International Journal of Society Systems Science http://www.inderscience.com/browse/index.php?journalID=296&year=2012&vol=4&issue=1 Inderscience Publishers Ltd en-uk International Journal of Society Systems Science 1756-2511 1756-252X © 2012 Inderscience Publishers Ltd editor@inderscience.com https://www.inderscience.com/images/files/coverImgs/ijsss_scoverijsss.jpg http://www.inderscience.com/browse/index.php?journalID=296&year=2012&vol=4&issue=1 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=45371 The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) can be considered as one of the most extensively used model of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. The assurance statement (AS) is the mechanism to give trust to stakeholders about the accuracy of the information published in the sustainability reports (SRs). Within this backdrop, the objective of this paper is to design a model to evaluate the quality of the SR and AS of the Spanish companies that present SR using the GRI guide for the year 2008, as well as the characteristics of the companies that present high quality reports. We find that auditors issue higher quality AS than consultants, and that measures indicating size (size, listed companies, Big4 auditor) are associated with the quality of AS reports. Finally, we find that variables related to the industry of the company (sector, size, leverage) are associated with the quality of the SR report. Measuring quality of sustainability reports and assurance statements: characteristics of the high quality reporting companies
Belén Fernández-Feijóo-Sou; Silvia Romero; Silvia Ruiz-Blanco
International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 5 - 27
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) can be considered as one of the most extensively used model of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. The assurance statement (AS) is the mechanism to give trust to stakeholders about the accuracy of the information published in the sustainability reports (SRs). Within this backdrop, the objective of this paper is to design a model to evaluate the quality of the SR and AS of the Spanish companies that present SR using the GRI guide for the year 2008, as well as the characteristics of the companies that present high quality reports. We find that auditors issue higher quality AS than consultants, and that measures indicating size (size, listed companies, Big4 auditor) are associated with the quality of AS reports. Finally, we find that variables related to the industry of the company (sector, size, leverage) are associated with the quality of the SR report.

]]> 10.1504/IJSSS.2012.045371 International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 5 - 27 Belén Fernández-Feijóo-Sou; Silvia Romero; Silvia Ruiz-Blanco Department of Finance and Accounting, Universidade de Vigo, Lagoas Marcosende s/n. 36310 Vigo, Spain. ' Department of Accounting, Law and Taxation, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Av., Montclair, NJ 08540, USA. ' Department of Finance and Accounting, Universidade de Vigo, Lagoas Marcosende s/n. 36310 Vigo, Spain corporate social responsibility CSR sustainability reports assurance statements social audits Spain sustainable development quality measurement high quality companies reporting companies Global Reporting Initiative GRI trust stakeholders information accuracy consultants measures company size listed companies Big Four auditors audit firms PwC PricewaterhouseCoopers Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ernst & Young KPMG variables industry sectors leverage society systems science economic recovery economics opportunities challenges. 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 5 27 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=45372 This study takes an empirical look on recessions over the past 50 years, (excluding the current recession). The factors identified for study are based upon a theoretical framework established by the work of Jim Collins and the importance of Level 5 leadership. A binary logistical regression analysis is used to estimate models that predict: 1) survival with relatively healthy financials; 2) failure specifically during a recession; 3) thriving prosperity immediately after a recession. The model for predicting survival overall correctly and the model for predicting survival during a recession correctly predicted between 92% and 97% of the cases. The model for predicting thriving success after a recession correctly predicted 63.5% of the cases. The article also discusses the relevance of this information compared to the bankruptcy prediction literature, as well as practical implications for business people as they make strategic decisions before, during, and after recession periods. Leadership lessons for the business community: strategies to maintain prosperity during a recession
C.J. Rhoads; Keshav Gupta
International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 28 - 54
This study takes an empirical look on recessions over the past 50 years, (excluding the current recession). The factors identified for study are based upon a theoretical framework established by the work of Jim Collins and the importance of Level 5 leadership. A binary logistical regression analysis is used to estimate models that predict: 1) survival with relatively healthy financials; 2) failure specifically during a recession; 3) thriving prosperity immediately after a recession. The model for predicting survival overall correctly and the model for predicting survival during a recession correctly predicted between 92% and 97% of the cases. The model for predicting thriving success after a recession correctly predicted 63.5% of the cases. The article also discusses the relevance of this information compared to the bankruptcy prediction literature, as well as practical implications for business people as they make strategic decisions before, during, and after recession periods.

]]> 10.1504/IJSSS.2012.045372 International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 28 - 54 C.J. Rhoads; Keshav Gupta College of Business, Kutztown University, P.O. Box 730, Kutztown, PA 19518, USA. ' College of Business, Kutztown University, P.O. Box 730, Kutztown, PA 19518, USA business strategies strategic management leaders business performance recessions finance business failures success factors bankruptcy business communities prosperity Jim Collins Level 5 leadership binary logistical regression analysis company survival financials strategic decisions society systems science economic recovery economics opportunities challenges. 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 28 54 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=45373 This paper views fiscal policy as an instrument of sustainable development during ongoing economic transformation. Empirically testing fiscal policy sustainability, this study focuses on primary surplus to debt relation for two transition economies groups: net exporters and net importers. Although results suggest sustainability, mainly for net exporters, recent successes may not be sustainable in the near term, due to structural problems and debt accumulation among others. As a policy tool, this paper introduces a concept of fiscal net with alternative revenue sources. Overall fiscal policy in the CIS must be proactive and pragmatic for the sake of economic development and competitiveness. Proposed infrastructure development fund and strategic learning innovative system, among others, aligned with the real economy's demands, are just few examples of such sustainable fiscal policy targets. Fiscal policy in select transition economies: opportunities for sustainable development
Aleksandr V. Gevorkyan
International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 55 - 75
This paper views fiscal policy as an instrument of sustainable development during ongoing economic transformation. Empirically testing fiscal policy sustainability, this study focuses on primary surplus to debt relation for two transition economies groups: net exporters and net importers. Although results suggest sustainability, mainly for net exporters, recent successes may not be sustainable in the near term, due to structural problems and debt accumulation among others. As a policy tool, this paper introduces a concept of fiscal net with alternative revenue sources. Overall fiscal policy in the CIS must be proactive and pragmatic for the sake of economic development and competitiveness. Proposed infrastructure development fund and strategic learning innovative system, among others, aligned with the real economy's demands, are just few examples of such sustainable fiscal policy targets.

]]> 10.1504/IJSSS.2012.045373 International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 55 - 75 Aleksandr V. Gevorkyan The Paul McGhee Division, New York University, 726 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003, USA; Capco, 120 Broadway, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10271, USA fiscal policy Henning Bohn fiscal sustainability test transition economies fiscal net sustainable development primary surplus infrastructure development funds strategic systems innovative systems net exporters net importers economic transformation structural problems debt accumulation alternative revenue sources CIS Commonwealth of Independent States Soviet republics Soviet Union Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Moldova Russia Georgia Russian Federation Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine Uzbekistan proactive policies pragmatic policies economic development competitiveness strategic learning economic demands society systems science economic recovery economics opportunities challenges. 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 55 75 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=45374 As a result of the current fiscal crisis, the US Federal Government is calling on non-profit organisations and communities across the country to contribute their service through volunteering. This study uses qualitative data retrieved from a purposive sample of New York City non-profit administrators to determine the challenges and benefits of volunteer involvement in US non-profit organisations during the economic downturn that began in 2008. Findings conclude that although US Federal Government initiatives, including $50 million of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocated to the strengthening communities fund provided non-profits the opportunity to draw on an influx of a highly skilled pool of volunteers, many non-profits remain underfunded, understaffed and unequipped to make the most of those who are looking to serve. A SWOT model of the challenges and benefits of volunteer involvement in US non-profit organisations during times of fiscal stress
Helisse Levine; Maria J. D'Agostino
International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 76 - 91
As a result of the current fiscal crisis, the US Federal Government is calling on non-profit organisations and communities across the country to contribute their service through volunteering. This study uses qualitative data retrieved from a purposive sample of New York City non-profit administrators to determine the challenges and benefits of volunteer involvement in US non-profit organisations during the economic downturn that began in 2008. Findings conclude that although US Federal Government initiatives, including $50 million of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocated to the strengthening communities fund provided non-profits the opportunity to draw on an influx of a highly skilled pool of volunteers, many non-profits remain underfunded, understaffed and unequipped to make the most of those who are looking to serve.

]]> 10.1504/IJSSS.2012.045374 International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 76 - 91 Helisse Levine; Maria J. D'Agostino Department of Business, Public Administration and Information Sciences, Long Island University, One University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. ' John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY, 445 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019, USA non-profit organisations volunteerism volunteers fiscal stress qualitative method non-profit management SWOT analysis strengths weaknesses opportunities threats non-profit communities benefits volunteer involvement USA United States federal government New York administrators economic downturns government initiatives American Recovery and Reinvestment Act legislation strengthening communities fund non-profits underfunding understaffing society systems science economic recovery economics challenges. 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 76 91 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=45375 Since sources of corruption stem from, but are not limited to, the lack of transparency and accountability in the public sector, this paper sets out to examine if there is a connection between a nation's personal disposable income levels for public employees, when measured by higher personal income tax rates and lower real wage rates, and the level of public corruption found in these countries. We look at a simple contributing factor, disposable income, measured by personal income tax rates and purchasing power parity, as a primary reason for corruption in a country. The research adds to the theory of corruption knowledge in that as a developing country moves towards becoming a developed country, the components of measuring corruption change and evolve. We found that developing nations' public-sector employees place more emphasis on sociological determinants and tax rate contributions as factors contributing toward corruption, whereas developed nations place more emphasis on securing wealth from a standard of living aspect as well as from gains in equities markets. The corruption factor: how public sector employees influence the tide
Richard N. LaRocca
International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 92 - 106
Since sources of corruption stem from, but are not limited to, the lack of transparency and accountability in the public sector, this paper sets out to examine if there is a connection between a nation's personal disposable income levels for public employees, when measured by higher personal income tax rates and lower real wage rates, and the level of public corruption found in these countries. We look at a simple contributing factor, disposable income, measured by personal income tax rates and purchasing power parity, as a primary reason for corruption in a country. The research adds to the theory of corruption knowledge in that as a developing country moves towards becoming a developed country, the components of measuring corruption change and evolve. We found that developing nations' public-sector employees place more emphasis on sociological determinants and tax rate contributions as factors contributing toward corruption, whereas developed nations place more emphasis on securing wealth from a standard of living aspect as well as from gains in equities markets.

]]> 10.1504/IJSSS.2012.045375 International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 92 - 106 Richard N. LaRocca Wagner College, Department of Business Administration, One Campus Road, Staten Island, NY 10301, USA taxation disposable incomes developing nations public sector employees transparency accountability personal incomes income levels income tax tax rates taxes real wages wage rates purchasing power parity corruption knowledge developing countries developed countries corruption measurement sociological determinants tax contributions wealth living standards financial gains equities markets society systems science economic recovery economics opportunities challenges. 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 92 106 2012-02-07T23:20:50-05:00