for premium café offerings. The presentation will cover advancements in roasting techniques specifically tailored for Liberica coffee, highlighting how these methods enhance the unique flavor profile of this lesser-known species. This research illustrates how these roasting innovations contribute to creating the perfect café crème and other specialty coffee beverages, potentially opening new market opportunities for Liberica in the specialty coffee sector. The study will also explore the business aspects of Liberica coffee, including the following: (i) Market positioning strategies for Liberica and its by-products. (ii) Green bean market matching techniques. (iii) Crop economics and sustainability practices. (iv) The development of local coffee culture and its impact on business. The case studies of influential Liberica coffee plantations across Malaysia will be presented, including those utilizing the latest high-yield varieties developed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). These examples will showcase how advancements in agronomy translate to improved business prospects and trends in the specialty coffee market. To provide a hands-on experience of these advancements, an on-site coffee cupping activity will be conducted featuring various Liberica varieties roasted and processed using optimized processing and roasting techniques. This will allow attendees to appreciate the quality improvements achieved through these innovations and understand their potential impact on the specialty coffee business. Full article

This study utilized a sample of 2052 participants from government and enterprise sectors to explore the distinct effects of power and sense of power on cognitive flexibility. It also delves into how the three dimensions of reward sensitivity and the comprehensive measure of punishment sensitivity mediate this relationship. The key findings are as follows: (1) There is no significant direct correlation between power and sense of power. (2) Both power and sense of power are substantial positive predictors of cognitive flexibility, with middle- and upper-level employees demonstrating significantly greater cognitive flexibility than their lower-level counterparts, and sense of power having a more pronounced positive influence than objective power. (3) Drive and fun-seeking mediate the relationship between sense of power and cognitive flexibility, yet only when sense of power is the independent variable. (4) No mediating effects are observed for the dimensions of reward sensitivity or punishment sensitivity when power is the independent variable. Exploring reward and punishment sensitivity in the context of power’s influence on cognitive flexibility in real organizational settings is of paramount importance. This enhances our understanding of the intricate ways in which power dynamics shape individual behaviors and cognition across diverse cultural landscapes and provides actionable insights for refining organizational management and leadership strategies. Full article

This study examines the dynamic relationship between green human resource management (green HRM), environmental performance (EP), green employee behavior (GEB), and environmental knowledge and awareness (EKAW) within the Egyptian hospitality sector context. Using Pearson correlation coefficients and regression analyses on a sample of 400 staff members from hotels and tourist villages in Egypt, the study examines green HRM practices’ influence on EP, mediated by GEB and EKAW. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between green HRM practices and these mediators, indicating that comprehensive environmental strategies and incentive management are pivotal in promoting eco-friendly practices among employees. The study further confirms GEB and EKAW’s substantial mediating roles in enhancing EP. The results also suggest that while EKAW and GEB independently contribute to EP, their interaction, and the role of environmental awareness as a potential mediator warrant further examination. This research contributes to the literature on sustainable business practices by underscoring human resource strategies’ integral role in achieving environmental sustainability goals, highlighting the importance of incentivizing green practices, and cultivating an organizational culture prioritizing EKAW. These insights are precious for organizations seeking to enhance their ecological footprint through effective green HRM practices. Full article