Showing papers in "International Journal of Social Economics in 2010"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the relationship between income inequality and economic growth, both in linear and nonlinear specifications, and provided empirical evidence for the existence of Kuznets inverted U as well as inverted S-shaped curve in Pakistan.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between income inequality and economic growth, both in linear and non‐linear specifications.Design/methodology/approach – The paper has employed annual time series data over the period of 1971 up to 2005. Autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bounds testing approach has been used for cointegration and error correction model for short run behavior. Unit root problem is handled by the use of augmented Dickey‐Fuller unit root test.Findings – The analysis findings are sharply contrasted to the significant association between income inequality and economic growth found in 1994 by Alesina and Roderick and by Persson and Tabellini. The empirical evidence provides support for the existence of Kuznets inverted‐U as well as inverted S‐shaped curve in Pakistan.Practical implications – This paper opens up new directions for policy‐making authorities to equalize income distribution in the case of a small transition economy like Pakistan.Origi...
145 citations
68 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the determinants of an individuals likelihood to be an internal migrant and the relationship between internal migration and welfare were analyzed. But the analysis was limited to households with at least one migrant in urban areas.
Abstract: Using a recently compiled dataset on migration and remittances in Ghana, this paper estimates the determinants of an individuals likelihood to be an internal migrant and the relationship between internal migration and welfare. The analysis finds that the likelihood to migrate is determined by a combination of individual (pull) and community-level (push) characteristics. The probability of migration is higher for younger and more educated individuals, but communities with higher levels of literacy, higher rates of subsidized medical care, and better access to water and sanitation are less likely to produce migrants. The analysis finds that households with migrants tend to be better off than similar households without migrants, even after controlling for the fact that households with migrants are a non-random sample of Ghanaians. However, the positive relationship is only true for households with at least one migrant in urban areas; the welfare of households with migrants exclusively in rural areas is no different from households without any migrants.
67 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an ethical maturity scale based on duty and responsibility for practical implementation of enterprise risk management (ERM) has been proposed to ensure better governance in the context of risk management.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: first to add to the debate on good governance and ethics of enterprise risk management (ERM) and second to describe an ethical maturity scale based on duty and responsibility for practical implementation to ensure better governance.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology has centred on risk governance as a way for many organisations to improve their risk management (RM) practices from an ethical perspective based on responsibility and on fulfilling one's duty within the organisation.Findings – While companies in Australia, for example, are more mature than those in Russia in terms of governance systems life cycle, there are a number of common international challenges in risk governance implementation. These relate to a link between risk framework, enterprise value model and strategic planning; to a definition of risk appetite, the embodiment of RM in organisational culture, internal audit and ERM function, the evolving role of a chief risk officer (CRO...
60 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors attempted to identify attributes of social entrepreneurs and philanthropists among returning successful diaspora in North Indian villages, and made an attempt to ascertain key determinants and processes influencing outcomes of social entrepreneurial activity with a view to facilitate it.
Abstract: Purpose – In view of significance of social entrepreneurial activity for community development, the purpose of this paper is to attempt to identify attributes of social entrepreneurs and philanthropists among returning successful diaspora in North Indian villages. Philanthropists are defined by the fact that they only invest money, whereas the social entrepreneurs invest their activities as well. An attempt is also made to ascertain key determinants and processes influencing outcomes of social entrepreneurial activity with a view to facilitate it.Design/methodology/approach – Emphasis is on qualitative analysis based on interviews of scientifically sampled respondents. However, the paper suggests that the rational choice approach is inappropriate to address the issue of community development. An approach based on a broader view of man in works of some classical economists like Adam Smith is more useful.Findings – The results of empirical analysis suggest that there exist substantial factors, such as early...
55 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employed cross-sectional analysis to investigate the relationship between economic condition, gross domestic product per capita (GDPpc) and economic condition such as government consumption ratio to GDP (gc), ratio of M2 over GDP(M2), years of schooling attainment (sc), land area and finally, population and the economic impact of natural disasters.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find the meaningful relationship between the economic impact of the natural disaster and economic condition.Design/methodology/approach – The paper employed cross‐sectional analysis to investigate the relationship between economic condition namely, gross domestic product per capita (GDPpc); gross domestic product per capita squared (GDPpc2); government consumption ratio to GDP (gc); ratio of M2 over GDP(M2); years of schooling attainment (sc); land area and finally; population and the economic impact of natural disasters, whereby ten types of natural disasters were chosen. The degree to which the human and economic losses due to these ten natural disasters were measured by, the variables selected are, number of killed; total affected; and ratio of total damage to GDP. Three different points of time were regressed, namely, 1985, 1995, and 2005 covering 73 countries.Findings – Results clearly indicate that there seems to be meaningful relationship between the econom...
54 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the response of poverty rate to increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is summarized in terms of elasticity of poverty with respect to real GDP per capita.
Abstract: Purpose – By using the World Bank's new poverty data that are based on the most recent International Comparison Program report, this research aims to revisit the response of poverty rate to increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.Design/methodology/approach – The response is summarized in terms of elasticity of poverty with respect to real GDP per capita, which is the ratio of annual percentage fall in poverty rate to annual percentage increase in real GDP per capita. The main calculations are done for the entire group of less‐developed countries (LDCs), poverty‐dense South Asia region, and India, which probably has the highest poverty rate. The periods studied are 1981‐1990, 1990‐1999, and 1999‐2005. The calculations are done for four different poverty measures.Findings – Five major points are noted. First, the elasticities generally show a declining tendency over the period, indicating that poverty‐reducing impact of income growth has been weakening. Second, the elasticities show huge d...
41 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provided a descriptive analysis of socio-demographic bases of gender gap in Pakistan, which is based on the secondary data drawn from reports published by several governmental, international development agencies, and local non-governmental organizations.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a descriptive analysis of socio-demographic bases of gender gap in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyzes various aspects of gender gap (gender inequalities) in Pakistan. The analysis is based on the secondary data drawn from reports published by several governmental, international development agencies, and local non-governmental organizations. The analysis is descriptive in nature and interprets certain social and demographic data to ascertain the states of affairs about the prevailing social conditions relating to gender inequalities in Pakistan. Besides review of literature, the paper focuses on sectoral discussion of gender gap in population, health, education, political, and economic empowerment. In light of the secondary data analysis, suggestions to improve the current gender inequalities and possible recommendations to improve the current gender inequalities in Pakistan are also given. Findings – The paper demonstrates that there are significant socio-demographic and cultural factors, due to which gender gap persists in Pakistani society. Research limitations/implications – The current analysis is based on secondary and published data and, therefore lacks empirical reliability. However, published quantitative data reveal certain social characteristics of gender gap. Originality/value – The paper provides a descriptive cultural analysis of gender inequalities.
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse long-term trends in the development of Africa's economic infrastructure, focusing on what was inherited at independence versus what had been achieved there since and why this was the case.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse long‐term trends in the development of Africa's economic infrastructure.Design/methodology/approach – The importance of infrastructure was examined in social and economic processes, followed by an exploration of the changing nature of infrastructure and its implications for delivery. The paper looked at the development of infrastructure in Africa by focusing on what was inherited at independence versus what had been achieved there since and why this was the case.Findings – The development challenges are immense because delivery of infrastructure requires much more than financial resources – it requires the capacity to deliver massive, complex projects in an efficient manner. It is clear that African states do not possess this level of capacity but this can still be delivered through innovative public‐private partnerships, global cooperation, and the support of international institutions.Practical implications – Improving Africa's infrastructure is a necess...
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the development of the Zakah institution and Zakah type coverage in three major monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam is traced and examined. And some conclusions are presented for the consideration.
Abstract: Purpose – The unity of Divine Law is reflected in monotheistic faiths having their origin with Prophet Abraham (pbuh), but later divided into three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. There is a unity of Divine practice in a variety of areas among these monotheistic faiths. One such area is Zakah, in Islamic tradition, and often characterized as “the poor due” in Christianity and Judaism. By whatever name, Zakah or “the poor due,” is an important Divine institution in all three monotheistic faiths. The purpose of this paper is to trace and examine the development of the Zakah institution and Zakah type coverage in those faiths.Design/methodology/approach – First, the paper provides a brief description of the meaning and objectives of Zakah (the poor due) and the group of people who have been described as worthy to receive Zakah. Additional sections trace the development of Zakat (the poor due) in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Finally, some conclusions are presented for the consideration...
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship between political participation and life satisfaction and found that political participation displays a robust, statistically significant, strong and positive impact on life satisfaction, while correcting for the endogenous nature of the relationship; explore the impact of different strengths of political participation; uncover the relationship displays different patterns by gender.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to model the link between political participation and life satisfaction whilst correcting for the endogenous nature of the relationship; explore the impact of different strengths of political participation and aim to uncover if the relationship displays different patterns by gender.Design/methodology/approach – The data originate from the 2006/2007 European Social Survey. The analysis spanned across a pooled data set for 20 European countries. Three alternative empirical frameworks were trialled: an ordered probit regression, a linear regression model and a two‐step, simultaneous treatment effect model to address endogeneity concerns.Findings – Following the correction for endogeneity via two‐step, simultaneous treatment regressions, political participation – and specifically strong political engagement – displays a robust, statistically significant, strong and positive impact on life satisfaction. It was deduced that actual political participation, and not merely th...
TL;DR: Guillaumont et al. as discussed by the authors classified the least developed countries (LDCs) according to specific criteria and procedures, and as confirmed by a resolution of the UN General Assembly.
Abstract: CAUGHT IN A TRAP. IDENTIFYING THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES by Patrick Guillaumont, Paris: Economica, 2010, xiv + 386 pp., $ 54,95, ISBN-13: 978-2717857993 In the course of reading this book, Haiti was hit by a heavy earthquake. Instantly one looks for answers to such vulnerability. Could this book perhaps help to explain why so many people had to die when the Earth had trembled? First of all, Haiti is on the list of least developed countries, and ranks poorly on all the indicators used to define that list: it has a low average income, a low value for the human assets and a high value for the economic vulnerability index. In the comprehensive ranking, however, Haiti is not at all the worst case. But one aspect is striking: while most of the other least developed countries became politically independent only in the 1960s and 1970s, Haiti has been independent since 1804! Still, the country seems not to be in a position to handle major challenges --it is definitely caught in a poverty trap. Patrick Guillaumont starts his book with the basic question--"what are the least developed countries"--and gives the final answer right away. Today, 49 countries make up the category of least developed countries (LDCs), according to specific criteria and procedures, and as confirmed by a resolution of the UN General Assembly. Countries in that category are low-income countries that suffer from severe structural handicaps to growth, particularly low human resources and high economic vulnerability. In the years since the LDC category was established, the number of countries on the list has doubled, now representing about 40 percent of the developing countries, with more than 750 million people or 11.8 percent of world population. By contrast, their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is just 0.7 percent of world GDP and 3.2 percent of the GDP of all developing countries on an exchange rate basis (UNDP 2007). Compared on the basis of purchasing power parity, the differences are a little smaller, with the LDCs share at about 1.8 percent of world GDP and 4.0 percent of the developing country GDP. Most LDCs are small or medium-sized in population, are located in Africa, are land-locked, insular or arid. Haiti is the only Latin American country among the LDCs. In the literature and in international relations, other (unofficial) structural categories of developing countries are being used. While the LDCs are an official category of the United Nations, "low-income countries" is a classification established empirically each year by the World Bank, making a group of 60 or more. Another category used, this one geographical, is that of the "small island developing countries", which has about 50 members, 36 of them independent states. A final structural category is that of the "land-locked developing countries", 28 in number. Furthermore, there are three political categories of developing countries that partly overlap with the LDC category: the "African, Caribbean and Pacific countries"; the "heavily indebted poor countries"; and the "low-income countries under stress", now included in the broader 'fragile states' group. For 2005, 46 countries were classified as fragile states according to an OECD approach and 35 according to the World Bank. The link between the categories of LDCs and fragile states can seem critical, insofar as the LDC category basically refers to structural features while the fragile states category refers to policy and governance indicators, more likely to change over time. In sum, the LDC is a structural category, not designed to reflect present policy and its assessment. As such it is rather stable, though not permanent. Countries are likely to join or exit from the list according to trends in their structural features; these features are only progressively influenced by policy, yet they influence policy. The official recognition of the LDCs as a special category of developing countries by the United Nations took place as early as 1971. …
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the merits of self-regulation and the art of embedding it within an organization, not as a secondary activity but as a core and fundamental business skill that ensures the survival of a business entity in the long term.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the merits of self‐regulation and the art of embedding it within an organisation, not as a secondary activity but as a core and fundamental business skill that ensures the survival of a business entity in the long term., – The objective is achieved by considering compliance leadership as a strategy within a modern company. If the highest layer of stewardship of the firm (directors) explicitly accepts a conventional definition of business ethics (the law, best practice, a set of values in a specific hierarchy), then the author can measure this agreement and benchmark it against the highest known standards of corporate governance., – Rational shareholders and managers will behave morally and find acceptable categorical imperatives to govern their behaviour. The delivery and preservation of long‐term value demand that firms build capabilities to self‐regulate and co‐shape their environment, particularly if highly regulated. The paper suggests a way to organise the compliance leadership within some well‐known business structures and present the idea that the chief executive officer of a firm who operates in a complex regulatory environment must make compliance a significant part if not the core element of his or her overall strategy., – Some arguments highlighting weaknesses in the Kantian arguments have not been fully discussed. A global initiative that measures the relationship between ethical maturity and share price has not been undertaken in the writing of this paper., – Twenty‐first century management must ensure the health and resilience of their company's culture to successfully manage and overcome the daily ethical questions that arise across all levels and layers of the organisation as a first priority and that whole business models can be built around this mission. Regulators should be accountable for recognising cultural crisis within the firms they regulate in order to balance the reliance on quantitative measurements of success and to navigate the complexity of the largest players in the market., – The paper builds on earlier research by the author that rational norms of behaviour are core business capabilities that will produce industry leaders that can change the risk landscape of the industries wherein these firms operate. This new leadership will be demanded by the rational shareholder and will transform firms into stakeholder firms capable of interacting with their environment and creating and sustaining value over the longest term.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors adopt a total social organisation of labour approach which recognises a multiplicity of labour practices existing on a spectrum from market to non-market practices crosscut by another spectrum from wholly monetised to wholly non-monetised practices.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to move beyond the market/non‐market divide and to recognise the plurality of labour practices in societies by adopting a variant of what Glucksmann calls “a total social organisation of labour” approach.Design/methodology/approach – To transcend the conventional depiction of separate market and non‐market spheres, this paper adopts a total social organisation of labour approach which recognises a multiplicity of labour practices existing on a spectrum from market to non‐market practices crosscut by another spectrum from wholly monetised to wholly non‐monetised practices. This conceptual lens is employed to analyse the results of 861 face‐to‐face interviews on the labour practices used in affluent and deprived urban and rural English localities.Findings – The outcome is to reveal the multifarious labour practices in these English localities along with how both work cultures and the nature of individual labour practices vary socio‐spatially. While affluent and rural popul...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors adopt the conceptual framework of institutional analysis and development (IAD) to identify institutions in the developing world where a commons approach is attempted, and examine knowledge, specifically digital knowledge, as a commons and then look at situations in developing countries where information and communication technology plays a prominent role.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper adopts the conceptual framework of institutional analysis and development (IAD). The main focus is on the “commons,” a general term referring to a resource shared by a group of people or a community who are possibly vulnerable to social dilemmas. In this paper, the vulnerable are communities in developing countries; the resource is economic and social wellbeing; the dilemma is how this wellbeing can be shared. Social finance, among others actions, might be a means of reaching a favorable outcome. The purpose of this paper is to identify institutions in the developing world where a commons approach is attempted.Design/methodology/approach – A major part of the research consists of examining knowledge, specifically digital knowledge, as a commons, and then looking at situations in developing countries where information and communication technology plays a prominent role. The spotlight is on the widespread use of cell phones to meet social, business, and service needs. The paper is desig...
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the Chinese culture is investigated. But the focus is on the impact on other variables, such as the performance of multinational enterprises.
Abstract: Purpose – In many cross‐cultural management studies, culture and cultural differences across nations typically are assumed to be constant. The focus is on the impact of culture on other variables, such as the performance of multinational enterprises. However, is it possible that economic globalization results in cultural globalization? If yes, by how much? The purpose of this paper is to provide some evidence through studying the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the Chinese culture.Design/methodology/approach – An observable social indicator to represent each dimension of cultural value is chosen and statistical models are used to test whether FDI has significant impact on these indicators, after controlling for economic development level. Also this paper investigates whether FDI from a different cultural background has different effects on the Chinese culture.Findings – Using data from major Chinese cities, it is found that FDI has significant effects on the degree of future orientation, perf...
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of eco-tourism on the socio-economic characteristics of the native inhabitants and natural resources in Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), India is studied.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of eco‐tourism on the socio‐economic characteristics of the native inhabitants and natural resources in Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), India. The paper estimates the recreational value and measures the willingness to pay (WTP) of the stakeholders and tourists to conserve the forest eco‐system.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon theories and issues of eco‐tourism to examine the economic value of forest ecosystem, including direct and indirect use values of the ecological regulatory services. The 60 sample stakeholders of the study were agricultural and forest dependents and tourist dependents in addition to 60 visitors of ATR spot.Findings – The travel cost had a significant negative influence on frequency of visits, while education had a positive impact. The agriculture and forest dependents, tourist dependents and tourists were WTP an average amount of Rs 202 (US$4.03), Rs 449 (US$9.55) and Rs 656 (US$14.00)/annum, respectively, tow...
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative explanation, understanding, and policy suggestions on the socioeconomic causes, effects, and challenges facing nomadic rural girls' street hawking in cities of Northern Nigeria are provided.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a qualitative explanation, understanding, and policy suggestions on the socio‐economic causes, effects, and challenges facing nomadic rural girls' street hawking in cities of Northern Nigeria. The aim is to present the paper as a source of literature that will serve as a future document in formulating inclusive policies for the girls as explained in the section on educational policy options.Design/methodology/approach – Research orientation and design involved qualitative phenomenology that explored girls' street hawking experiences. Study sites included three major Nigerian cities and three villages of the girls. Purposeful sampling was used to select 20 girls between ages eight and 15 and female parents as primary participants, while two traditional and religious leaders from each of the villages, and one administrator of the local state nomadic education commission served as secondary participants. Snowball samples of three male parents of the girls in ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore Kant's formulations on universal good will, perfect moral order, and universal peace, and the notion that the world's citizenship should be organised in a federated system of states, free to choose their own universal laws.
Abstract: – The paper seeks to explore Kant's formulations on universal good will, perfect moral order, and universal peace, and the notion that the world's citizenship should be organised in a federated system of states, free to choose their own universal laws., – This theoretical discussion is pursued in two separate sections. The first section reviews leading regulation theories that explain how governments in their decision‐making capacity engage in regulation at macro‐level of the entire socio‐economic system. The second section follows from this argument and discusses the governance theory and alternative governance mechanisms designed and employed by governments to manage the strategic behaviour of the individual economic actors at mezzo‐ and micro‐level of contract relationships., – The paper discusses some of the current theories that underpin the analysis and interpretation of public administration practice, or public governance in different socio‐economic systems. The paper looks at some of the dominant postulates of regulation and governance, and question to what extent they can be accepted as universal principles in line with Kant's argumentation. Different types of governance mechanisms are compared and contrasted in the context of strategic actors such as: the public government as a regulating authority and the firms as regulated economic actors., – The argument in this paper is that governments as regulators of national socio‐economic systems are strategic actors in their capacity to actively shape the regulatory environment, implementing various coordination mechanisms that facilitate the functioning of the economy and the society. The paper attempts to make some ethical judgements on market imperfections and government imperfections in line with Kant's concept of universal moral order.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review and highlight the Balinese mechanism's remarkable features, such as decentralization, democratic decision making, the use of two currencies, supervision, and the possibility of imposing severe sanctions for free-riding.
Abstract: Purpose – The Balinese have been successful for centuries in sustaining cooperation among the members of local communities in order to provide public goods through individual contributions. The purpose of this paper is to review and highlight the Balinese mechanism's remarkable features.Design/methodology/approach – The paper surveyed the experimental literature on public goods and highlighted those features of the Balinese tradition that have been proven to be both effective in the experimental laboratory and successful in deterring free‐riding on the field.Findings – The most prominent features discussed are decentralization, democratic decision making, the use of two currencies, supervision, and the possibility of imposing severe sanctions for free‐riding.Social implications – The paper's findings not only can help to preserve the high level of cooperation among inhabitants in Bali threatened by migration flows and the increasingly intense reliance on the market mechanism, but they also provide general...
TL;DR: This paper argued that Schumpeter's views are influenced by the French social philosopher Gabriel Tarde who delivered a theory of social evolution based on technological change as its driving force and found striking similarities in their central visions.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that Joseph Schumpeter's views are influenced by the French social philosopher Gabriel Tarde who delivered a theory of social evolution based on technological change as its driving force.Design/methodology/approach – The paper investigates the affinities in Schumpeter's and Tarde's respective theoretical and methodological approaches.Findings – In this context, the paper finds striking similarities in their central visions.Practical implications – Understanding Schumpeter's theories implies a deeper acquaintance with Tarde's oeuvre.Originality/value – The paper concludes that several Schumpeterian insights appear to be less original.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors postulate the possibility of a cooperative economic system within the current global crisis, because it is only determined government action, which is orchestrated by a strong sense of true nationalism that can limit the worst effects of current global economic meltdown.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to postulate the possibility of a cooperative economic system within the current global crisis, because it is only determined government action, which is orchestrated by a strong sense of true nationalism that can limit the worst effects of the current global economic meltdown.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a meta‐analysis, which relied on secondary sources of information. It is a qualitative study that is based on conceptual analysis and theory building. It considers a global action from an “emic” perspective (author's viewpoint).Findings – Triumphant capitalism, which heralded the dawn of globalisation, made neo‐liberalists proclaim the death of socialism, along with its positive variants namely, free education, minimum wage, employment creation, health care and so on. However, the perceived triumph of a single orthodoxy seems to have demoted growth of global prosperity. For example, more than 1.1 billion people across the globe are poor, while more tha...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the factors that influence the decision of married women (in the age group of 16 to 60 years) to participate in labor force activities in a developing and an orthodox economy like Pakistan.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the factors that influence the decision of married women (in the age group of 16‐60 years) to participate in labor force activities.Design/methodology/approach – This is an empirical study employing the non‐linear maximum likelihood probability (probit) function on primary data (3,911 observations).Findings – Besides other variables it has been observed that poverty remains an important determinant of female labor participation.Research limitations/implications – On the basis of this paper, a socio‐economic policy can be formulated for a developing country like Pakistan.Practical implications – A development policy (especially considering the gender aspects) can be formulated on the basis of this research for the enhancement of human resource development for a developing and an orthodox economy like Pakistan.Originality/value – This paper is beneficial to researchers, policy makers, and social scientists for the enhancement of the level of social welfare...
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of health and education on income distribution and poverty in selected Islamic countries were investigated using a panel data set for 37 Islamic countries covering eight time periods, and the results showed that boosting the health status in Islamic countries will reduce income inequality and poverty.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of health and education on income distribution and poverty in selected Islamic countries.Design/methodology/approach – A model of income inequality along with a model of poverty, with same explanatory variables, are specified. In these models, the main variables are income level, health status, the level of education and the level of savings. The models are estimated using a panel data set for 37 Islamic countries covering eight time periods.Findings – The results show that boosting the health and education status in Islamic countries will reduce income inequality and poverty in Islamic countries.Practical implications – The results of the empirical examination will help governments in Muslim world to identify areas that need to be improved upon in order to reduce income inequality and alleviate poverty.Originality/value – The paper is the first of its kind, which provides empirical evidence that the health and education status is negativel...
TL;DR: In this paper, a new perspective casting original light on the foundational socio-scientific argumentation premised on the application of the epistemology of unity of knowledge across contrasting shades of reasoning, to the problem of religion, science and society is offered.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to offer a new perspective casting original light on the foundational socio‐scientific argumentation premised on the application of the epistemology of unity of knowledge across contrasting shades of reasoning, to the problem of religion, science and society. Kantian epistemological reasoning is questioned within this argumentation. The specific case of money, finance and real economy is treated in the context of the epistemology of unity of knowledge contra Kantian problem of heteronomy.Design/methodology/approach – The comparative study of received literature in the history of epistemological thinking is applied to the issue of universality and uniqueness of theory and its application in the learning dynamics between organically complementary relations, called circular causation, to the ethical interdependence between money, finance and the real economy. The goal is to attain social and economic sustainability.Findings – A new epistemological outlook in occidental sciences is ne...
TL;DR: A review of the social capital treatment of Robert Putnam, the most influential conceptual theorist, is presented in this paper, where the authors detail how Putnam's treatment of social capital has evolved, examine the arguments of his critics and also critique his socioeconomic analysis.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the social capital treatment of Robert Putnam, the most influential conceptual theorist. The paper will detail how Putnam's treatment of social capital has evolved, examine the arguments of his critics and will also critique his socio‐economic analysis.Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken is a literature review that investigates Putnam's social capital understanding and considers the reasons why this conceptual treatment “touched a nerve” and proved so influential and adaptable.Findings – Putnam's social capital treatment belongs to a socio‐economic communitarian tradition that can be traced to de‐Tocqueville, which offers an alternative to both mainstream free market ideology and to leftwing socio‐economics.Originality/value – The originality of this paper is to identify Putnam as a radical in a methodological sense, reinvigorating a Burkean, consensual interpretation of socio‐economics. The value of this paper is to offer a critique of Putnam'...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors study the impact of consumption patterns associated with ageing on the relative importance of industries in Portugal, quantifying the changes in production, value added, imported intermediate inputs and employment.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of the evolution of consumption patterns associated with ageing on the relative importance of industries in Portugal, quantifying the changes in production, value added, imported intermediate inputs and employment.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses data from the Family Spending Survey to disaggregate the household column of the Portuguese input‐output table in different age groups, projecting their consumption, using the latest demographic projections made by Statistics Portugal (INE).Findings – The study identifies the industries that are likely to be stimulated by the ageing of the Portuguese populations, as well as the industries that will most likely become disadvantaged by the process.Social implications – The task of identification of growing and declining industries due to ageing is important to help the design of employment, environmental and social policies.Originality/value – The contemporary demographic trends in Western soci...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined whether schooling and education have a positive impact on an individual's democratic values in Fiji, whose democratic system has been subject to three coups since independence in 1970.
Abstract: Purpose – Education is highly regarded as having a central influence on individuals' understanding and backing of democracy, but whether this occurs in young and small democratic states remain unknown. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether schooling and education have a positive impact on an individual's democratic values in Fiji, whose democratic system has been subject to three coups since independence in 1970.Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the goal of this paper, the ordered probit probability model is used. The ordered probit model serves as a better framework for statistical analysis whenever field survey responses are ordinal as distinct from numerical.Findings – The results from an ordered probit model reveal that the education level does not affect an individual's democratic values. However, it is found that gender, age, and ethnicity do have an influence on individuals' endorsement of democracy.Practical implications – Democracy has more than once proved to be an elusive dream...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors look at the 2008 financial crisis from the viewpoint of evolutionary economics and show that responding to the challenges of the energy-environment conundrum implies moving the entire global economy towards the evolution of a green economy away from the burning of fossil fuels with attending global warming effect.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the 2008 financial crisis from the viewpoint of evolutionary economics.Design/methodology/approach – The paper links the shattering of economic expectations in 2007‐2008 with the coming energy‐environment conundrum.Findings – The paper shows that responding to the challenges of the energy‐environment conundrum implies moving the entire global economy towards the evolution of a green economy away from the burning of fossil fuels with attending global warming effect.Research limitations/implications – The paper focuses upon the spontaneous coordination in the global market leading to the innovations that the handling of the energy‐environment conundrum requires.Practical implications – The paper engages in essential critical market regulation like higher capital requirements of financial institutions (Basel 3) and stimulate the green economy by some form of carbon tax or emissions trading scheme.Originality/value – Interpreting the financial market bubble in...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors extend Handel's intrinsic and extrinsic framework for understanding job characteristics and job satisfaction to the worker experience in socialist and post-socialist Hungary.
Abstract: Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to extend Handel's intrinsic and extrinsic framework for understanding job characteristics and job satisfaction to the worker experience in socialist and post‐socialist Hungary.
Design/methodology/approach
– Non‐panel longitudinal data from the International Social Survey Program (work orientations I and II: 1989 and 1997 – survey questions on job characteristics and job quality) are used to examine the changing job quality and job satisfaction determinants in socialist and post‐socialist Hungary.
Findings
– Descriptive statistics and regression analysis show that there are many significant changes in the intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics and perceived job satisfaction of Hungarian workers from 1989 to 1997.
Research limitations/implications
– The main limitations of this research are that the key variables are subjective single‐item indicators; the non‐panel longitudinal nature of the data means the direction of causality among the variables examined cannot be tested specifically; and some variables of interest and other important control variables cannot be included in the analysis, as data were not available for both waves of the survey.
Practical implications
– Since worker job satisfaction impacts firm performance and various measures of worker well‐being, firms (regardless of economic sector or private/public status) need to be cognizant of these differences and unique challenges facing Hungarian workers and work to tailor management philosophy and policy to create a unique work atmosphere that will benefit the interests of both the employer and the employee.
Originality/value
– The main contribution of this paper is the analysis of changes in intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics in Hungary, in light of the sweeping political and economic changes that accompanied the transition from a socialist state to a post‐socialist regime.