Good governance and resilience

Good governance and resilience
Good governance and resilience

Sharing best practices and challenges in times of crisis across Europe

Contributor(s): Laura Mina Raiu (Editor), Lara Johannsdottir (Editor), Ivana Načinović Braje (Editor), Aída Díaz-Tendero (Editor)
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: EDITURA ASE
Keywords: good governance; institutional resilience; public governance; change management; multi-governance; public-private partnership; corporate social responsibility; human resource management; digitalization; sustainability
Summary/Abstract: This collective volume is one of the major research outputs of the Erasmus+ project KA203 Teaching Institutional Resilience and Prompt Reaction to Crisis: Good Governance Experiences in Europe (TERRAGOV). The project reunites five partner universities: University of Iceland (lead partner), Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, Faculty of Economics and Business-University of Zagreb, Croatia, Vilnius University, Lithuania and Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. The project aims to promote and foster internationalization through collaborative knowledge production at the level of both academic staff and students.The format of this volume arose out of TERRAGOVʼs project concern to enhance and improve teaching experiences in the field of governance studies, by delivering up-to-date content that enables a comparative study of good governance using national case studies.

Print-ISBN-13: 978-606-34-0443-6
Page Count: 167
Publication Year: 2022
Language: English

Introduction

Introduction
(Introduction)

Author(s):Laura Mina-Raiu, Lara Johannsdottir, Ivana Načinović Braje, Aída Díaz-Tendero
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Business Ethics
Page Range:1-14
No. of Pages:14
Keywords:good governance; resilience; socio-economic regions; comparative crisis;
Summary/Abstract:This volume is a collection of 11 case studies, intended to bring together a broad span of experiences, in order to tackle the topic of good governance and resilience from a comparative crisis perspective, in five European countries that belong to different socio-economic regions, both old and new EU member states; namely Iceland, Spain, Croatia, Lithuania and Romania. Furthermore, by including Iceland, the analysis extends beyond EU to European Economic Area and allows the analysis Northern and Southern governance experiences.

How the 5C Framework Facilitates Corporate Change Initiatives: The Icelandair Case

How the 5C Framework Facilitates Corporate Change Initiatives: The Icelandair Case
(How the 5C Framework Facilitates Corporate Change Initiatives: The Icelandair Case)

Author(s):Svala Gudmundsdottir, Lara Johannsdottir, Throstur Olaf Sigurjonsson
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy, Business Economy / Management, Business Ethics
Page Range:15-28
No. of Pages:14
Keywords:acceptance; change management; core business; integration; human resource management; readiness; resistance; stakeholder; performance;
Summary/Abstract:When organizations transform their daily operations to improve quality, cut costs, increase earnings, streamline processes and so on, internal stakeholders, particularly employees, need to accept and implement the change initiatives, large or small (Naslund & Norrman, 2022), otherwise, innovation fails (Lozano, 2012). One pertinent tool is the 5C framework, that focuses on 1) companies and leadership commitment, 2) configuration of business elements such as the structure, principles, codes of conduct, 3) core business which differs depending on companies operations, 4) communication, both internal and external, and 5) continuous improvement (Johannsdottir & McInerney, 2018). The framework also emphasis the driving forces of actions, namely internal and external driving forces.

Corporate Governance and Wine: How Controversial Companies Deal with CSR and GRI Standards

Corporate Governance and Wine: How Controversial Companies Deal with CSR and GRI Standards
(Corporate Governance and Wine: How Controversial Companies Deal with CSR and GRI Standards)

Author(s):Lara Johannsdottir, Svala Gudmundsdottir, Throstur Olaf Sigurjonsson
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Socio-Economic Research
Page Range:29-39
No. of Pages:11
Keywords:controversial industry; corporate social responsibility; corporate governance; reporting standards; human resource management;
Summary/Abstract:Controversy has long stalked the production and sales of alcohol and tobacco products (Lindorff, Prior Jonson & McGuire, 2012). The positive aspects over time include socio-economic gains (Alonso, Sakellarios, Alexander & O’Brien, 2018; Miller, Sirrine, McFarland, Howard & Malone, 2019) such as public and private revenue, taxes, economic growth, job creation, relevance to other industries such as tourism (Dunn & Wickham, 2016), and leisure and cultural activities, thus strengthening communities (Feeney, 2017). At the same time, alcohol and tobacco consumption causes significant negative social, health and economic costs, such as addiction, crime, violence against women, accidents, injuries, illnesses, mental disorders, and premature death (Our World in Data, 2019), thus harming societies (Dünnbier & Sperkova, 2016; Whiteford et al., 2013). It is therefore questionable if this “sinful” industry can be resilient and associated with corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate governance and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.

Multi-Level and Multi-Stakeholder Governance in Essential Services. The Case of the Public Transport System in Madrid

Multi-Level and Multi-Stakeholder Governance in Essential Services. The Case of the Public Transport System in Madrid
(Multi-Level and Multi-Stakeholder Governance in Essential Services. The Case of the Public Transport System in Madrid)

Author(s):Javier Ruano, Aída Díaz-Tendero
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy, Business Economy / Management, Transport / Logistics
Page Range:40-50
No. of Pages:11
Keywords:multi-level governance; multi-stakeholder governance; public-private partnerships; public transport services; public governance;
Summary/Abstract:Nowadays, public transport in large cities is facing multiple challenges worldwide due to increasing mobility needs and greater complexity. On the one hand, urban sprawl has led to a significant increase in travel between urban centres and their periphery, and between the periphery and suburban areas. The construction of new infrastructures to facilitate mobility and the traditional lack of adaptation of urban planning policies to urban transport policies has encouraged the use of private vehicles. However, the serious air pollution problems in cities, which cause millions of deaths annually worldwide, the problems of road congestion, the need for sustainable transport models that limit dependence on fossil fuels, and the need, evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, for healthy cities based on the design of open and shared spaces, make public transport systems a central element in building liveable cities.

Public-Private Partnerships and Good Governance The case of Benidorm Tourist Foundation

Public-Private Partnerships and Good Governance The case of Benidorm Tourist Foundation
(Public-Private Partnerships and Good Governance The case of Benidorm Tourist Foundation)

Author(s):Reyes Herrero López, María Valasco González
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy, Business Economy / Management, Tourism, Business Ethics
Page Range:51-63
No. of Pages:13
Keywords:PPPs; Good Governance; Benidorm Tourist Foundation;
Summary/Abstract:Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are a widespread and controversial phenomenon. In the last three decades they have gone from being just one more option in the toolbox of policy makers, to occupying a central place in government action, at all levels of government, in almost all sectors, and virtually in every country (Boardman, Greve & Hodge, 2015) (Bovaird, 2004). At the international level, a growing interest in PPPs has also been observed. International organizations of different kind have issued recommendations, guides and general frameworks to assist and support governments in the adoption of the governance model introduced by the PPPs. Thus, for example, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 2008; 2012); or, for example, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2003; 2015; 2017).

The New Normal: Remote Work after the COVID-19 Pandemic

The New Normal: Remote Work after the COVID-19 Pandemic
(The New Normal: Remote Work after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

Author(s):Ivana Načinović Braje
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy, Human Resources in Economy
Page Range:12-23
No. of Pages:12
Keywords:telework; remote work; work from home;
Summary/Abstract:The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated some of the most radical changes in the way people perform their jobs – the global lockdown in April 2020 and the request for physical distancing have pushed many employees out of their offices back to their homes. Although remote work has been on the rise since the 1970s, ever since the development of information-communication technology enabled knowledge workers around the globe to work away from the office as a telecommuter (Allen et al., 2015), for many employers the shift to remote work during the pandemic was like an experiment, or as International Labour Organization stated “the most extensive mass teleworking experiment in history” (ILO, 2020, p. 1). Many speculate that this has forever changed how and where people work and that it would become the “new normal” after the pandemic (Williamson et al., 2020).

Preparing for the Flood – the City of Sisak in the Midst of COVID-19 Crisis and the Devastating Earthquakes of 2020

Preparing for the Flood – the City of Sisak in the Midst of COVID-19 Crisis and the Devastating Earthquakes of 2020
(Preparing for the Flood – the City of Sisak in the Midst of COVID-19 Crisis and the Devastating Earthquakes of 2020)

Author(s):Domagoj Hruška, Ivana Marić, Jelena Kovač
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy
Page Range:76-88
No. of Pages:13
Keywords:Sisak; COVID-19; Crisis; Earthquakes;
Summary/Abstract:In modern business, it can be difficult to predict changes occurring in a volatile and dynamic environment, all the more so if such changes happen globally. In the age of the digital economy, rapid technological and communication innovations, the growth of enterprises and other types of organizations demand a highly competitive environment. The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on the stability and even survival of many organizations in both the public and the for-profit sectors. In the spring of 2020, Croatia faced an unprecedented situation caused first by the global health crisis and followed by a series of earthquakes that began with the massive Zagreb earthquake in March 2020. The same natural disaster hit Sisak and Petrinja in December of the same year. The two towns sustained extensive material damage. In an emerging crisis, due to the unpredictability of nature, effective crisis management of the local community is vitally important. Responsible management, based on high-quality strategic planning, should be well- equipped for various situations. It proved to be extremely effective in the case of Sisak.

Navigating through Organizational Life Cycle and Longevity: Restructuring as a Business Transformation Strategy

Navigating through Organizational Life Cycle and Longevity: Restructuring as a Business Transformation Strategy
(Navigating through Organizational Life Cycle and Longevity: Restructuring as a Business Transformation Strategy)

Author(s):Ana Aleksić
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy, Business Economy / Management, Business Ethics
Page Range:89-98
No. of Pages:10
Keywords:organizational life cycle; longevity; organizational decline; business crises; restructuring;
Summary/Abstract:Management’s primary task is to ensure that organization acts efficiently in performing its tasks and achieving its goals. Long-term competitiveness and longevity have always been one of the most important goals that organizations deal with. However, especially in today’s business environment, many organizations fail to be capable of providing its product or services in the long run. Financial problems and bankruptcy often emerge as phases in organizational life (Koh et al., 2015). Companies that survive these downturns and show long-term sustainability seem to be more successful in recognizing the needs of the organization on time and avoided negative performance cycles as opposed to other numerous companies whose lifespan was very short. If they did go through crisis, they were able to overcome them. In other words, they were successful in managing their life cycle and implementing strategies that lead to enhanced organizational performance and sustainability.

Transition of Innovation Ecosystem in Lithuania

Transition of Innovation Ecosystem in Lithuania
(Transition of Innovation Ecosystem in Lithuania)

Author(s):Saule Maciukaite-Zviniene
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy, National Economy
Page Range:99-108
No. of Pages:10
Keywords:transition; transition management; Lithuania; innovation ecosystem; business;
Summary/Abstract:The assumption of transition theory underlines that society changes in a rather evolutionary and organic way to a certain development. Although transitions are characterized by non-linear behaviour, the process itself is gradual, spanning one or two generations: predevelopment, take-off, breakthrough, and stabilisation (Voss et al., 2006). However, uncertainties during the last ten years in Lithuania and beyond enhanced the development of system thinking in terms of resilience, which has become central to the transition concepts.

Organisational Resilience in a Retail Company in the Context of COVID-19

Organisational Resilience in a Retail Company in the Context of COVID-19
(Organisational Resilience in a Retail Company in the Context of COVID-19)

Author(s):Danguolė Oželienė
Language:English
Subject(s):Economy, Business Economy / Management, Business Ethics
Page Range:109-117
No. of Pages:2
Keywords:business resilience; changes in business environment; COVID-19 crisis; change management;
Summary/Abstract:Businesses around the world have recently faced challenges from the external environment. The continuous and especially unpredictable changes in the business environment forcing put pressure on enterprises to find effective measures for survival and development. Unforeseen events and crises will, however, become more frequent and less predictable in the future (World Uncertainty Index, 2021). For instance, climate change, geopolitical challenges and unstable supply chains will lead to shortages of raw materials and rising prices (Nauck et al., 2021). Crises and changes in organisations create risks to investors' capital, jobs and commitments to partners and other stakeholder (Conz, Magnani, 2020). In this context, enterprises must build resilience overcome unexpected outward and inward changes. The question is why do some companies manage to survive in the same situation while others do not?

Good Governance and Resilience in Providing Public Services in Times of Pandemic: The Case of Water and Sanitation Services in Bucharest