This research sought to find local evidence within the Israeli context that corporate social responsibility can have positive impact on corporate financial performance, similar to research findings in leading western economies. Such local based evidence, if found, would encourage the inclusion of CSR as part of strategic management of companies in Israel. The investigation focused on a sample of leading companies in Israel, forming part of the TA-100 stock exchange index, and was undertaken between 2005 and 2006. The research used quantitative investigation of secondary data on financial performance that is available for companies traded on the stock exchange. It included social responsibility ranking undertaken by the association of 'Business for social responsibility in Israel' – MAALA. This data was used to compare financial performance between groups of companies with different levels of social responsibility. The research found that higher social responsibility for companies in Israel was associated with higher financial performance, in comparison to their counterpart companies ranked as lower in social responsibility. However at the extreme, a very high level of social responsibility is associated with decline in financial performance. The research conclusion was that companies in Israel face the same CSR-to-CFP relationship, as their counterparts in leading western economies. This provides the rationale for Israeli companies to incorporate social responsibility as part of their business strategy aimed at improving financial performance.

This thesis explores the connections between dialogue, education and democracy. It begins by asking: ‘what are the implications of dialogic theory for democratic education’? In doing so it draws on concepts from the work of Arendt, Biesta, Dewey and Wegerif: dialogic space as a productive metaphor for education; an ontology of difference in which meaning emerges through dialogue; and authentic democratic action as ‘coming into being’ in negotiation with others. It then asks, ‘Can we teach for democracy?’ by looking at recent practices of citizenship education in Britain. It argues that genuine democratic education must consider students as already being citizens rather than as citizens-in-training, and must offer them opportunities to express their values in action. A theory of ‘responsible leadership’, based on a ‘pedagogy of challenge’, is proposed as a means to enable students to develop the skills and dispositions needed for democratic participation. Short courses in leadership education for teenagers are identified as sites to test this theory. Two empirical studies are detailed, which use a longitudinal case-study approach primarily based on student interviews. The first was a two-day school-based course for academically able 13-18 year olds; the second was a five-day outdoor residential course for 16-18 year olds. Both studies found significant development in students’ skills and dispositions for learning, including: openness to others’ ideas, confidence, greater self-knowledge and better communication skills. In both cases, students’ personal dispositions and insights endured. However, lack of opportunities for democratic action after the courses meant that learned collaborative skills were not strongly embedded; this also meant that ‘responsible leadership’ was not often demonstrated subsequently. Nonetheless, the studies present strong evidence for the transformative power of a pedagogy of challenge, which demands further research.

Cette étude vise à explorer les paradoxes existants dans l'offre durable de produits alimentaires et, les comportements adoptés par les consommateurs percevant ces paradoxes. Le modèle théorique retenu est celui de Mick et Fournier (1998), initialement construit pour étudier les paradoxes des technologies modernes et adapté au cadre de l'Alimentation Durable. Une enquête qualitative a été menée auprès de 84 consommateurs ordinaires en France et en Italie. Puis 18 sujets participants à l'AMAP, ou à des Associations de Consommateurs, ont été interviewés. Les entretiens semi-directifs réalisés ont permis une exploration des paradoxes perçus et des stratégies de coping adoptées selon deux moments: avant l'adoption d'un choix durable et lors du choix durable (Lazarus et Folkman, 1984). Enfin nous avons essayé de dégager des caractéristiques spécifiques à l'égard des deux pays: la France et l'Italie, soit liées aux facteurs structurels (ex. marché de produits alimentaires durables) soit des éléments culturels, ainsi que par rapport aux consommateurs grâce à la proposition de profils types. Pourtant ce travail a des objectifs théoriques, c'est-à-dire de vérifier la présence de paradoxes à l'égard de l'offre alimentaire durable; puis méthodologiques en adaptant le modèle de Mick et Fournier au cadre spécifique de recherche; enfin pratiques en mettant en lumière des éléments qui freinent le développement de l'offre durable actuelle. / This study aims to explore existing paradoxes in sustainable offer of food products and consequently behaviours of consumers at the time of perceiving these paradoxes. The related theoretical model is that of Mick and Fournier (1998), built initially for studying the paradoxes of modern technologies and adapted at the case of sustainable food consumption. A qualitative survey has been conducted among 84 ordinary consumers in France and Italy. Later other 18 subjects, already involved into sustainable purchases (participants of AMAP or Associations of Consumers), have been interviewed. The semi-structured interviews have shed light on perceived paradoxes and adopted coping strategies faced with two moments: before sustainable choice and at the moment of sustainable choice (Lazarus et Folkman, 1984). Last we have achieved to distinguish specific elements attached to two contexts of research: France and Italy, such as structural factors (market of sustainable food products) and cultural ones, and after in regard with consumers by proposing some profiles-types. So that this work has three objectives: theoretical as to verify the paradoxes listed towards the offer of food sustainable products; methodological regarding the adaptation of conceptual model of Mick et Fournier (1998) to specific context of research and then practical ones in order to distinguish some elements which can affect negatively the development of sustainable current offer.

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to identify the obstacles against supplier compliance, which focal companies encounter within the upstream supply chain when attempting to collect the requested product contents information. Based on this problem, the objective is to identify the most useful supply chain management practices to ensure supplier compliance.Method: The theoretical framework contains the Principal-Agent theory and Responsible Supply Chain Management. The empirical findings are derived through semi-structured interviews that were conducted with three Swedish corporations operating in China and one Swedish-Chinese consulting firm.Results: The two main-obstacles to supplier compliance were firstly found to consist of lacking supplier understanding of the product contents information requirements (PCIR). These obstacles prevented the supplier from understanding the risk at hand and what behaviour that triggered the risk. The second main-obstacles were found to be the prevalence of different opposing interests, which could all be traced back to the reluctance to assume an increase in costs, and could induce the supplier to pursue that interest rather than the interest to comply to the PCIR. With these obstacles in mind, the main objective of the focal company’s supply chain management practices should preferably be to create risk in relation to the PCIR, ensure supplier understanding and pay attention to the opposing interests. The most useful type of supply chain management practice for fulfilling these objectives were the use of incentives, preferably in combination with sanctions, to create risk. Training was considered most useful for ensuring supplier understanding, although a combination of training, personal communication and written documents is potentially interesting. Regarding the opposing interests, accommodating practices were found most useful rather than attempt to persuade the supplier to give up the interest.

El propósito del siguiente trabajo es evaluar la factibilidad y viabilidad de emprender un proyecto textil al cual denominaremos INSPIRE, estará centrado en el segmento de ropa urbana, sus atributos diferenciales serán: diseños únicos hechos por artistas locales, calidad del algodón peruano y el espíritu de ayudar a la sociedad. INSPIRE apunta a un segmento de consumidores que buscan una marca que los ayude a expresarse y al mismo tiempo vivir sus valores e intereses. Se decidió abordar el tema, pues a nivel mundial, la moda urbana viene siendo tendencia desde hace más de 40 años y el Perú no es la excepción. Si bien en el país ya existen iniciativas en este segmento, la presente investigación prueba que, con un diseño impactante y que logre diferenciarse de las alternativas que se encuentran en el mercado, se puede lograr una posición y reconocimiento entre los seguidores de esta moda. Es importante mencionar también, que se escogió incursionar en el rubro textil por ser uno de los sectores de mayor dinamismo y crecimiento en los últimos años en el Perú. Para lograrlo se utilizaron diversos tipos de herramientas que validarían la factibilidad de la idea, entre las cuales destacan: FODA, análisis PESTEL, análisis PORTER, Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, la rueda de comunicación, mapa de valor, construcción de insights, construcción de superioridad relativa, entre otros. Luego de analizar todos los factores de impacto en la creación de una nueva marca, podemos concluir que es viable y factible la creación de INSPIRE. / The purpose of the following work is to evaluate the feasibility of launching the textile brand INSPIRE into the Peruvian urban clothing segment. The brand will distinguish by the following differential attributes: unique designs made by local artists, high quality of Peruvian cotton and the social side of helping society in every purchase. INSPIRE aims to a segment of consumers who are looking for a brand that helps express themselves and at the same time share their same values and interests. The topic selected, urban fashion, has been a global trend for more than 40 years and Peru is not the exception. Although there are already initiatives in the country, the present research proves that with a striking design the brand differs positively from the alternatives in the market. A position and recognition among followers of this fashion can be achieved. It is important to mention that the textile sector has had great dynamism and growth in recent years in Peru. In order to accomplish this goal, several tools were used to validate the proposal: SWOT, PESTEL Analysis, PORTER Analysis, the Business Model Canvas, the Value Proposition Canvas, the Communication Wheel, Value Map, the Construction of Insights, the Construction of Relative Superiority, among others. After analyzing all the factors involved in the creation of this new brand, we got to the conclusion that there is a potential market where INSPIRE would fit. Keywords: Streetwear, urban clothing, Peruvian brand, design, inspire, responsible business plan. / Trabajo de investigación

A guarda responsável dos animais domésticos é relevante por duas questões principais: a Ética e a Saúde Pública. Os cuidados adequados com os animais são uma questão ética cada vez mais discutida em nossa sociedade, devido às interações homem-animal cada vez mais estreitas. Apesar disso, a guarda responsável é um tema interessante não apenas para aqueles que se importam com uma vida digna aos animais, mas também essencial para evitar problemas de saúde pública como agressões e zoonoses. Esse trabalho visou verificar se a disponibilidade de cuidados veterinários e castrações gratuitas, bem como ações educativas durante dois anos em uma comunidade do município de São Paulo tornaram ou não a guarda de animais mais responsável. Como principais resultados, houve mudança significativa na quantidade de destinos positivos que foram dados aos cães após a presença de serviços de saúde no bairro, concomitantemente houve aumento do número cães com guardiões, o que requer um programa contínuo de manejo populacional de animais domésticos. / The pets responsible ownership is important for two main issues: Ethics and Public Health. Proper care of the animals is an ethical issue increasingly discussed in our society due to stronger human-animal relationship. Nevertheless, responsible ownership is an interesting topic not only for those who care for a dignified life to animals, but also essential to prevent public health problems such as aggression and zoonosis. This study aimed to verify if the availability of veterinary care, free castrations, and educational activities for two years in a community of São Paulo city made it more responsible towards domestic animals. As main results, significant change in the amount of positive destinations that were given to dogs after the presence of health services in the community was observed. Furthermore, concomitant increase in dogs with guardians was observed, requiring a continuous pet management program.

A expansão do consumo, estimulada pela fabricação sempre crescente de produtos e de desejos, acontece de forma ambientalmente impactante e socialmente desigual. Há alguns anos está em pauta no Brasil e no mundo o debate sobre o \"Consumo Responsável\", que trata da adoção de comportamentos conscientes pelos consumidores e/ou do desenvolvimento de práticas solidárias de consumo. Porém, seria possível, no contexto social de hegemonia do modo capitalista de produção, desenvolver práticas de consumo que contribuam para a melhoria das condições de vida das pessoas? A aposta em transformações sociais estimuladas por mudanças nas relações de consumo não se sustenta com ações descoladas da esfera da produção e da comercialização. Nesse sentido, desenvolvemos a presente análise no campo da economia popular e solidária, onde se situam empreendimentos associativos que trabalham pela efetivação de relações econômicas pautadas pela lógica da cooperação e da solidariedade. A economia solidária surgiu no Brasil em meados de 1980, no contexto de uma forte crise, que se agravou na década seguinte. Desde então, esse movimento social teve grande expansão e importantes avanços no campo político. Porém, boa parte dos seus empreendimentos apresentam dificuldades e fragilidades em relação à sustentabilidade de suas atividades e dos sujeitos envolvidos. O Instituto Kairós, organização da sociedade civil, trabalha nesse campo, com o desenvolvimento de práticas de formação em que propõem o consumo responsável como um conjunto de hábitos e ações que fomentam um modelo de desenvolvimento comprometido com a redução da desigualdade social, visando a melhoria das relações de produção, distribuição e aquisição de produtos e serviços. A pesquisa destaca a importância das práticas de formação para a ampliação do debate em torno da concepção de consumo responsável como estratégia de fortalecimento dos empreendimentos associativos e como instrumento de alcance da segurança alimentar e demais condições de vida digna por parte das pessoas envolvidas. / The expansion of consumption, stimulated by the even increasing manufacture of products and desire, happens in an environmentally impactful and socially unequal way. For the last few years the debate on Responsible Consumption is part of Brazil and global agenda and deals with the adoption of behavior awareness by consumers and/or the development of supportive practices of consumption. However, would it be possible, in the social context of hegemony of the capitalist mode of production, to develop consumption practices that contribute to the improvement of people living conditions? The bet on social transformation stimulated by consumer relations change is not tenable with actions detached from the sphere of production and marketing. In this regard, we have developed the present analysis in the field of popular and solidarity economy, in which associative groups work for the realization of economic relations guided by the logic of cooperation and solidarity. The solidarity economy emerged in Brazil in mid 80s, in the context of a strong crisis, which worsened in the following decade. Since then, this social movement had a great expansion and major advances in the political field. However, a good part of their ventures present difficulties and weaknesses in relation to the sustainability of its activities and of the individuals involved. The Kairos Institute, a civil society organization, work in this field with the development of training practices that propose the responsible consumption as a set of habits and actions that promote a model of development compromised with the reduction of social inequality, aiming at the improvement of the relations of production, distribution and acquisition of products and services. The research highlights the importance of training practices for the debate broadening around the concept of responsible consumption as a strategy to strengthen the associative ventures and as an instrument to achieve the food security and other conditions for a dignified life for the people involved.

This diploma thesis focuses on sustainable and responsible tourism in Šumava and the influence of the bad weather on sustainability in tourism in the Šumava National Park. The thesis is divided into two parts, a theoretical and a practical part. Positive and negative influences concerning tourism are explained at the beginning of the theoretical part. It further continues with characteristics of sustainable tourism, its principles, foundations, management and marketing. The last part of the theoretical part is focused on terms concerning responsible tourism and its principles. The practical part characterizes Šumava National Park and its relations with sustainable tourism. On the basis of secondary data, an analysis is conducted, which compares the influence of the weather on sales in tourism. The aim of the analysis is to establish the weather impacts on the economic outcomes. In the following part, the current portfolio of the available alternative tourist attractions during bad weather in the Šumava region is analysed. On the basis of the acquired results, tourism products are suggested. The products respect the principles of the sustainable and the responsible tourism. These are a network of the so-called shelters, a raincoat and a mobile application containing further information on the aforementioned products.

In this discussion paper, we outline and reflect on some of the key challenges that influence the development and uptake of more inclusive and responsible forms of research and innovation. Taking these challenges together, we invoke Collingridge's famous dilemma of social control of technology to introduce a complementary dilemma that of "societal alignment" in the governance of science, technology and innovation. Considerations of social alignment are scattered and overlooked among some communities in the field of science, technology and innovation policy. By starting to unpack this dilemma, we outline an agenda for further consideration of social alignment in the study of responsible research and innovation.

In recent years socially responsible investing has become an increasingly more popular subject with both private and institutional investors. At the same time, a number of scientific papers have been published on socially responsible investments (SRIs), covering a broad range of topics, from what actually defines SRIs to the financial performance of SRI funds in contrast to non-SRI funds. In this paper, we revisit Markowitz' Portfolio Selection Theory and propose a modification allowing to incorporate not only asset-specific return and risk but also a social responsibility measure into the investment decision making process. Together with a risk-free asset, this results in a three-dimensional capital allocation plane that allows investors to custom-tailor their asset allocations and incorporate all personal preferences regarding return, risk and social responsibility. We apply the model to a set of over 6,231 international stocks and find that investors opting to maximize the social impact of their investments do indeed face a statistically significant decrease in expected returns. However, the social responsibility/risk-optimal portfolio yields a statistically significant higher social responsibility rating than the return/risk-optimal portfolio.