The influence of digital platform on the implementation of corporate social responsibility: from the perspective of environmental science development to explore its potential role in public health.

Introduction: This paper aims to explore the intersection of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public health within the context of digital platforms. Specifically, the paper explores the impact of digital platforms on the sustainable development practices of enterprises, seeking to comprehend how these platforms influence the implementation of environmental protection policies, resource management, and social responsibility initiatives. Methods: To assess the impact of digital platforms on corporate environmental behavior, we conducted a questionnaire survey targeting employees in private enterprises. This survey aimed to evaluate the relationship between the adoption of digital platforms and the implementation of environmental protection policies and practices. Results: Analysis of the survey responses revealed a significant positive correlation between the use of digital platforms and the environmental protection behavior of enterprises (r=0.523;p<0.001), Moreover, the presence of innovative environmental protection technologies on these platforms was found to positively influence the enforcement of environmental policies, with a calculated impact ratio of (a∗b/c=55.31%). An intermediary analysis highlighted that environmental innovation technology plays a mediating role in this process. Additionally, adjustment analysis showed that enterprises of various sizes and industries respond differently to digital platforms, indicating the need for tailored environmental policies. Discussion: These findings underscore the pivotal role of digital platforms in enhancing CSR efforts and public health by fostering improved environmental practices among corporations. The mediating effect of environmental innovation technologies suggests that digital platforms not only facilitate direct environmental actions but also enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of such initiatives through technological advances. The variability in response by different enterprises points to the importance of customizable strategies in policy formulation. By offering empirical evidence of digital platforms' potential to advance CSR and public health through environmental initiatives, this paper contributes to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable development goals. It provides practical insights for enterprises and policy implications for governments striving to craft more effective environmental policies and strategies.

The social and environmental responsibility of informal artisanal and small-scale mining in Ghana: An Akan philosophical perspective.

Informal artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) continues to grow globally, raising both challenges and opportunities in terms of economic, social, and environmental impacts. The ASM literature explores the formalization and transfer of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices from larger firms as the pathway to minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits. But we know very little about environmental and social responsibilities of informal mining operations (and informal economy actors in general, who are often portrayed as devoid of these responsibilities). This paper aims to theorize and empirically explore principles and practices of social and environmental responsibility in informal mining. We combine elements of relational stakeholder theory with Ghana's Akan philosophy to develop our theoretical framework. Through a qualitative research process involving thematic analysis - of field notes from field observations and 81 interviews with ASM miners, community leaders/residents and executive members of Small-Scale Mining Association-Prestea Branch in Ghana - and pattern-matching technique, we find that: a) informal ASM is culturally and relationally motivated to be socially and environmentally responsible, b) there is a model of informal social and environmental responsibility (ISER) that is characterized by commonality, solidarity, tradition, and human-nature interdependencies, and c) social and environmental responsibilities are interpreted in a distinctive, non-Western way and comply with two main informal norms: gifting for social responsibilities and taboos for environmental responsibility. We conclude by suggesting that governments should collaborate with traditional authorities to promote ISER practices as cultural norms.

Virtue marketing: Trends in health-, eco-, and cause-oriented claims on the packaging of new alcohol products in Australia between 2013 and 2023.

OBJECTIVE: Some claims on alcohol labels highlight virtuous aspects of brands or products, including in health-, eco-, and cause-oriented domains (including charity partnerships, or ethical or humanitarian certifications). This virtue marketing may create a 'halo' whereby consumers generalise from specific attributes to a more favourable overall appraisal of the product, brand, or even alcohol or the alcohol industry in general. This study aims to describe the prevalence of and trends over time in virtue marketing on the packaging of new alcohol (including lower and zero alcohol) products on the Australian market. METHOD: Records of N=4,024 new alcohol products released in Australia between 2013 and 2023 were extracted from Mintel Global New Products Database. Health-, eco-, and cause-oriented claims on packaging were summarised across product types and time, and co-occurrence between claims was assessed. RESULTS: Virtue marketing appeared on 36.5% of new alcohol products, of which health-oriented claims were most common (32.5%), followed by eco- (6.3%) and cause-oriented claims (2.0%). The prevalence of each claim category and virtue marketing overall significantly increased over time (each p<.001) and varied by product type. New alcohol products displayed as many as eight different types of claims and all claims tended to co-occur with at least two others. CONCLUSIONS: Virtue marketing is prevalent on new alcohol products in Australia and has recently increased. While product packaging can provide useful consumer information, health-, eco-, and cause-oriented claims may exploit consumers' motivation to make healthy, sustainable, and socially responsible choices despite alcohol being detrimental in these areas.

Instructing to Impact: Exploration of Doctor of Physical Therapy Education Instruction of Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity for People with Disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore instruction of social determinants of health (SDOH) for people with disabilities (PWD) in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education programs. METHODS: A sequential mixed methods study informed by a 5-member disability community advisory panel was conducted. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with educators (n = 10) across 4 DPT programs in the Midwest were conducted and analyzed thematically. The qualitative findings formed the basis of the quantitative phase. An online survey was conducted with faculty of DPT programs in the United States (n = 254) with the most knowledge of instruction of SDOH and health equity for PWD (n = 74; 29% response rate). Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and triangulated with qualitative data. RESULTS: SDOH for PWD is an emerging component of instruction in DPT curricula. Five themes included: emerging instruction of SDOH for PWD; conceptual frameworks informing instruction; instructional strategies; barriers to integration of SDOH for PWD; and facilitators to integration of SDOH for PWD. Quantitative analysis revealed that 71 respondents (95.9%) included disability in health equity discussions primarily focused on health care access. Limited time (n = 49; 66.2%) was the most frequently reported barrier, and educator interest in disability health equity was the most frequently reported facilitator (n = 62; 83.7%) to inclusion of the SDOH for PWD in health equity discussions. CONCLUSION: Opportunities exist in DPT curricula to build on instructional strategies, integrate SDOH frameworks, and amplify facilitators to integration of SDOH for PWD. IMPACT: To meet the needs of the 67 million Americans living with disabilities, students must have the knowledge and skills to address the complex needs of this historically marginalized population. Understanding the DPT education landscape around SDOH for PWD can guide DPT educators to more fully prepare their students to recognize and ameliorate health disparities faced by PWD.

Social, ethical, environmental, economic and technological aspects of rabbit meat production - A critical review.

Rabbit (RM) has become a valuable source of nutrients since the 1970s, helping to transform the European food industry into the largest RM producer in the world. However, the RM industry is experiencing a critical period of ethical imbalance. This trend, described as feed conversion ratio, impacts the environmental and financial performance of RM farms, which could lead to an increase production of industrial waste. In addition, the loss of corporate ethical responsibility and sustainable development by RM-oriented companies has further exacerbated the situation. Our objective was to summarize current trends in the RM industry and markets, highlighting possible strengths and weaknesses. This review shows current approaches in sustainable techniques in RM production processes, ethical issue, environmental and processing responsibility of RM producers, as well as social responsibilities and ethical practices of slaughterhouses and RM producers, sustainable environmental practices of slaughterhouses, technological aspects and safety of RM and social drivers in RM market. The analysis of reviewed literature revealed the potential strategies for sustainable RM production.

Implications of corporate social responsibility on the financial and non-financial performance of the banking sector: A moderated and mediated mechanism.

This study aims to investigate the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on both financial and non-financial performance in the Pakistani banking sector by applying a quantitative research approach to the primary data from 405 branch managers in the Pakistani banking sector. Both financial and non-financial performance indicators are analyzed in relation to CSR practices. The CB-SEM findings of this study reveal a significant and positive correlation between CSR and both financial and non-financial performance. Our results demonstrate that CSR initiatives contribute to improved financial performance, reputation, and innovation within the sector. These findings confirm the importance of prioritizing social responsibility initiatives to enhance overall performance in the banking industry. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of CSR on performance in the context of the Pakistani banking sector. The research contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the positive relationship between CSR and financial/non-financial performance. The findings underscore the relevance of CSR practices for banks in Pakistan and emphasize the potential benefits of incorporating social responsibility initiatives into their operations. This study serves as a foundation for future research, encouraging further exploration of CSR's role in the banking industry and its implications for sustainable business practices.

Publishing important work that lacks validity or reproducibility - pushing frontiers or corrupting science?

Scientific research requires objectivity, impartiality and stringency. However, scholarly literature is littered with preliminary and explorative findings that lack reproducibility or validity. Some low-quality papers with perceived high impact have become publicly notable. The collective effort of fellow researchers who follow these false leads down blind alleys and impasses is a waste of time and resources, and this is particularly damaging for early career researchers. Furthermore, the lay public might also be affected by socioeconomic repercussions associated with the findings. It is arguable that the nature of scientific research is such that its frontiers are moved and shaped by cycles of published claims inducing in turn rounds of validation by others. Using recent example cases of room-temperature superconducting materials research, I argue instead that publication of perceptibly important or spectacular claims that lack reproducibility or validity is epistemically and socially irresponsible. This is even more so if authors refuse to share research materials and raw data for verification by others. Such acts do not advance, but would instead corrupt science, and should be prohibited by consensual governing rules on material and data sharing within the research community, with malpractices appropriately sanctioned.

SDGs Managers' Assessment Bias and Their Implications for Preventing Violence Against Women in Companies.

This study explores the role of managers' perceptions of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in preventing violence against women in companies. Surveying 673 managers in Lima, Peru, it found gender-based discrepancies in SDG priorities, with men leaning toward industry goals and women toward well-being and gender equality. Socially ingrained gender biases influence prevention strategies: men often comply with mandatory measures, while women opt for noncompulsory strategic actions. Notably, a high valuation of SDG-5 (gender equality) correlates with diverse prevention efforts. The findings highlight the importance of addressing gender bias in company practices and improving business school formation.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism Research in Physical Therapy over the Last 25 Years: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: Discussions of the root causes of health disparities and educational inequities often neglect to identify racism as a primary factor. Researchers must take a systems perspective in order to identify the effects of racism and other forms of systemic oppression on health. It is unclear to what extent this perspective exists in the physical therapy research literature. We conducted a scoping review to quantify and describe the volume of research in physical therapy pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion that specifically examines race and/or ethnicity and references racism or antiracism. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases for articles published between 1997 and 2021 was conducted. Articles were screened to ensure they were focused exclusively or primarily on physical therapy and used diversity, equity, and inclusion terms in the context of personal identity factors. This resulted in 158 relevant articles. Each was tagged with an article type and personal identity factor focus. RESULTS: A majority of the included articles were descriptive/observational in nature. The included articles explored various personal identity factors, with race and ethnicity being the most common focus followed by culture, disability, and socioeconomic status. A small proportion of articles explicitly discussed racism or antiracism. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need in physical therapy research for greater attention to racism as a fundamental cause of health disparities and educational inequities. Addressing this gap is crucial for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field and ultimately achieving optimal health outcomes for marginalized populations. IMPACT: Including consideration of racism and other forms of systemic oppression in the motivation, design, and interpretation of research in physical therapy will help to make more visible the root causes of inequity and improve our ability to develop effective, multi-level interventions.

Emotional and Social Outcomes of the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Model in Physical Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: In today's ever-changing world, fostering personal and social responsibility is essential for building strong and compassionate communities. This study aimed to provide a quantitative synthesis focusing on the emotional and social outcomes of Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model-based Physical Education (PE) programs. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review covering the period from November 2022 to September 2023 identified 637 articles published between 2005 and 2023. Of these, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Data from these articles were coded, and a comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, incorporating 28 effect sizes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Hedge's g served as the effect size measure and emotional and social outcomes subgroups were consolidated. Heterogeneity was evaluated with Cochran's Q and I2. Meta-regression and ANOVA-like models addressed categorical moderators, whereas publication bias was assessed through funnel plot, failsafe number, and Egger's linear regression. RESULTS: A significant and positive effect of the TPSR model on product outcomes (Hedge's g = 0.337, 95% CI = 0.199 to 0.476) was found. Despite considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 83.830), a random effects model was justified. Assessment of publication bias indicated a low likelihood. Moderator analyses revealed that publication countries significantly influenced the effect, with stronger effects in Turkey. Publication type (article vs. thesis) also played roles in moderation. The meta-regression analyses did not reveal significant effects for the grade level, duration of intervention, publication year or sample size on the TPSR model's impact on product outcomes. The TPSR model positively impacts emotional and social outcomes in PE, enhancing children' skills and behaviour. However, variations across cultures highlight the need for further research, considering limitations like language constraints and potential biases in study selection and data extraction.

Integrating safety, security, sustainability, and social responsibility principles into the U.S. bioeconomy.

Bioindustrial manufacturing is undergoing rapid expansion and investment and is seen as integral to nations' economic progress. Ensuring that bioindustrial manufacturing benefits society as the field expands is of critical, urgent importance. To better understand the industry's ethical trajectory and to shape policy, we explored the views of biotechnology leaders on four aspects of ethical and social responsibility-safety, security, social responsibility, and sustainability-what we have termed "4S principles." We identified policy actions governments and other stakeholders may take to maximize societal benefits in industrial biotechnology. IMPORTANCE: We analyzed biotech leaders' views on safety, security, social responsibility, and sustainability to recommend policies to maximize benefits and economic growth.

Environmental corporate social responsibility practices and firm innovation: Complementarities and empirical evidence from Spanish firms.

This study examines the complementarity effect of combining different types of environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR) practices on firm innovation. We apply the complementarity approach to test whether the adoption of different ECSR practices (i.e. practices for fewer materials per unit produced [materials], less energy per unit produced [energy], or decreasing environmental impact [impact]) generates super-additive effects on firms' innovation, measured by innovations type: adoption, new-to-the-market, and new-to-the-firm innovation. We use data from the Spanish Community Innovation Survey for the period 2009-2014. The results show that the best combination of ECSR practices depends on the innovation type. For innovation adoption, all possible combinations of the three practices produce super-additive effects; however, the complementarity patterns differ for new-to-the-market and new-to-the-firm innovations. For new-to-the-market innovation, energy practices appear to be a key factor in fostering innovation when combined with materials or impact practices. For new-to-the-firm innovation, the combination of these three ECSR practices shows complementarity effects. These findings provide useful insights for the design of corporate social responsibility strategies.

Disability Inclusion in Corporate Supplier Diversity Initiatives.

PURPOSE: Since the 1960s, federal and state governments and private-sector companies have used supplier diversity initiatives to ensure their supply chains include businesses owned by traditionally economically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups. Originally concentrated on racial and ethnic minority groups, programs have expanded to include businesses owned by women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and, in some cases, people with disabilities. This study investigates the extent to which disability is included in supplier diversity initiatives of Fortune 500 companies. METHODS: This paper uses a novel data set created by the authors with information on supplier diversity initiatives and Disability, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements in Fortune 500 companies extracted from public sources. This information is combined with data from Compustat, a corporate financial database published by Standard and Poor's and additional variables from other sources. RESULTS: 75% of the Fortune 500 companies have supplier diversity programs that express a commitment to diversity yet only 49% of those with such programs include disability-owned businesses (38% of all Fortune 500 companies). Among the largest 100 companies, 89% had supplier diversity programs that included disability, almost 6 times the rate Ball et al. reported in 2005. This study finds disability inclusion varies significantly by company size, industry, and whether the company is a government contractor. CONCLUSION: Despite the growth in disability inclusion, the absence of disability as a diversity category in regulations mandating supplier diversity initiatives for government contractors impacts disability inclusion. If we want to align our supplier diversity programs with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the first step is to address the issue in the Small Business Administration and federal contracting requirements.

Harnessing the law to advance equitable cancer care in South Africa: exploring the feasibility, desirability and added value of a dedicated national cancer act.

Background: The 2017 World Health Assembly resolution on integrated cancer prevention and control provided clear guidance on creating an enabling environment for cancer care. Through a variety of mechanisms, including civil society advocacy, some countries have secured overarching legislation in the form of national cancer acts to promote equitable access and outcomes for cancer patients. In South Africa, cancer incidence is set to double by 2030; and, while existing legislative and policy frameworks do address cancer prevention and control, these are fragmented, poorly implemented and have had limited success. Methods: This study assessed the feasibility and potential impact of promulgating a dedicated national cancer act in South Africa through exploratory in-depth interviews with 25 purposively selected key informants from various stakeholder groups, including cancer survivors; legal scholars; human rights advocates; health care providers; public health specialists and academicians. Findings: Following thematic analysis, three key themes were identified: the content of a dedicated national cancer act, the socio-political leveragability of an act and accountability mechanisms that would support such an act. Conclusion: While most respondents had not considered the possibility of a dedicated national cancer act, they were open to the concept for South Africa. Concerns about widening inequities, duplication, funding and accountability would need to be addressed against the current backdrop of health inequities and limited human rights leveraging for health.

The interplay between ethics, justice, corporate social responsibility, and performance management sustainability.

In the increasingly volatile 21st century globalized and interconnected business landscape, organizations face increasing scrutiny concerning their ethical behavior, social responsibilities, and overall performance. This paper looks at some of the factors that link the notions of ethics, justice, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with an eye to their theoretical underpinnings and complexities and their relationship to the efficient and sustainable operation of Sustainable Performance Management (with special emphasis on CSR). Drawing on theoretical foundations and empirical evidence, we provide practical recommendations for organizations to promote ethics, justice, CSR, and effective and sustainable performance management. Suggestions include fostering ethical leadership by modeling ethical behavior and promoting ethical decision-making. We believe that the suggested practical measures may bridge the gap between academic perspectives and the practical realities of ensuring favorable, sustainable, work climates and work processes.

Analyzing the characteristics of mission statements in Korean medical schools based on the Korean Doctor's Role framework.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the alignment between Korean medical schools' mission statements (MSs) and Korean Doctor's Role (KDR) domains, considering school characteristics. METHODS: We analyzed the South Korean medical school's MS characteristics using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative analysis preprocessed MS text data to identify concept words, while qualitative content analysis categorized information into predefined KDR domains and extracted themes from other parts. RESULTS: At the KDR domain level, "social accountability" was the most frequent, followed by "education and research" and "patient care," while "professionalism" had the least frequency. At the competency level, the most frequent domains were "involvement in public and global health initiatives," while "self-regulation based on professional leadership" and "professionalism and self-management" were not present. CONCLUSION: The study found that the majority of MSs had a homogeneous pattern and included traditional themes. Medical schools should evaluate and incorporate missing elements in their MSs to reflect the institution's own purpose and current societal needs.

Integrating community service-learning into a dental hygiene curriculum: a document analysis.

Background: Community service-learning (CSL) aims to promote civic engagement among students and deepen their understanding of social issues, connecting students to communities where they may practise as future health care providers. This study's aims were two-fold: first, to determine whether incorporating a non-dental community service-learning experience into a fourth-year behavioural science course can develop abilities related to the dental hygiene baccalaureate competencies; second, to examine the overall student learning experience. Methods: Seven community agencies presented projects to the dental hygiene class, and students individually selected their top 3 choices. Projects were diverse, ranging from literacy tutoring to creating a program plan or hosting a public virtual event with an interprofessional health panel discussing nutrition. Dental hygiene students participated in a 20-hour placement with one community project and completed individual reflection journals that focused on their experience. Using a document analysis approach, the authors examined the reflection journals through an iterative process to identify themes. Results: Ten student reflections were analysed and three themes emerged: 1) increased social awareness; 2) application of dental hygiene core competencies; and 3) the challenges of the learning experience. Students consistently discussed how the project allowed them to apply 5 dental hygiene core competencies and how their learning experience aligned with their future professional role as a dental hygienist. Students articulated increased understanding of their individual privilege and awareness of social issues in their community. Conclusions: Participation in non-dental CSL increased dental hygiene students' social awareness of local communities. Students demonstrated an ability to apply their learning to their developing competencies as future dental hygienists.

Contexte : L'apprentissage axé sur les services communautaires vise à promouvoir l'engagement civique des étudiants et à approfondir leur compréhension des enjeux sociaux, en mettant les étudiants en contact avec les communautés où ils peuvent exercer en tant que futurs fournisseurs de soins de santé. Cette étude avait 2 objectifs : premièrement, déterminer si l'intégration d'une expérience d'apprentissage par service communautaire non dentaire à un cours de quatrième année de science du comportement peut permettre de développer des capacités liées aux compétences du baccalauréat en hygiène dentaire; deuxièmement, examiner l'expérience d'apprentissage globale de l'étudiant. Méthodes : Pour l'étude, 7 organismes communautaires ont présenté des projets à la classe d'hygiène dentaire et les étudiants ont chacun sélectionné leurs 3 premiers choix. Les projets étaient diversifiés, allant du tutorat en alphabétisation à la création d'un plan de programme ou à l'organisation d'un événement public virtuel avec un panel interprofessionnel de la santé qui discutait de la nutrition. Les étudiants en hygiène dentaire ont participé à un stage de 20 heures dans le cadre d'un projet communautaire et ont consigné leurs réflexions dans un journal individuel axé sur leur expérience. À l'aide d'une approche d'analyse documentaire, les auteurs ont examiné les journaux de réflexion lors d'un processus itératif pour cerner les thèmes. Résultats : Les réflexions de 10 étudiants ont été analysées et 3 thèmes sont ressortis : 1) une sensibilisation sociale accrue; 2) l'application des compétences de base en hygiène dentaire; et 3) les défis de l'expérience d'apprentissage. Les étudiants ont systématiquement discuté de la façon dont le projet leur a permis d'appliquer 5 compétences de base en hygiène dentaire et de la façon dont l'expérience d'apprentissage s'harmonisait avec leur futur rôle professionnel d'hygiéniste dentaire. Les élèves ont noté une meilleure compréhension de leurs privilèges individuels et une meilleure sensibilisation aux enjeux sociaux dans leur communauté. Conclusion : La participation à un apprentissage axé sur les services communautaires non dentaires a accru la sensibilisation sociale des étudiants en hygiène dentaire aux communautés locales. Ils ont démontré leur capacité à appliquer leur apprentissage à leurs compétences en développement en tant que futurs hygiénistes dentaires.

The walking dead: Are Zombie firms environmentally and socially responsible? A global perspective.

This study examines the association between zombie firms and their environmental and social performance. Using a global dataset of listed firms from 49 countries between 2002 and 2019, we find that zombie firms perform poorly on environmental and social responsibility fronts. This finding supports the argument that zombie firms are characterized by consistent losses and that their existence is risky without external support. Zombie firms, while struggling for survival, may not be able to undertake environmental and social activities that require huge investments, thus falling behind other firms. Further analysis highlights that eco-innovation, the presence of a sustainability committee, and industry nature (i.e., heavily polluting industries) mitigate the negative impact of firms' zombie status on their environmental and social performance. Moreover, a zombie firm's engagement in environmental and social activities improves its financial performance. Our main findings are robust to a battery of estimation techniques, alternative proxies, selection bias, and endogeneity issues.