This thesis is aimed at an importace of company internal communication concretely among initiatives in the field of sustainable development. It adverts to not only an importance of an individual company connection with the sustainable initiatives but especially adverts to high-quality internal communication related to these initiatives mentioned above. There is a concrete example of a transnation company and its strategy of internal communication in the framework of voluntary initiatives depicted in this thesis, which was realized through two periods of an employee's research. The comparison of results and hypotheses defined is also envolved in data analysis of this research, as well as sustainable improvement in company internal communication within sustainable initiatives is proposed.

Esta dissertação tem um propósito ambicioso: procura repensar o modelo de integração econômica na América do Sul. O método escolhido para tanto foi o de analisar e extrair lições de outras experiências de integração econômica para balizar uma reflexão sobre este processo na região. Neste sentido, dividiu-se a dissertação em três capítulos, além de um breve capítulo introdutório e das considerações finais. No capítulo 2, “Considerações Gerais e Teorias sobre Integração Econômica Regional”, realiza-se apenas algumas definições conceituais e uma breve revisão das teorias sobre integração econômica regional. O intuito deste capítulo inicial é tão somente de “limpar o terreno” para a análise dos capítulos posteriores. Feito isso, no capítulo 3, “Lições das Experiências Internacionais Recentes: União Monetária Europeia, NAFTA e Cooperação Financeira no Leste Asiático”, analisa-se as principais experiências internacionais de integração, apresentando basicamente a racionalidade, a lógica básica de funcionamento e os resultados alcançados por cada uma delas, de tal forma a depreender algumas lições para a América do Sul. No capítulo 4, “Lições das Iniciativas Pretéritas de Integração na América do Sul: Uma Breve Análise do Caminho Percorrido da ALALC à UNASUL”, apresenta-se um apanhado histórico das iniciativas de integração econômica na América do Sul, seguindo essencialmente a mesma estrutura do capítulo anterior. Por fim, nas considerações finais, à luz das lições extraídas nos capítulos anteriores, são tecidos alguns comentários sobre as iniciativas integracionistas vigentes na região. / The dissertation has an ambitious intention: it aims at rethinking the model of economic integration in South America. The method chosen for such task was to analyze and extract lessons of other experiences of economic integration to define a reflection regarding this process in the region. In this direction, the dissertation was divided into three chapters, along with a brief introductory chapter and the final considerations. Chapter 2, “General Considerations and Theories on Regional Economic Integration”, presents some conceptual definitions and a brief revision of the theories on regional economic integration. The intention of this initial chapter is mainly to “clear the ground” for the analysis of the subsequent chapters. Once this is done, in chapter 3, “Lessons of the Recent International Experiences: European Monetary Union, NAFTA and Financial Cooperation in the East Asian”, the main international experiences of integration are analyzed, presenting basically the rationality, the basic logic of functioning and the results reached by each one of them, in such way to infer in the end some lessons for South America. Chapter 4, “Lessons of the Past Initiatives of Integration in South America: a Concise Analysis of the Way from ALALC to UNASUL”, presents a historical summary of the initiatives of economic integration in South America, following, essentially, the same structure of the previous chapter. Finally, in the final considerations, in light of the lessons extracted in the previous chapters, some comments are made on the effective integrationist initiatives in the region.

Orientador: Marco Aurélio Gumieri Valério / Resumo: A discussão acerca dos fatores geradores da exclusão social e as desigualdades de oportunidades de acesso ao trabalho, emprego e renda é um tema relevante para a análise das condições necessárias. Sendo assim, pessoas excluídas terão condições de adquirir um olhar crítico sobre a sociedade e bem como desenvolvam a capacidade de buscar seu reconhecimento, atuando como agentes sociais, com o direito a participar do desenvolvimento do país, que devem ser para todos no Brasil. A problemática da exclusão social de mulheres nas relações de trabalho remontam a história da organização social, que na sua formação, teve como base a exploração, a desigualdade, a discriminação e a imposição de um papel submisso a população feminina. Dessa forma, torna-se relevante a discussão sobre as desigualdades nas relações de trabalho, tendo em vista, a preponderância da discriminação entre homens e mulheres em remunerações desiguais, as discriminações nas admissões, promoções ou qualificações. Nesse contexto é que se inserem as políticas públicas de promoção da igualdade de gênero nas relações de trabalho, as quais surgiram a partir de propostas e reivindicações emanadas dos movimentos sociais, com o objetivo de transformar valores, ideias, comportamentos e atitudes, a fim de estabelecerem o princípio da isonomia de gênero, expresso na lei brasileira. Ademais, a questão relativa à isonomia entre mulheres e homens não é apenas uma questão de direitos humanos, mas também uma condição de justiça socia... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The discussion about the factors that generate social exclusion and the inequalities of access to work, employment and income is a relevant topic for analyzing the conditions necessary for excluded people to be able to acquire a critical eye on society as well as as they develop the capacity to seek their recognition and to act as social agents, with the right to participate in the development of the country, which should belong to everyone. In Brazil, the problem of the social exclusion of women in labor relations goes back to the history of the country's social organization, which in its formation was based on exploitation, inequality, discrimination and the imposition of a submissive role for the female population . In this way, the discussion on gender inequalities in labor relations becomes relevant, considering the prevalence of discrimination between men and women, regarding unequal remuneration in occupations of the same category, discrimination in admission, promotion or qualification . In this context, public policies for the promotion of gender equality in labor relations are inserted, which have emerged from proposals and claims emanating from social movements, with the aim of transforming values, ideas, behaviors and attitudes, in order to establish the principle of gender equality as expressed in Brazilian law. In addition, the issue of equality between women and men is not only a question of human rights, but also a condition of social justice, as well as a nec... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

This thesis explores claims that organic agriculture may be an empowering development strategy by investigating the impacts of conversion to organic farming systems on the lives of small-scale farmers in Cambodia. The thesis interrogates the diverse uses and abuses of the term =empowerment‘ in development rhetoric and argues for an empowerment model that is derived from farmers‘ self-defined concepts of development. This model was used to conduct a qualitative case study involving semistructured interviews and focus groups with members of organics initiatives in seven diverse Cambodian communities. Results indicate that many farmers in all communities felt that their most important objective was not only to achieve food security, but to be able to grow sufficient rice to feed their family. Farmers joined the organics initiatives primarily to improve their health and reduce the cost of farming inputs. As a result of joining the initiatives, all farmers (including both certified and non-certified organic farmers) felt they had improved their health and food security. Most farmers also increased incomes, created stronger family and community ties and felt they had more control over their livelihoods. These benefits were not, however, distributed equally amongst individuals or communities. Very poor and isolated farmers could not generally access benefits. The three main factors that determined the impact of the organics initiatives on farmer empowerment were identified as: the individual‘s level of resources, the strength of the farmer group, and the policies and values of the supporting organisation. The implications for future initiatives are, firstly, the tremendous potential for farmers and wider rural communities to benefit from organic agriculture as a development strategy. However, this study also shows that if organics is to be viable for low-resource people, it may be necessary to promote both resources and techniques in organics initiatives. Also, a focus on building strong relationships both within the farmers group and linkages with local and wider stakeholders may enhance long-term sustainability of organics initiatives.

The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is a voluntary investor-led initiative, backed by the United Nations. Together, the six principles are meant to provide a ‘best practice’ code of conduct for institutional investors seeking to adopt responsible investment practices with a secondary goal of contributing to improved corporate performance on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Launched in 2006, the PRI has grown to be the single largest global investor initiative with over 700 signatory financial institutions representing assets under management in excess of $US20 trillion. Contributing to the broader literature on plausible explanations for why firms participate in voluntary initiatives, the thesis is primarily concerned with the question of what has motivated institutional investors to create and publicly commit to the PRI. A review of the broader trends behind the growth of responsible investment and the emergence of the PRI indicates the dominant utilitarian, cost-benefit logic is not wholly persuasive in understanding investor motivations. The research findings indicate that decisions to integrate ESG issues and publicly commit to adopting the PRI should be primarily viewed as a response to formal pressures by external stakeholders and actors in an investor’s institutional environment. Regulatory and stakeholder influences in the form of NGO advocacy campaigns have established normative standards directed towards the conduct of investors. As public opinion has shifted to put greater emphasis on sustainable development, the image and reputation of a pension scheme in relation to these trends have come under increasing scrutiny such that being perceived as a ‘responsible’ investor – sometimes even in the absence of a direct market rationale – has become a central driver behind the growth of responsible investment. The decision to adopt the PRI and establish beyond-compliance commitments to integrate ESG issues into investment decision-making should principally be seen as embedded in broader reputational risk management strategies. These findings support complex market rationalism explanations for firm participation in voluntary initiatives which suggest that firms commit to such principles or codes of conduct as a means of assuring stakeholders that their concerns are being internalized into corporate practices. A secondary focus of the thesis is to examine signatory implementation to-date, assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of the voluntary measure for the promotion of more socially-responsible and environmentally-sustainable investments. While substantial progress has been shown by a small group of PRI signatories, it remains unclear whether the PRI has generated significant improvement across the broader signatory base. The PRI suffers from several weaknesses commonly identified in the literature on voluntary initiatives. First, a lack of accountability measures limits incentives for investors to go beyond business-as-usual. Second, less stringent voluntary standards like the PRI are likely to suffer from adverse selection and free riding, therefore threatening the credibility of the initiative’s reputation over the longer-term. Ironically, weaknesses in the institutional design of the PRI may undermine the very reputational benefit sought after by signatories.

To this point research on firms’ political behavior has contributed knowledge concerning large firms’ relationships and strategies with political actors and their surrounding environment. Less is known about small firms’ behavior towards political organizations. As a matter of fact, the fields of international marketing, international business and corporate political science have left the political behavior of small firms almost untouched. Therefore, extant literature assumes that small firms due to their resource constraints are passive receivers of political initiatives. About 99 percent of all firms within the European Union are small firms, and it is therefore questioned whether all these firms are passive receivers of political initiatives. The intention with this thesis is to challenge some assumptions regarding how small firms manage their relationships with political actors concerning EU related rules and regulations. Consequently, the study raises the overarching research question; how do small firms manage their political environment? Theoretically, the study takes a network perspective on business political interaction to examine both individual and/or collective political behavior of small firms. It develops a theoretical view constituted of knowledge, commitment and legitimacy. Methodologically, two sequential stages are followed: first an in-depth qualitative case study of three successful cases is presented and second, the in-depth understanding is broadened to a wider population of firms based on a quantitative survey. A central contribution of this thesis is to aid research on the political behavior of small firms. It is found that small firms, in contrast to prevailing assumptions, do possess political resources. They are not passive receivers of political initiatives. Instead, the findings show that small firms are active and can exercise influence. This, however, is shown to be dependent on the firm’s political commitment, political knowledge and competency and business-political legitimacy. It is also shown that small firms mobilize these critical resources not only directly, but also indirectly through various intermediating actors. Besides the theoretical contributions, these conclusions are important not just because of the managerial implications but also, and perhaps more importantly, for the policy implications that can be drawn from the study. Being exploratory and opening up the black box of small firm’s political behavior, the thesis ends with a number of future research directions.

In general, policymakers are often faced with a different choice, i.e., the choice between using regulation-based instruments and using incentive-based instruments, where the policy instruments could be based either on mandatory approach or voluntary approach with economic incentives in market. Historically, industrial economists have regarded the issue of policy design as the one focused primarily on the choice among alternative policy instruments, where those are generally viewed as falling into two broad categories: regulation-based instruments and incentive-based instruments. Through the theoretical and empirical analysis, this study identifies some key features that are likely to increase both the effectiveness and efficiency of industrial policies with voluntary and mandatory approaches. One key feature is the existence of a strong relationship between innovation and industrial policies. The explorative innovation increases the incentives for participation in long-term but also reduces the financial incentives in short-term. Considering firms' characteristics and industry sector also increases the synergy effect of policies and regulations. In sum, when based on the understanding and consideration on the nature of innovation and other impact factors, industrial policy can provide a mechanism for meeting industrial quality goals both effectively and efficiently. This understanding also can help policy makers to decide whether or not use of such policy approach is advisable and to design the policy ensuring that it is as effective and efficient as possible. Consequently, the current study investigates the difference and tendency of industrial policy approaches and the type of innovation carrying out three analyses according to the mandatory and voluntary approaches. With the assumption that the mandatory approach has short-run impact to prompt new technology or grow a specific industry, we firstly assess the impact of regulation, such as privatization of nature monopoly. Using the firms' data of 20 OECD countries between 1994 and 2008, we can claim that considering interaction among liberalization policies and allowing the industry characteristics are critical to determine for the Profitability effect and Operational efficiency effect and level of investments. Secondly, this study analyzes the relationship between 'Corporate Environmentalism' and composition of innovation using the Carbon Discloser Project (CDP) and (Dow Jones Sustainability Index) DJSI index data. The result shows the significant variation of firms' investment activities according to the industry sector, firm characteristics, sustainable and environmental behaviors of firms. Finally, this study identifies the relationship between 'Business-led Initiatives (CSR)' and innovation activities of firms. Using the Vigeo rating and financial data in 2009, this study shows the relationship between CSR and innovation activities of firms. Consequently, when the firm builds their short- and long-run business strategies, the consideration of the relationship between types of investment and CSR practice will lead to more synergic effect on the outcome of investments. The findings of this study could provide a comprehensive understanding on the effect of sustainable management strategies on the innovation and sustainability of firms.

The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is a voluntary investor-led initiative, backed by the United Nations. Together, the six principles are meant to provide a ‘best practice’ code of conduct for institutional investors seeking to adopt responsible investment practices with a secondary goal of contributing to improved corporate performance on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Launched in 2006, the PRI has grown to be the single largest global investor initiative with over 700 signatory financial institutions representing assets under management in excess of $US20 trillion. Contributing to the broader literature on plausible explanations for why firms participate in voluntary initiatives, the thesis is primarily concerned with the question of what has motivated institutional investors to create and publicly commit to the PRI. A review of the broader trends behind the growth of responsible investment and the emergence of the PRI indicates the dominant utilitarian, cost-benefit logic is not wholly persuasive in understanding investor motivations. The research findings indicate that decisions to integrate ESG issues and publicly commit to adopting the PRI should be primarily viewed as a response to formal pressures by external stakeholders and actors in an investor’s institutional environment. Regulatory and stakeholder influences in the form of NGO advocacy campaigns have established normative standards directed towards the conduct of investors. As public opinion has shifted to put greater emphasis on sustainable development, the image and reputation of a pension scheme in relation to these trends have come under increasing scrutiny such that being perceived as a ‘responsible’ investor – sometimes even in the absence of a direct market rationale – has become a central driver behind the growth of responsible investment. The decision to adopt the PRI and establish beyond-compliance commitments to integrate ESG issues into investment decision-making should principally be seen as embedded in broader reputational risk management strategies. These findings support complex market rationalism explanations for firm participation in voluntary initiatives which suggest that firms commit to such principles or codes of conduct as a means of assuring stakeholders that their concerns are being internalized into corporate practices. A secondary focus of the thesis is to examine signatory implementation to-date, assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of the voluntary measure for the promotion of more socially-responsible and environmentally-sustainable investments. While substantial progress has been shown by a small group of PRI signatories, it remains unclear whether the PRI has generated significant improvement across the broader signatory base. The PRI suffers from several weaknesses commonly identified in the literature on voluntary initiatives. First, a lack of accountability measures limits incentives for investors to go beyond business-as-usual. Second, less stringent voluntary standards like the PRI are likely to suffer from adverse selection and free riding, therefore threatening the credibility of the initiative’s reputation over the longer-term. Ironically, weaknesses in the institutional design of the PRI may undermine the very reputational benefit sought after by signatories.

The Jellyfish Project (JFP) is the environmental initiative that uses music as a means to engage youth, increase awareness about climate realities, and promote behaviour change. Music is an exceptional tool to captivate youths’ attention and increase their receptivity towards environmental messages. The arts also play a role in democratizing engagement and exhibit the potential to mobilize social action and change. Thus, music serves more than a leisure purpose, it can rally youth around a common purpose and create a powerful shared experience between musicians and their audiences. This community-based case study connects arts-centred movements to an ecosystems perspective and social marketing approaches, while establishing social engagement as a social determinant of health. Social engagement is the intentional and active participation in one’s community to create change and requires resources, efficacy, and opportunities for participation. Multiple data collection methods were used, including focus groups with youth, interviews with key informants, and social media analytics. Research themes include 1) The Power of Music, 2) Seeking Connections, 3) Awareness ≠ Change, and 4) Searching for Solutions. Findings showed that The JFP presentation was well-received by its audiences. Awareness, the primary goal of the organization increased, yet it was evident that for behaviour change to occur a broader community-level strategy is necessary. This strategy needs to involve active participation by students, numerous follow-up strategies, and community partnerships to address contextual issues and support sustained change. Implications for practice include developing active participation and partnerships; incorporating additional interaction with youth in the school presentation program; enhancement of online and social media strategies, and the provision of lived, multi-sensory experiences, both online and in the community. This intentionally transdisciplinary research filled gaps in the literature concerning the interconnections between social engagement, the social determinants of health, and the ecosystems perspective. It was also the first body of research to propose that social engagement is an appropriate community-level social determinant of health. Originating in real world experiences, this research advances knowledge translation and exchange immediately, informing the social engagement strategies of not-for-profit organizations as they harness the energy of the arts to effect social change. / Graduate / 0413 / 0515 / 0566 / jlansfie@uvic.ca

Decreased food security is a major issue which influences numerous individuals in developing countries such as South Africa. Literature suggests that although detailed information is not available about the exact amount of food insecure households in South Africa, food insecurity does exist. Multiple factors influence decreased food security and households in informal settlements often portray high risks to decreased food security due to a lack of adequate resources to ensure sustainable food security. However, to the authors‟ knowledge limited information is available regarding the specific state of household food security in informal settlements in South Africa. Information regarding the influences various factors have on food security in an informal settlement is also limited. Therefore this study aimed to explore household food security in an informal settlement including the factors that could possibly contribute to food insecurity. According to literature, the pillars of food security consist of food availability, accessibility and utilisation and can contribute to a decrease in household food security or the enhancement thereof. In addition, socio-demographical factors such as income, household size and level of education can influence household food security. Based on this information, the pillars of food security and socio-demographical aspects of a household were used as possible factors that influence food security and were included as part of the theoretical framework. Utilisation as part of the food security pillars was closely explored to determine if the knowledge and suggested implementation thereof was effective and contributing to household food security. The influence of knowledge of basic food related aspects on food security were therefore determined in this, combined with the relationships between various socio-demographics and food security. Furthermore, through these findings recommendations were made on how food security can be enhanced in the households of the identified informal settlement. A quantitative research approach was used in this study. As part of non-probability sampling interviewer administered questionnaires were presented to 103 respondents at Nutrifeeds production and distribution facility in the Viljoenskroon area. Existing questionnaires and surveys relevant to this study subject were consulted to develop the questionnaire which explored demographics, food production and knowledge of food handling, utilisation, storage practices, and food security. All questionnaires were completed and the data was analysed by Statistical Consultation Services at the North-West University, Potchefstroom, using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that the majority of respondents possessed knowledge regarding food handling practices. Knowledge of food related aspects were indicated to be implemented accordingly, by most respondents with regard to food utilisation (preparation, hygiene and storage). It was determined that the more than two thirds of the respondents and their households were at risk of food insecurity or food insecure suggesting that a need exists for food insecurity to be addressed in this informal settlement. According to the results that were obtained in this study, food insecurity in the Viljoenskroon area, Rammulotsi informal settlement can be acknowledged. Additionally, the findings enabled the researcher to make recommendations to local businesses, clinics and local authorities regarding the enhancement of household food security in the area. The recommendations include the enhancement of knowledge regarding food related aspects, food production opportunities, food access and utilisation in the community as a means to improve the status of household food security in this informal settlement. / M Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014