Network mobilizers and target firms: The case of saving the Baltic Sea

This paper examines why and how firms participate in issue networks that aim at solving contemporary complex problems. We build mainly on network and stakeholder literatures to understand mobilization from a relational perspective. Drawing on a single embedded case study of four initiatives to save the Baltic Sea, we build a multilevel model for firm participation in issue networks. Besides discovering diverse motivational factors, the model sheds light on the interaction between individual, organization, and network levels factors explaining mobilization. We argue that there is high theoretical, managerial, and societal relevance for studying the dynamics of issue networks—a topic which could be better incorporated in the research agenda of business network scholars.     

Governance of Knowledge‐Intensive Firms in the Modern Market Economy

We model contracting for joint production between workers and shareholders when investment in knowledge is non‐verifiable and the resulting specific human capital embedded in the workers is non‐tradable. The model explains how the effective cost of human capital services will vary depending on whether the investment in knowledge is financed by the workers or by the shareholders. We apply the results of the modeling to identify which firms are expected to gain and which to lose from posted trends in higher employability and lower empowerment of workers in modern market economies. Finally, we present conditions on the self‐interest of current shareholders to empower workers as a way to stimulate their investment in firm‐specific human capital.     

Balancing irrigation multifunctionality based on key stakeholders’ attitudes: Lessons learned from the Muzza system,Italy

This research aims to evaluate the perceptions of and preferences for irrigation multifunctionality based on an analysis of stakeholder’ attitudes in a large irrigation system in Northern Italy, the Muzza canal. As the first artificial canal built in Northern Italy, this canal articulates a network of open earth canals that distribute water for irrigation, especially maize. The Stakeholder analysis approach and Governance model approach are applied. The collected data highlights: (1) each key stakeholder points of view regarding multifunctionality and ecosystem services, (2) the nature of conflicting attitudes regarding who and how the Muzza system is managed, and (3) the ability or inability to promote agreements among conflicting water demands. The results show how public administration is concerned about how to manage ecosystem services provided by irrigation practices, while private services are focused on how to guarantee the coexistence of consumptive and non-consumptive water uses, highlighting the persistent conflict between farming production and environmental protection. The rural community and civil society call for a debate about the future of irrigation multifunctionality in the Muzza system and the role of irrigation practices in landscape provision and management. In addition, the paper examines if multifunctionality is a characteristic or an objective of irrigation systems. These results can be used by researchers and relevant authorities to customize their interventions based on previous, well-structured knowledge of various stakeholders’ priorities.     

Corporate philanthropy, attitude towards corporations, and purchase intentions: A South Korea study

This study proposes a model integrating attributions about perceived motives of corporation philanthropy (CP), attitude towards the corporations conducting CP, and subsequent purchasing intention. The model is tested in South Korea where the culture and business environment are different from that in North America. Data are collected from two different stakeholder groups of South Koreans (127 managers and 229 consumers: total sample of 356). The results based on the total sample indicate that only when corporations are perceived as conducting CP for public-serving (altruistic) motives, the CP significantly influences attitude towards the corporations. When the sample is divided into the two different stakeholder groups, non-identical patterns of relationships between motives and attitudes are observed. Managers show favorable relationships between motives and attitude, while consumers become skeptical for the reactive motive. The functional relationships between motives and attitude proposed in the model are partially supported with the South Korean data.     

Whose village? Stakeholder interests in the urban renewal of Hubei old village in Shenzhen

This article examines the urban regeneration process of Hubei old village in Shenzen, and focuses on interest sharing among stakeholders. Urban regeneration processes are driven by the decreasing availability of construction land in Shenzhen’s city centre due to rapid urbanization and an unplanned, overcrowded urban core. The solution accepted by most stakeholders, i.e., local government, private developers, and urban villagers, is to generate land revenue through the demolition of urban villages like Hubei old village, thus clearing way for Shenzen’s urban development and transformation. However, tenants and small business operators do not benefit from the rising land and property value, and thus do not share the interests of other stakeholders. A further complication to Shenzen’s urban regeneration process is added by those who do not live in Hubei old village but have vocally fought to preserve its architectural heritage. By examining the urban regeneration process of Hubei old village in Shenzhen, this article provides a case study of the complex dynamics of the Hubei urban regeneration program and participatory planning process, taking as a starting point a question posed by an urban villager during an interview: “whose village?”, i.e., who has the right to make decisions on behalf of the urban village?     

融资约束下企业社会责任信息披露质量与创新持续性

利用2012-2016年我国中小板企业数据,实证研究了不同类型企业社会责任信息披露质量对创新持续性的影响路径。结果显示,对股东、员工的责任信息披露质量能显著缓解融资约束,从而正向影响企业创新持续性;对供应商、客户、消费者、社会和环境的责任信息披露质量只能部分缓解融资约束,但仍正向促进企业创新持续性;国有性质的中小板企业对社会责任信息披露质量更加敏感。以上结论说明,我国中小板企业应注重履行并披露对不同利益相关者的社会责任信息,这对于企业缓解融资约束、维持创新持续性具有积极作用。     

基于利益相关者理论的乡村旅游利益均衡研究——以漳州龙佳森林人家为例

作为乡村旅游的一种形式——森林人家,其利益相关者之间的利益平衡与其持续发展密不可分。根据利益相关者理论,森林人家利益相关者包括当地居民、旅游企业、政府及旅游者,分析了三个涉及经营的利益主体的特征。以漳州市龙佳森林人家为案例研究,实地调查其发展概况。案例点的经营模式是企业主导型模式,其经营主体是旅游企业;其经营过程中出现利益分配不平衡、利益激励不健全、环境影响的利益补偿缺失问题。结合各主要利益相关者的利益诉求,提出从利益表达、利益分配、利益补偿、利益激励、利益保障五个方面进行完善,从而实现其经营中的利益均衡。