bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamic banking and customers' preferences: the case of the UK
Authors: Mansour Walid , Ben Abdelhamid Mohamed , Masood Omar , Niazi G.S.K.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Islamic banking is an increasingly important factor in the UK financial environment. With Islamic banks entering the industry in significant numbers – and competing directly with the incumbent “conventional” ones – the question of selection criteria of the banks' customers is of obvious interest. The purpose of this paper is to study the decision‐making process of a sample of UK customers and the factors that may influence them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a sample of 156 UK questionnaire respondents, comprising Muslim and non‐Muslim bank customers alike. The methodological approach is partly borrowed from Masood et al. with the chosen questions aimed at finding out what drives the selection process of bank customers.

Findings

The paper's major findings show that, irrespective of the demographic features and the religion of the respondents, the criterion “low services charges” is the top customers' criteria. The Islamic nature of the bank is, however, placed second, pointing to the importance of religious orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the paper relates to the size of the sample of respondents. The findings of the paper are likely to be of interest to UK banks determining how best to attract customers in the new era. Future research may usefully focus on an international comparison of bank selection criteria by employing an index of religiosity.

Originality/value

The paper is of particular value because it focuses on the choice of banking in the context of the recent significant growth in the Islamic banking industry in the UK.
Islamic finance: from sacred intentions to secular goals?
Authors: Haniffa Roszaini , Hudaib Mohammad
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the political and socio‐economic circumstances in three different periods of the evolution of Islamic finance and how the fundamental aim of its existence altered over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the existing literature on the evolution of Islamic finance, this paper explores the tensions and conflicts with reference to the dynamic changes in the political and socio‐economic landscape to understand how “intentions” changed over time.

Findings

The sacred intentions to help Muslims fulfill their religious economic obligations especially with regards toriba(usury) have been distorted with secular goals as a result of the intervention of political‐economic and social events as well as the dynamic interactions with the conventional sector.Maqasid al‐shari'ah(purposes of the law) has been unduly used to justify the innovation of financial products to compete and converge with conventional banking.

Originality/value

This editorial paper enhances the understanding of the status quo of Islamic finance in general and paves the way for country‐specific research on this indispensable issue.
Accounting, religion and organisational culture: the creation of Jordan Islamic Bank
Authors: Maali Bassam , Napier Christopher
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the cultural factors that shaped the creation of one of the earliest Islamic banks, discussing the tensions that arise between religious and economic aims.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a case study of a historically significant institution. The information on which the paper is based was obtained through interviews with participants in the process being analysed, review of archived documents, and observation. Edgar Schein's theory of organisational culture and leadership is employed to provide theoretical structure for the analysis.

Findings

The paper shows that creating a new type of organisation – an Islamic bank – in Jordan required special legislation. A study of the development of this legislation reveals that the bank's founder needed to convince both the religious and political authorities and potential investors that the bank would comply with Shari'a principles while at the same time generating profitable business. The outcome was to validate transactions that were Shari'a‐compliant in form but similar in substance to those of conventional banks.

Research limitations/implications

The paper examined one bank, and the findings are not necessarily representative of the experience of other Islamic financial institutions.

Social implications

The research highlights the problems faced in establishing businesses that seek to follow the moral and economic teachings of Islam. The paper contributes to the ongoing debate about whether it is possible to establish genuinely Islamic businesses within a conventional economy.

Originality/value

This is the first detailed academic study of the creation of an Islamic financial institution to make use of a wide range of documentary and oral evidence, including interviews with insiders.
Do Islamic banks use loan loss provisions to smooth their results?
Authors: Boulila Taktak Neila , Ben Slama Zouari Sarra , Boudriga AbdelKader
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine income smoothing practices in Islamic banks. It first focuses on detecting income smoothing practices. It then seeks to test whether loan loss provisions (LLPs) are used for earnings management purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores income smoothing practices on a sample of 66 Islamic banks over the period 2001‐2006 using Beidleman's and Eckel's coefficients. Data are obtained from the Bankscope database. To test the use of LLPs to smooth Islamic banks results, a regression model was developed and tested.

Findings

The results provide evidence on an extensive use of income smoothing by Islamic banks. More than 75 per cent of the examined banks have a determination coefficient between 0.5 and 1 and 44 per cent have a variation coefficient less than 0.5. However, income smoothing is not achieved through LLPs. The variable earnings before taxes and provisions are not significant in all model specifications. The paper advances that these smoothed incomes are derived rather by the use of profit equalization reserve (PER) and investment risk reserve (IRR). The finding is contradictory to the widespread view stating that those mechanisms are designed to stabilize rewards attributed to investment account holders.

Research limitations/implications

The non‐disclosure of detailed information on PER and IRR prevented the empirical testing of the assertion on the use of these discretionary items to smooth Islamic banks' incomes.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies which implicitly assume that Islamic banks intentionally use accounting techniques to disclose smoothed results, this paper pioneers the study on detecting income smoothing practice by such institutions. Second, it explores the use of LLPs for earnings management purposes in the context of a fast growing industry where Islamic assets have grown on average by 30 per cent per year over the period 2002‐2007. Third, it is the first paper to give some evidence on the use of PER and IRR as income smoothing devices. Finally, the paper covers a larger number of Islamic banks and from various countries.
Does foreign presence foster Islamic banks' performance? Empirical evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper examines the impact of entry of foreign banks on the performance of the Malaysian Islamic banking sector during the period 2001‐2007.

Design/methodology/approach

To maintain homogeneity, the empirical analysis is confined to two fully fledged domestic Islamic banks, three fully fledged foreign Islamic banks, 11 domestic window Islamic banks, and four foreign window Islamic banks during the period of 2001‐2007. The paper applies the ordinary least square method, where the standard errors are calculated by using White's transformation to control for cross section heteroscedasticity.

Findings

The empirical findings suggest that overhead cost is negatively related to Malaysian Islamic banks' profitability. On the other hand, Islamic banks which are better capitalized and have a higher level of liquidity tend to be more profitable. It is found that the De Novo commercial banks are relatively less profitable than their incumbent bank peers, which could be attributed to the different levels of knowledge of the market between the incumbent and the De Novo Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could include more variables such as taxation and regulation indicators, exchange rates as well as indicators of the quality of the offered services. Another possible extension could be the examination of differences in the determinants of profitability between small and large or high and low profitability banks. In terms of methodology, a statistical cost accounting and/or frontier optimization technique, such as the non‐parametric data envelopment analysis, the stochastic frontier analysis, and/or the Malmquist productivity index approach, may be adopted to examine changes in efficiency and productivity of the Malaysian Islamic banking sector.

Originality/value

While extensive literature exists to examine the performance of conventional banking sectors over recent years, empirical works on the Islamic banking sector are still in its infancy. Furthermore, studies on Islamic bank performance have focused on theoretical issues and the empirical works have relied mainly on the analysis of descriptive statistics rather than rigorous statistical estimation. The paper therefore attempts to fill the gap in the literature by providing new empirical evidence on the performance of the Islamic banking sector.
Is faith‐based investing rewarding? The case for Malaysian Islamic unit trust funds
Authors: Kabir Hassan M. , Nahian Faisal Khan Abu , Ngow Thiti
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The growing demand for alternative investment vehicle which adheres to shari'a principles has prompted other measures to boost the Islamic capital market. Unit trust funds in Malaysia have been growing exponentially and their existence signifies the extent of development in the Malaysian financial market. For foreign and domestic investors who have low risk tolerance and wish to diversify, unit trust funds offer the opportunity to invest. The increasing relevance of unit trust funds as an investment instrument has driven us to analyze the fund's performance. This paper addresses these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the comparative performance of Malaysian unit trust funds vis‐à‐vis their non‐Islamic counterparts using a variety of measures, such as Sharpe, Treynor, Jenson and Fama's selectivity, net selectivity and diversification. The paper also examines the persistence of performance using Carhart's four‐factor pricing models. Lastly, the paper employs an analysis of cointegration to examine how the Islamic unit trust funds are related in long term with their non‐Islamic counterparts, as well as their respective market portfolios.

Findings

The paper finds no convincing performance differences between Islamic and non‐Islamic Malaysian unit trust funds. Controlling performance for style differences, the paper finds that non‐Islamic unit trust funds in Malaysia are value‐focused while Islamic unit trust funds are small cap oriented. In addition, similar reward to risk and diversification benefits exist only between Islamic and non‐Islamic Malaysian unit trust funds.

Research limitations/implications

The Worldscope data are used to construct four‐factor models as opposed to Malaysian‐based data – given that Malaysia is an open economy that attracts global investors. Also, US T‐Bill rate is used rather than Malaysian risk‐free rate because no other securities are as riskless as US Treasury Bills.

Practical implications

The paper observes a significant long‐term relationship between Islamic unit trust funds portfolio and non‐Islamic unit trust funds portfolio. The implication here suggests that investors in Malaysian unit trust funds will most likely benefit from international diversification of financial risks. They do not, however, stand a good chance to gain from portfolio diversification in the local unit trust funds market.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing Islamic investment literature by pursuing an empirical analysis on the performance of both Islamic and non‐Islamic Malaysian unit trust funds by using more recent data and further investigating the long‐run relationship between Islamic and non‐Islamic unit trust funds.
Resilience strategies of healthcare facilities: present and future
Authors: Achour Nebil , Price Andrew D.F.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore UK healthcare resilience strategies, define gaps and provide suggestions based on international best practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a pluralistic qualitative research approach to achieve its purpose including: research papers, governmental and non‐governmental reports, code and guidance documents and databases. In addition, two case studies were visited in May 2009: the first was one of the major hospitals in the UK; and the second is a major health facility located at the south of Taiwan. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the hospitals responsible and/or emergency officers to clarify the strategies setup to respond to emergencies.

Findings

The results show that despite the “robust” emergency planning in the UK, many issues could have been avoided if international experience was reviewed carefully. This is due to the failure of not working closer with multi‐disciplinary experts, who provide technical and tactical help and lessons learned from international best practices, in addition to limiting accessibility of experts to information. The study also suggests that climate change must be addressed comprehensively through fusing resilience and sustainability strategies into a more comprehensive strategy of adaptation.

Originality/value

The paper provides a significant contribution in terms of reducing the fragmentation of healthcare resilience‐related work done previously; constructive criticism of UK healthcare resilience strategies and evidence of better practice from local and international facilities which will help in enhancing the resilience of healthcare facilities in the UK and elsewhere in the world.
Impact assessment and project appraisal in cases of coastal erosion
Authors: Persson Mats
Published: October 2010

Purpose

There are several urban areas close to the sea and other water bodies that may be adversely affected by erosion and flooding. Global climate change, including sea‐level rise and more intense and damaging storms, will increase the threats of natural hazards in several areas. Mitigating and adapting to these risks in urban areas are huge challenges for society. There is a need for a proper decision basis to build a society that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. By incorporating coastal hazard and risk mapping into spatial planning, new developments can be diverted away from threatened areas. Further, by taking adaptation measures, risks in existing urban areas can be reduced. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of two case studies and discusses the prerequisites for impact assessment and project appraisal and how this is used and accepted by the users and decision‐makers.

Findings

A guideline has been developed as a tool for the integration of costs and benefits in decision making on investments in coastal zones. The guideline gives an overview of why, when, and how impact assessments and project appraisals can be made using socio‐economic valuations of coastal areas affected by erosion. Two case studies have been performed to demonstrate the practical application of the guideline and economic analysis and valuation in coastal management.

Originality/value

The guideline can be used to prioritise areas that need attention due to threatened shorelines, and to decide which preventive measures are the most efficient from a socio‐economic point of view.
Sociological and behavioural impediments to earthquake hazard mitigation
Authors: Kikelomo Egbelakin Temitope , Wilkinson Suzanne
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavioural and sociological impediments to successful implementation of earthquake hazard mitigation and to recommend possible intervention strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through a case study methodology and interviews adopted as the research strategy. A semi‐structured questionnaire was chosen as a data‐collection instrument, with 33 interviews conducted for various stakeholders involved in seismic retrofit decision‐making process.

Findings

The research main findings include the role of risk perception in diminishing earthquake hazard mitigation, difficulties in assessing benefits and values of seismic retrofit implementation and the hazard mitigation approach adopted by governmental organisations. The findings suggested that stakeholders involved in retrofit decision‐making should have a good understanding of the risks faced as well as the implications of their decisions.

Originality/value

The paper investigates earthquake hazard mitigation of commercial buildings at the stakeholders‐level by adopting a multidisciplinary approach that incorporated decision sciences, policy perspectives and socio‐behavioural perspectives. The findings highlight the significance of stakeholders approach to foster adequate mitigation of earthquake risks.
Post‐disaster recovery and reconstruction safety training
Authors: Grosskopf K.R.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify safety hazards likely to be encountered during post‐disaster recovery and reconstruction, identify barriers to effective safety training and hazard mitigation, and provide actionable guidance on methods to safely avoid and abate such hazards.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were administered to 400 participants at 13 training sites to evaluate safety practices among reconstruction contractors and workers.

Findings

A comparison of survey results to hazards likely to cause injuries and fatalities during post‐disaster reconstruction indicates that little effort is made to assess workers' physical condition or immunization records prior to deployment. Furthermore, data suggest that workers lack safety training in reconstruction‐specific hazards such as electrocution, falls, chemical and biological hazards (e.g. contaminated flood water), and equipment hazards (aerial lifts, ladders, electric equipment, generators, etc.). Findings also indicate that training effectiveness is further compromised by limited language and literacy skills of workers, high turnover of workers, and insufficient resources for adequate safety training frequency and duration, especially among smaller contractors (<100 workers).

Originality/value

The paper is based on original research funded by the US Government following Hurricane Katrina and is intended to aid in the development of targeted training to reduce worker injuries and fatalities during post‐disaster reconstruction.
Proposed enhanced spectra for near‐fault regions using forward directivity records
Authors: Taheri H. , Beitollahi A.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a proper tool for structural analysis and designing in near‐fault regions where the level of earthquake hazard is more and its nature is different from far‐field regions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses near‐fault records and pulse extraction using wavelet analysis and designs a spectra concept.

Findings

The paper developed a proper design spectra for near‐fault structural analysis and design.

Originality/value

This paper using pulse extraction for developing a 3D response spectrum with paying attention to earthquake magnitude is new and final design spectra proposed is valuable.
The rule of Saint Benedict and corporate management: employing the whole person
Authors: Kleymann Birgit , Malloch Hedley
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The “classical” logic of organisations existing as generators of shareholder value, with the human “resources” seen as a means to this end, has been the subject of criticism regarding alienation in its members and the instrumentalisation both of work and of people. This paper aims to look at the way a medieval monastic rule is used to govern secular for‐profit organisations and trace its potential relevance as an alternative example for the structure and governance of organisations today.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an in‐depth case study, the paper critically discusses the feasibility of applying aspects of the rule of Saint Benedict (RSB) to modern organisations.

Findings

Some of the principles of the RSB (such as fitting jobs around people, inverse delegation, and a critical attitude towards organisational growth) are quite different from standard management practice. Yet these monastic organisations turn out to be highly successful businesses with remarkably low employee turnover and high profitability.

Social implications

The paper claims that the principles of the RSB can contribute, outside of the monastic context, to the creation and running of more “humane” organisations.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that several of these monastic communities are important commercial organisations in their own right, producing goods and services for the market place. Some are businesses with multi‐million euro turnovers, the scale of whose activities compels them to rely on lay employees from outside the monastery on conventional contracts of employment. Yet these outsiders are managed under the same principles of the RSB as the monks.
Leadership practices for corporate global responsibility
Authors: D'Amato Alessia , Eckert Regina , Ireland John , Quinn Laura , Van Velsor Ellen
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The move of organizations towards corporate global responsibility (CGR) is often a major change process that requires leadership throughout the organization. Despite an array of studies on managerial competencies in this area, previous research on leadership for CGR has not studied the actual leadership practices that are employed in a company's journey to CGR. The paper aims to fill this gap and to show how leadership for CGR is enacted by individuals and organizations that are highly successful CGR leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a comparative case‐study approach of five multinational companies that are recognized as industry leaders for CGR. A total of 54 semi‐structured interviews with senior managers were complemented by ten focus groups and an examination of company reports, value charters and mission statements. Interviews as the main source of information were double‐coded in a three‐step process with the goal of knowledge development.

Findings

The paper identifies eight interrelated categories of leadership practices for global responsibility: developing CGR vision, strategy, and goals; integrating CGR into business decisions and operations; top management role modeling of CGR; engaging across boundaries; employee development and empowerment; systematic communication about CGR; developing accountability for CGR; and visible integrity in management behavior and decision making.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that focusing on these leadership practices helps organizations build a strong leadership culture that is supportive of CGR.

Originality/value

The examination of actual leadership practices on multiple levels complements the existing knowledge on individual management competencies that are useful for driving CGR in organizations.
CSR and the building of leadership capability
Authors: Jones Grant , Kramar Robin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to test the proposition that action research conducted within an organisation can develop the kind of leadership capabilities that are likely to enhance sustainability outcomes. It seeks to report the conduct of an action research process used in FOXTEL to develop a component of its overall corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a case study of an action research process that was conducted within FOXTEL to develop the volunteering and gifting elements of its CSR program.

Findings

The evidence suggests that action research as an approach to change develops leadership capabilities that have been associated with more sustainable organisational behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

This research is a single case study. There needs to be many more case studies of a comparable kind before generalisations can be named with confidence.

Practical implications

The processes described in this case study can easily be replicated as part of any change management strategy.

Originality/value

While the paper is an evidence based, scholarly examination, it provides a model that practicing managers can easily follow.
Escaping the disciplinary straitjacket
Authors: Sherren Kate , Robin Libby , Kanowski Peter , Dovers Stephen
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Curriculum design is often a challenge. It is particularly so when the subject is sustainability, which is an aspirational but contested concept, draws on a range of disciplinary insights and is relatively new to university curricula. There is no single “right way”, or even agreement across the disciplines that inform the collective enterprise about general approaches to sustainability curricula. The likely content is ill‐defined and spans departmental units and budget areas in most traditional universities. Like other societal and institutional attempts at realising sustainability, curriculum design for sustainability is beset by difficulty, yet an essential intellectual activity. This paper aims to focus on these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares actual curriculum development processes for “sustainability” in two very different Australian universities, as studied using participant observation and qualitative interviews.

Findings

The paper draws out some of the common challenges of interdisciplinary curriculum design for sustainability, and identifies four principles transferrable to other institutional adaptation settings. It argues that curriculum design is an opportunity to develop collegiality, and further advance the problem area under discussion.

Originality/value

Case study research is often difficult to generalise to other settings. The opportunity to observe two sustainability curriculum design processes, operating in parallel, provides transferrable insights.
Re‐articulating the ethical corporation: the case of the Woolf Committee Report
Authors: Jensen Tommy , Sandström Johan
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Efforts to address the role and responsibilities of large global corporations have predominantly focused on the need for increased and more effective global corporate governance, but this underestimates the need to articulate a global ethics for these corporations. This paper aims to analyse the Woolf Committee Report (WCR; the weapon company BAE Systems plc's attempt to outline what it would take to become a global corporate leader in ethics) and benchmark it against an ethical response to corporate responsibility articulated as a global ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a textual analysis of the WCR.

Findings

The WCR contains openings towards a re‐articulation of the role and responsibilities of large global corporations, but it is predominantly a text that gives us more clues to how difficult it will be for BAE, or any other corporation, to “live” a global ethics.

Research limitations/implications

Critical analyses of the language that corporations use in order to address their role and responsibilities are important. However, how texts influence practice is dependent on how they travel and more studies on such journeys are also needed.

Practical implications

Given that textual analyses, such as ours, are re‐connected to practitioners, such studies might contribute to making practitioners more discursively aware of the corporate talk that they are embedded in.

Originality/value

The paper predominantly speaks to the field of business studies and its originality lies in its focus on a global ethics (without reducing this to governance) in relation to the role and responsibilities of large global corporations.
Re‐visiting HIV/AIDS in the workplace and HR work in Thai business organizations
Authors: Virakul Busaya , McLean Gary N.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper aims is to investigate human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and human resources (HR) management in Thai business organizations listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The first such survey was reported on in 1998.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through questionnaires mailed twice to 534 HR managers, yielding 211 usable responses (39.5 per cent).

Findings

Findings of both surveys were compared to identify changes. HIV/AIDS is not perceived to be a serious problem by Thai business organizations, and their executives do not view HIV/AIDS as an important workplace issue. This reflects an improvement since 1998. HR management has also improved. These improvements are due, in part, to national policies driven by Thai public institutions more than a decade ago. While there are improvements, there is still room for improvement. Many Thai business organizations still do not prepare themselves, policy‐wise, to deal with HIV/AIDS systematically.

Research limitations/implications

The data were based on the perceptions of HR managers; SET organizations are leading business organizations in Thailand, but most businesses are small to medium‐sized; as HIV/AIDS is a sensitive issue. The real number of HIV/AIDS cases may not be accurate; while the two surveys included the same population, there is no way to know whether the same companies responded, so differences may not be real; and the number of companies in the food and beverage industry is under‐represented as respondents.

Practical implications

The paper may be useful to business companies, especially Thai; government agencies; and non‐government agencies by understanding their critical roles in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Originality/value

The paper findings may help businesses understand the HIV/AIDS situation in Thailand and their critical role in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS and lessening the difficulties that HIV/AIDS people face. They may also help government, public, and private HIV/AIDS‐prevention advocates to find ways to work together with business companies to strengthen and maintain HIV/AIDS policies and practices that can help control HIV/AIDS as Thailand has done in the recent past.
A review of Canadian corporate sustainable development reports
Authors: Davis Greg , Searcy Cory
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present the results of a content analysis of Canadian corporate sustainable development reports.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparison of existing content analyses of corporate sustainable development reports was conducted. Based on the comparison, eight key areas were identified for further research in the content analysis of Canadian corporate reports. A total of 89 reports were reviewed in the content analysis.

Findings

The content analysis highlighted several interesting trends in Canadian reporting. For example, the analysis highlighted that relatively few corporations explicitly identify the audience for the report, include an endorsement from the board chair, provide details on specific standards used for managing the supply chain, discuss linkages to public policy, or use third‐party assurance. The analysis also highlighted the wide variety in report structure.

Research limitations/implications

The content analysis did not address all issues related to corporate sustainable development reporting. Numerous areas for further research were identified, such as focusing on how companies decide on what to include in the reports, how the reports are used, the accommodations made for specific audiences, challenges in auditing the reports, and future directions of company reporting.

Originality/value

The content analysis focused on several areas that have been highlighted in previous studies as well as areas that have not previously been investigated. The analysis is based on a larger sample size than the most recent Canadian studies. The research will be of interest to both research and practitioners in corporate sustainable development reporting.
Legitimating corporate global irresponsibility
Authors: Sionneau Bernard
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to explain why and how, in the USA, a very particular interpretation of economic liberalism, faring though different historical contexts, has generated, since the 1970s, a new kind of capitalism whose language, logic, legitimating paradigm and associated practices have become, thanks to “organic intellectuals” and active networks of power and influence, the “newspeak” and compass of chief executive officers from around the world, despite their always direst societal consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

Using history as a support to investigate the domestic and international relations contexts that bore financialized globalization, the paper is strongly located into political sociology. As such, and if we consider that political sociology is the “science of power”, the paper tries to identify precisely the networks of power and influence which transformed a specific interpretation of liberalism and business into a dominant paradigm and specific kind of capitalism, in the USA and the rest of the world. The approach helps to understand which sets of ideas and authors were deemed worth supporting by business and political networks of power and influence and how both sides drew on their reciprocal resources to transform their cosmogonies into dominant paradigms and real politics (corporate and States).

Findings

The paper provides a global but precise understanding of the complex processes that allowed some vested interests to impose their vision of economics and business on a domestic, then world, scale. It also questions the relevancy of that vision according to a presentation of the negative societal externalities the associated policies generated and according to the official investigations that have been conducted on the corporate and banking misdemeanors that it contributed to generate.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates a method of investigation that can be used to develop the “global view”, a prerequisite to making decisions in full knowledge of causes and consequences and thus a means to train future “globally responsible leaders”.

Social implications

By revealing the hidden interests behind financialized globalization and the societal consequences of their power plays, the paper indirectly demonstrates the urgent need for an “alter‐economy” geared to meet the fundamental needs of societies and to preserve their natural environment in the long term.

Originality/value

The paper offers a different perspective on economics and business which is seldom presented in business schools where, owing to the discussed dominant ideology, politics is considered irrelevant to understand business and economics and where the latter are nearly always presented as vectors of good.
Institutionalizing idealism: the adoption of CSR practices
Authors: Haberberg Adrian , Gander Jonathan , Rieple Alison , Helm Clive , Martin‐Castilla Juan‐Ignacio
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the idiosyncratic features of the adoption and institutionalization of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper in which current theory on the institutionalization of practices within organizational fields is extended. This is achieved through considering how well established models of the institutionalization process accommodate the idiosyncrasies of CSR practices.

Findings

Established models of the institutionalization process do not properly account for the patterns of CSR adoption that are identified. This is because CSR has some features that differentiates it from other organizational initiatives, including idealism, delayed discovery of instrumental benefits, public attention, and the tension between public and private logics.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual paper which now needs to be explored empirically, either at the level of the CSR practice or at the organizational field. It is believed that a detailed examination is warranted of the effects of the truncated adoption process (a coercive bandwagon) on organizations' adoption of CSR practices. Neither has it been considered whether all categories of CSR practices are subject to the same dynamics or development path.

Practical implications

It is argued that prizes and regulations that are introduced before the organizational case has been worked through properly can have a negative effect on the adoption of beneficial practices throughout the wider field. Similarly, accusations of greenwashing of firms who implement CSR prematurely, and the negative publicity that results, can result in the valuable ideals of CSR being operationalised in a sub‐optimal form.

Originality/value

The paper offers a new conceptualisation of the path of the institutionalization of CSR practices.
An institutional perspective of the MNC as a social change agent: the case of environmentalism
Authors: Mitchell Matthew C.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Using an institutional theory perspective this paper aims to examine the influence of multinational corporations (MNCs) on host country institutional environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual piece that introduces the concept of the country institutional profile (CIP) as a useful theoretical framework for analyzing the host country institutional environment.

Findings

The existing model that describes the MNC as a social change agent within host country institutions is extended. This is accomplished by utilizing the CIP as a more formal conception of the host country institutional environment. The model is then used to examine a specific case of the MNC impact on the host country level of environmentalism.

Originality/value

The value of the contribution lies in the application of the CIP for analyzing the host country institutional environment. Furthermore, this framework is applied to the case of the MNC's impact on host country environmentalism.
Development of species‐specific polymerase chain reaction primers for detection of Fusobacterium periodonticum
Authors: Park Soon‐Nang , Park Jae‐Yoon , Kook Joong‐Ki
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this study was to develop species‐specific PCR primers for detection of Fusobacterium periodonticum. The specificity data showed that two sets of PCR primers, Fp‐F3/Fp‐R2 and Fp‐F1/Fp‐R2 PCR, produced amplicons from all the F. periodonticum, but not from the other species tested, which included 12 Fusobacterium species or subspecies and representative oral bacteria. The sensitivity of the primer sets was 4 or 40 pg of the chromosomal DNA from F. periodonticum ATCC 33693T. These results suggest that these two sets of PCR primers are quite sensitive in detection of F. periodonticum in molecular epidemiological studies of periodontitis.
Staphylococcal enterotoxin A: a candidate for the amplification of physiological immunoregulatory responses in the gut
Authors: Miron Nicolae , Miron Mirela‐Mihaela
Published: October 2010

Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is one of the bacterial products tested for modulation of unwanted immune responses. Of all the staphylococcal enterotoxins, SEA is the most potent stimulator of T cells. When administered orally, SEA acts as a superantigen (SA), producing unspecific stimulation of intra‐epithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the intestinal mucosa. This stimulation results in amplification of the normal local immunologic responses, which are mainly regulatory. This amplification is based on increased local production of IFN‐γ by IELs, which acts on the nearby enterocytes. As a result, the enterocytes produce large amounts of tolerosomes, cellular corpuscles which detach themselves from the basal poles of the enterocytes and contain antigenic peptides that are conditioned to be interpreted as tolerogenic by the gut immune system. Tolerosomes are physiologically produced as a response to dietary peptides; it is already known that enterocytes posses the molecular mechanisms for processing peptides in a similar manner to lymphocytes. The fate of tolerosomes is not precisely known, but it seems that they merge with intestinal dendritic cells, conveying to them the information that orally administered peptides must be interpreted as tolerogens. SEA can stimulate this mechanism, thus favoring the development of tolerance to peptides/proteins administered subsequently via the oral route. This characteristic of SEA might be useful in therapy for regulating immune responses. The present paper reviews the current status of research regarding the impact of SEA on the enteric immune system and its potential use in the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases.
The analgesic efficacy of continuous wound instillation with ropivacaine after open hepatic surgery
Authors: Chan S. K. , Lai P. B. , Li P. T. , Wong J. , Karmakar M. K. , Lee K. F. , Gin T.
Published: October 2010

The analgesic efficacy of continuous local anaesthetic wound instillation after open hepatic surgery was evaluated. Forty‐eight patients scheduled for elective liver surgery were assigned to receive either ropivacaine 0.25% or saline infusion at 4 ml.h−1 for 68 h via two multi‐orifice indwelling catheters placed within the musculo‐fascial layer before skin closure; plasma ropivacaine concentrations were measured during the infusion. Supplemental analgesia was provided by intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia morphine. Patients in the ropivacaine group had decreased mean (SD) total morphine consumption (58 (30) mg vs 86 (44) mg, p = 0.01) and less pain at rest as well as after spirometry at 4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h postoperatively (p < 0.01). Forced vital capacity was reduced postoperatively in both groups, but the reduction was greater in the saline group at 12 and 24 h (p = 0.03). The mean plasma concentration of ropivacaine increased to 2.05 (0.78) μg.ml−1 at the point when the infusion was terminated.
Genetic typing of CBL, ASXL1, RUNX1, TET2 and JAK2 in juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia reveals a genetic profile distinct from chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia
Authors: Pérez Benoîte , Kosmider Olivier , Cassinat Bruno , Renneville Aline , Lachenaud Julie , Kaltenbach Sophie , Bertrand Yves , Baruchel André , Chomienne Christine , Fontenay Michaela , Preudhomme Claude , Cavé Hélène
Published: October 2010

JMML and CMML are rare myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms occurring at both ends of life. To investigate relationships between JMML and CMML, genes recently involved in CMML were studied in 68 JMML patients. Mutations in TET2, RUNX1 and JAK2V617F are involved in myelodysplastic and/or myeloproliferative syndromes, and more specifically in CMML but were not found in JMML. Pangenomic analysis by SNP‐array showed no abnormality at these loci. Three frameshift mutations of ASXL1 leading to a truncated protein were found in three patients (4%) with late onset JMML displaying also RAS activating mutations. Homozygous mutations of CBL with 11q loss of heterozygosity were found in five (7%) JMML. CBL substitutions were different from those reported in CMML, exclusive from other RAS activating mutations, and were germline in all patients. Overall, the pattern of genetic lesions observed in JMML differed from that of CMML. Although signalling deregulation is involved in CMML, transcriptional deregulation seems to play a pivotal role, with mutation of RUNX1, ASXL1 or TET2. Conversely, none of these genes involved in transcription or chromatin remodelling was found to be significantly altered in JMML, while CBL mutations confirm the central role of RAS and growth factor signalling deregulation in JMML.
Thrombocytopenia in early malaria is associated with GP1b shedding in absence of systemic platelet activation and consumptive coagulopathy
Authors: De Mast Quirijn , De Groot Philip G. , Van Heerde Waander L. , Roestenberg Meta , Van Velzen Jeroen F. , Verbruggen Bert , Roest Mark , McCall Matthew , Nieman An‐Emmie , Westendorp Josien , Syafruddin Din , Fijnheer Rob , Van Dongen‐Lases Edmee C. , Sauerwein Robert W. , Van Der Ven Andre J.
Published: October 2010

Thrombocytopenia develops early in malaria, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We studied the aetiology of malaria‐associated thrombocytopenia in volunteers experimentally infected with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, in Indonesian malaria patients and in ex vivo studies. In experimental human malaria, the decrease in platelet counts was associated with a concurrent rise in young platelets (immature platelet fraction) and thrombopoietin. D‐dimer concentrations were moderately elevated without a prolongation in the activated partial thromboplastin time or decrease in fibrinogen. There was no increase in expression of the platelet surface markers CD62P, PAC‐1 and CD63 and in plasma concentrations of the platelet factors P‐selectin, CXCR4, CXCL7, RANTES and CD40L. In contrast, concentrations of soluble glycoprotein‐1b (sGP1b), the external domain of the platelet receptor for von Willebrand factor (VWF), increased early. Indonesian malaria patients also had elevated concentrations of sGP1b, which correlated with VWF concentrations. Finally, incubation of platelets with parasitized erythrocytes in vitro failed to induce platelet aggregation or activation. We concluded that neither compromised platelet production nor platelet activation or consumptive coagulopathy were responsible for the early thrombocytopenia in malaria. We hypothesize that the increase in sGP1b concentrations results from VWF‐mediated GP1b shedding; a process that may prevent excessive adhesion of platelets and parasitized erythrocytes.