title: Implementing a carbon measurement & reporting system in an international non-government organisation: A case study

authors: Venter, Ruth

subjects: Carbon reporting

abstract: The movement towards sustainable business practices has been necessitated by the growing acceptance that traditional business practices are unsustainable: financially, socially and environmentally. To date, studies have largely been concentrated on the for-profit sector, in particular on the implications for investors. In this research, I utilise an action research methodology to explore how the implementation of a carbon reporting system impacts the social license to operate in a large international non-governmental organisation, Christian Blind Mission. The case study summarises the process of developing the reporting system, tools, and implementation in this large organisation spanning 76 countries. The purpose of this study is to utilise institutional theory to demonstration how the NGO’s accountability has progressed beyond only being accountable to the INGO Accountability Charter to include stakeholders under the Social Licence to Operate for long term sustainability. I utilise a new institutional theory perspective in particular: constructing normative networks, ‘changing normative association’ education, undermining assumptions and beliefs, and enabling work. I utilise Institutional theory as a means to explain how institutional pressures change organisational behavior and the implications of the pressures while implementing a carbon measurement and reporting system. I also discuss the implication of carbon reporting on organisations Social Licence to Operate. I also highlight the need for research in implementing traditionally for-profit sustainability tools in the not for profit sector.

text: Implementing a carbon measurement & reporting system in an international non-government organisation: A case study The movement towards sustainable business practices has been necessitated by the growing acceptance that traditional business practices are unsustainable: financially, socially and environmentally. To date, studies have largely been concentrated on the for-profit sector, in particular on the implications for investors. In this research, I utilise an action research methodology to explore how the implementation of a carbon reporting system impacts the social license to operate in a large international non-governmental organisation, Christian Blind Mission. The case study summarises the process of developing the reporting system, tools, and implementation in this large organisation spanning 76 countries. The purpose of this study is to utilise institutional theory to demonstration how the NGO’s accountability has progressed beyond only being accountable to the INGO Accountability Charter to include stakeholders under the Social Licence to Operate for long term sustainability. I utilise a new institutional theory perspective in particular: constructing normative networks, ‘changing normative association’ education, undermining assumptions and beliefs, and enabling work. I utilise Institutional theory as a means to explain how institutional pressures change organisational behavior and the implications of the pressures while implementing a carbon measurement and reporting system. I also discuss the implication of carbon reporting on organisations Social Licence to Operate. I also highlight the need for research in implementing traditionally for-profit sustainability tools in the not for profit sector.

year: 2014

title: What do we mean by social in relation to learning and the role of teachers?

authors: Earl Rinehart, (Suzanne) Kerry

abstract: The word social is often used as a modifying adjective to describe behaviour of a group, collective, community, society or organisation. There are social actions and we have social problems. We also understand that   human beings are social animals. We require   interaction with others, so we seek relationship/association/affiliation/cooperation with others and we gather in communities. According to Wikipedia, the etymology of the word social comes from “the Latin word socii (‘allies  ’) referring to allied states of the Roman Republic”. We might take from this that to be social is to be in a positive relationship with others as individuals or groups. During the   COVID-19 health crisis our   connections are  virtual through social media   . Other terms we are familiar with are social security, social studies, sociology, social skills, social work.     Social    may also be a description for temporary behaviour—being social   —during a specific period of time.

text: What do we mean by social in relation to learning and the role of teachers? The word social is often used as a modifying adjective to describe behaviour of a group, collective, community, society or organisation. There are social actions and we have social problems. We also understand that   human beings are social animals. We require   interaction with others, so we seek relationship/association/affiliation/cooperation with others and we gather in communities. According to Wikipedia, the etymology of the word social comes from “the Latin word socii (‘allies  ’) referring to allied states of the Roman Republic”. We might take from this that to be social is to be in a positive relationship with others as individuals or groups. During the   COVID-19 health crisis our   connections are  virtual through social media   . Other terms we are familiar with are social security, social studies, sociology, social skills, social work.     Social    may also be a description for temporary behaviour—being social   —during a specific period of time.

year: 2020

title: The importance of Māori identity for athletes and sportspeople within sporting contexts

authors: Westrupp, Maia Takamoana

subjects: Māori

abstract: Identity is an important concept within psychology given its influence upon how we perceive ourselves, who we are as people, and how it can impact behaviour. For Māori, colonisation has had a detrimental impact on the maintenance and flourishing of a strong cultural identity. Sport is an area where Māori have not only contributed successfully nationally and internationally alongside Pakeha, but have been able to either affirm or rebuild their sense of cultural identity and connectedness. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the importance of Māori identity for athletes and sports people within a sporting context. This research project encompassed a qualitative approach, drawing upon a kaupapa Māori research paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were employed to ascertain in depth knowledge of participant’s experiences. A total of six participants took part in this study, all of whom were made up of athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists. When interpreting participants understanding of Māori identity within a sporting context, participants indicated a desire to configure their Māori identity based on Māori cultural concepts such as whakapapa, manaakitanga, and pēpeha. The key findings also identified a link between Māori identity and sport as participants illustrated how important Māori identity was within their sports team and organisation. Participants also indicated an unconscious link to enhanced sporting behaviours given the essence of Māori identity and the significance it places on serving the collective. Ultimately, for Māori athletes and sports people, the sporting realm offers an opportunity to engage and reaffirm Māori identity. Additionally, the value sporting teams and organisations place on Māori identity, can lead to flourishing in sport given the behaviours that may transpire by connecting the individual beyond purely, the physical domain.

text: The importance of Māori identity for athletes and sportspeople within sporting contexts Identity is an important concept within psychology given its influence upon how we perceive ourselves, who we are as people, and how it can impact behaviour. For Māori, colonisation has had a detrimental impact on the maintenance and flourishing of a strong cultural identity. Sport is an area where Māori have not only contributed successfully nationally and internationally alongside Pakeha, but have been able to either affirm or rebuild their sense of cultural identity and connectedness. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the importance of Māori identity for athletes and sports people within a sporting context. This research project encompassed a qualitative approach, drawing upon a kaupapa Māori research paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were employed to ascertain in depth knowledge of participant’s experiences. A total of six participants took part in this study, all of whom were made up of athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists. When interpreting participants understanding of Māori identity within a sporting context, participants indicated a desire to configure their Māori identity based on Māori cultural concepts such as whakapapa, manaakitanga, and pēpeha. The key findings also identified a link between Māori identity and sport as participants illustrated how important Māori identity was within their sports team and organisation. Participants also indicated an unconscious link to enhanced sporting behaviours given the essence of Māori identity and the significance it places on serving the collective. Ultimately, for Māori athletes and sports people, the sporting realm offers an opportunity to engage and reaffirm Māori identity. Additionally, the value sporting teams and organisations place on Māori identity, can lead to flourishing in sport given the behaviours that may transpire by connecting the individual beyond purely, the physical domain.

year: 2022