Advances in Social Sciences and Management

Thinking, a Diverse and Inclusive Process: An Epistemological Look

2025-04-21T18:42:29+01:00

Contemporary education has taken on the challenge of promoting different programs aimed at promoting inclusive teaching-learning processes that facilitate attention to diversity. It is evident that the integration of students with special needs in regular educational centers has caused significant changes in the curriculum, infrastructure and training among teachers. In the last ten years, educational inclusion has made significant progress, but much remains to be done to expand inclusive spaces.

Exploring the Teaching of Geometric and Spatial Reasoning in Early Childhood Education in Selected Primary Schools of Shibuyunji District of Zambia

2025-04-17T05:50:06+01:00

The teaching methods and materials used in ECE classrooms have a profound impact on children’s engagement and understanding of spatial concepts. It is therefore essential for teachers to use diverse, developmentally appropriate strategies and make use of locally available resources to support learning (MOESVTEE, 2013; MOE, 2023). The acquisition of spatial reasoning and geometrical reasoning by learners is highly attributed to how teachers teach it. The study therefore explored the teaching of geometric and spatial reasoning at early childhood Education in selected primary schools of Shibuyunji district of Zambia. The Van Hiele’s level theory and Piaget’s developmental stages were the lens used to analyse the geometric and spatial reasoning of learners. The approach was qualitative and used descriptive research design. The sample size was seven ECE teachers who were selected purposively. Data was collected using semi structured interview guides, lesson observation and document analysis. Data was analysed thematically. Among the findings was that ECE teachers used a number of teaching methods and strategies such as tracing, drawing as well as exposing learners to real objects, practical activities and demonstrations. The study recommended that teachers should incorporate play into the methods that they use. Continuous Professional Development activities on the teaching of geometry using play should be conducted in order to enhance the in-depth knowledge on the topic to enable teachers teach it with confidence and use appropriate materials and methods.

Spiritual Leadership in Baul Folk Traditions: A Cross-Cultural Framework for Creative Organisations

2025-04-22T00:58:56+01:00

This article explores the intersection of spiritual leadership principles and the Baul folk tradition of Bangladesh, proposing a cross-cultural framework that benefits creative organisations in North America and beyond. Drawing upon established scholarship in spiritual leadership and on Baul studies, the discussion revolves around eight core themes—Emphasis on Meaning and Purpose, Values-Centred Leadership, Culture of Compassion, Promotion of Inner Well-Being, Empowerment Through Service, Shared Vision, Ethical Orientation, and Fostering Hope and Faith. Each theme is illustrated with original songs by Baul composers, including Baul Lalon Shah (1774-1890), Baul Duddu Shah (1841-1911), Baul Panju Shah (1851-1914), Baul Shahadat Karim, Baul Mokoddos Alam Udasin (1948-2022), Baul Abdur Rahman, Baul Khoda Box (1928-1990), and Baul Shah Abdul Karim (1916-2009). Although these compositions are rooted in the Baul folk tradition, this article demonstrates how they can be applied to leadership development in North American creative organisations. By outlining the Bauls’ guru–disciple model and by integrating my own ethnographic research with Baul communities, the article underscores how Baul spirituality resonates with modern calls for workplace compassion, purpose, and ethical consciousness.

Sustainability Thought 199: Green Markets or Dwarf Green Market Solutions: Pointing Out the Second Major Blunder in Terms of Development Thinking and Critical Environmental Problems Solving

2025-04-23T19:08:39+01:00

The socio-environmental consequences created by the socio-environmentally distorted traditional market thinking since 1776 when the world endorsed and promoted Adam Smith’s ideas and dealing with them has led according to this author to three clear major development thinking blunders while the distortion problem remains active, one after the other: 1) First in 1987, the Brundtland Commission had a choice, to recommend a fix through sustainability market based solutions or to recommend a patch through sustainable development solutions to the critical socio-environmental problem created by the distorted market they were dealing with; and they chose a patch; 2) In 2012 Rio + 20, the Brundtland Commission on Sustainable Development had a choice, to implement an environmental fix through green market-based solutions or to recommend a patch through dwarf green market-based solutions to the critical environmental problem they were addressing created by distorted traditional market pricing; and they chose a patch; and 3) In 2023 the world had again a choice, to finally internalize socio-environmental externalities to fix the pollution production problem embedded in the linear traditional market and make it circular or to move from traditional linear pollution production markets to traditional circular pollution production markets assuming again socio-environmental price distortion neutrality, and hence, leaving the root cause of the pollution generation problem embedded in both linear and circular pollution production markets untouched; and they chose to go circular economy thinking as a pretend patch. Notice that the Brundtland Commission in 1987 found a socio-environmental pollution production problem associated with working of the traditional market, not an inefficient use of resources problem, and that the United Nations Commission on Sustainable development as well documented in 2012 an environmental pollution production problem associated with the traditional market, not an inefficient use of environmental resources, therefore, none of them found that the problem generating pollution embedded in the traditional market was an inefficient use of resources. Hence, all those development choices made since 1987 are all considered development thinking blunders because all those choices made to address critical sustainability problems violate the theory-practice consistency principle as they do not match the nature of the problem and as well as they violate the expectations of the Thomas Kuhn’s scientific paradigm evolution loop under academic integrity. This paper focuses on the second development thinking blunder, the choosing of dwarf green markets solutions over green markets solutions in 2012 to address a critical environmental sustainability problem.

When Art and the Humanities Enter a Hospital to Prevent and Control Infections: Innovative Perspectives from Nursing, Information Science and Public Health During COVID-19

2025-04-30T17:16:49+01:00

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed unprecedented interdisciplinary collaborations in healthcare. This article explores the integration of art and the humanities—traditionally underutilized in infection prevention and control (IPC)—within hospital settings. Drawing upon literature from nursing, information science, and public health, we examine how artistic expression and narrative practices can support mental health, enhance staff resilience and foster innovative approaches to antimicrobial resistance. We argue that combining clinical expertise with arts-based interventions enriches health communication, community engagement, and sustainable behavioral change in healthcare environments.

Trump’s Geopolitics for the Economy

2025-05-06T19:22:22+01:00

Trump's protectionist policies, such as tariffs, have had knock-on effects on the global economy, leading to a decline in economic expectations and a decline in the economy. The negative effects have been felt not only in financial markets, but also in people's daily lives, particularly for those who depend on cheap goods. Markets reacted early to the announcement of the tariffs, with a significant devaluation of the shares, highlighting the lack of confidence in the country's economic direction. However, it is emphasized that the real indicator of economic health is the purchasing power of households, not fluctuations in financial markets. the basic idea of the Trumpian is based on the hypothesis that tariffs could lead to a return of industries in the United States, but the possibility of such a return is doubtful, given that multinationals are attracted by lower production costs in other countries, such as China. The first law of thermodynamics also applies to the economy: capital and industries will always tend towards the places of lowest cost, as heat goes towards cold and not vice versa. Tension is growing between the United States and China, especially after the imposition of tariffs and Chinese responses. China, which has benefited enormously from globalization, is now showing signs of strong resistance to a return of American industries. China's response was swift and decisive, suggesting that China is unwilling to give in to U.S. pressure. In conclusion, current economic policies may not only not bring the desired results but also aggravate the economic situation both in the United States and globally. The separation between the real economy and financial activity continues to create imbalances, and the economic future remains uncertain. A profound reflection on the need to reconnect the real economy with the financial economy could rule out the speculative temptations that have characterized the last decades.

The Cross-Country Generalizability of High-Performance Work Practices and Interactions of Internal Promotions with Organizational Capital and Innovation Strategy on Market, Operational, and Financial Performance

2025-05-12T18:31:41+01:00

High Performance Work Practices (HPWPs) research lacks a consistent measure with good psychometric properties impeding the growth and accumulation of knowledge. This study provides empirical support for a reliable, multi-dimensional, cross-culturally generalizable, and valid measure of HPWPs. The Ability, Motivation, and Opportunity (AMO) framework provided a theoretical foundation (Appelbaum, Bailey, Berg, & Kalleberg, 2000). This new measure maps onto each of the three dimensions of the AMO framework. Data from multiple managers working for companies in 18 different countries (N = 3,289) showed cross-cultural measurement equivalence and other good measurement properties. Validity was demonstrated by focusing on one understudied practice, Internal Promotions, showing that it generally has a positive impact on organizational performance. However, in organizations with higher Organizational Capital, or those organizations using an Innovation Strategy, Internal Promotions impaired organizational performance, thereby confirming theory based hypotheses derived from the Peter Principle. This demonstrated how the measurement of distinct practices can be used as a basis for studying intriguing questions about HPWPs.

Portrait in European and Polish Painting: History of the Genre

2025-05-19T08:15:28+01:00

Portrait is one of the oldest and the most common genre of art and painting. It was created as a personal souvenir to remind about a person or an event related to him/her, and as an official presentation to commemorate the dignity of the portrayed person. The portrait had and still has many variations, both artistic and related to its social function. The synthesis of this genre of painting allows us to conclude how rich and diverse this field of art is. A portrait has served many functions, that is why over the centuries there have been so many types and possibilities of classification according to various keys.

Reel Landscapes, Real Gains: The Rise of Greece as a Global Film Production Hub and Its Impact on the Local Economy

2025-05-28T18:43:28+01:00

Since 2019, Greece has emerged as a rapidly growing hub for domestic and international film and television productions, driven by diverse landscapes, urban environments, and supportive legislative reforms. This paper explores the factors behind this boom, including Greece’s enhanced cash rebate schemes, streamlined bureaucracy, and establishment of regional Film Offices. It highlights the country’s rich and varied settings—from snow-capped mountains to historic urban neighborhoods—offering filmmakers versatile backdrops beyond the traditional sea-and-sun imagery. The study traces the history of film productions in Greece, from early international classics to recent blockbusters, and examines the substantial economic benefits these productions generate through job creation, local spending, and tourism promotion. It also discusses the emerging potential of film tourism as a long-term economic driver, drawing on global examples and the success of prior productions like Mamma Mia!. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, the article argues that Greece’s audiovisual sector is positioned for sustained growth and increased global visibility. The synergy of policy innovation and cinematic appeal presents Greece with a significant opportunity to become a premier destination for international filmmaking and film-induced tourism.

Economic Freedom, Social Structure, and Dynamic Effects of Country-Level Employment and Labor Law Regulatory Institutions

2025-06-06T21:19:12+01:00

This study examined employment and labor law regulatory institutions in different countries, comparing neoclassical economics and neo-institutionalism. Analyses across 117 countries showed laws restricting alternative forms of employment were associated with increased standards of living, humanitarian development, innovation, voice, and accountability. Laws restricting working hours or dismissals had the opposite effects. Laws facilitating union membership or industrial action increased voice and accountability. Managerial relevance is explained. Theoretical, practical, and policy implications are provided.