Workers or Investors? Investigating the Reciprocity Aspects among Greek Social Enterprises Members

In Europe 160 million people are members of social economy enterprises and mutual societies. Members that work at social enterprises usually are bound with an employee relationship with their organization; on the other hand participating in a social enterprise could be their only chance to find a job, especially for economies that face a long-term recession such as the Greek economy. Social enterprises and entrepreneurs invest in reciprocity which represents that positive actions will inspire reciprocal positive actions. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of reciprocity on members’ decision either to invest in social enterprises or to work for them acquiring in both cases the necessary shares. For this reason, a survey was conducted among Greek members of social enterprises listed in the Greek Social enterprises directory, to investigate their aspects about reciprocity and if these aspects affect their decision to work in a social enterprise or support financially them. The survey process returned 142 fully completed questionnaires. The analysis identified a sub group (5 over 27 items) of the questions used to measure reciprocity that can be used to classify participants into shareholders - members (investors) and shareholders - workers in social enterprises. It is worth mentioning that sex or other demographic characteristics of the respondents do not affect this classification while there are only aspects of positive reciprocity that have either positive or negative effect on the possibility to work in social enterprises. Social entrepreneurs and the Greek state could use these findings in order to direct and manage their expansion efforts

¿Trabajadores o Inversores? Investigar los aspectos de reciprocidad entre los miembros de las Empresas Sociales Griegas

In Europe 160 million people are members of social economy enterprises and mutual societies. Members that work at social enterprises usually are bound with an employee relationship with their organization; on the other hand participating in a social enterprise could be their only chance to find a job, especially for economies that face a long-term recession such as the Greek economy. Social enterprises and entrepreneurs invest in reciprocity which represents that positive actions will inspire reciprocal positive actions. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of reciprocity on members’ decision either to invest in social enterprises or to work for them acquiring in both cases the necessary shares. For this reason, a survey was conducted among Greek members of social enterprises listed in the Greek Social enterprises directory, to investigate their aspects about reciprocity and if these aspects affect their decision to work in a social enterprise or support financially them. The survey process returned 142 fully completed questionnaires. The analysis identified a sub group (5 over 27 items) of the questions used to measure reciprocity that can be used to classify participants into shareholders - members (investors) and shareholders - workers in social enterprises. It is worth mentioning that sex or other demographic characteristics of the respondents do not affect this classification while there are only aspects of positive reciprocity that have either positive or negative effect on the possibility to work in social enterprises. Social entrepreneurs and the Greek state could use these findings in order to direct and manage their expansion efforts.En Europa, 160 millones de personas son miembros de empresas de economía social, así como de mutuas. Los miembros que trabajan en empresas sociales generalmente están vinculados con una relación de empleados con su organización; por otro lado, participaren una empresa social podría ser su única oportunidad de encontrar un trabajo, especialmente para las economías que enfrentan una recesión a largo plazo, como la economía griega. Las empresas sociales y los empresarios invierten en reciprocidad que representa que las acciones positivas inspirarán acciones positivas recíprocas. El objetivo principal de este estudio es examinar el efecto de la reciprocidad en la decisión de los miembros de invertir en empresas sociales o trabajar para ellos, adquiriendo en ambos casos las acciones necesarias. Por este motivo, se realizó una encuesta entre los miembros griegos de las empresas sociales enumeradas en el directorio de empresas sociales griegas, para investigar sus aspectos sobre la reciprocidad y si estos aspectos afectan su decisión de trabajaren una empresa social o apoyarlos financieramente. El proceso de la encuesta arrojó 142 cuestionarios completos que se utilizaron para cumplir el objetivo de la encuesta. El análisis de regresión logística identificó un subgrupo (5 sobre 27 ítems) de las preguntas usadas para medir la reciprocidad que pueden usarse para clasificar a los participantes en accionistas: miembros (inversores) y accionistas – trabajadores en empresas sociales. Vale la pena mencionar que el sexo u otras características demográficas de los encuestados no afectan esta clasificación, mientras que solo hay aspectos de reciprocidad positiva que tienen un efecto positivo y negativo sobre la posibilidad de trabajar en empresas sociales.Escuela de Estudios CooperativosFac. de Ciencias Económicas y EmpresarialesTRUEpu

PECULIARITIES AND USEFULNESS OF MULTIPLIERS, ELASTICITIES AND LOCATION QUOTIENTS FOR THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING: AN OTHER VIEW

In this paper, the peculiarities of type I multipliers and elasticities and their differences on the generated results for the proposed developmental priorities are examined. Moreover the influences of the used non-survey techniques (Simple Location Quotient, Cross Industry Location Quotient and Flegg’s Location Quotient) among the sectoral rankings from the type I multipliers and elasticities are scrutinized. For the target of the paper, the economy of Western Macedonia region in Greece has been used as an example for the secondary simulation. The results show that the type I multipliers and elasticities are not end up to same sectoral rankings due to their different definition and are not the same suitable indicators for short-term and long-term developmental planning. Nevertheless, their coexistence could improve the economic prosperity both on short and long period of time. As for the used location quotient, the FLQ technique improves the proximity of the sectoral rankings that are generated from all the used indicators and also reduces the magnitudes of type I multipliers and elasticities.Input-output analysis, regional planning, multipliers, elasticities, non-survey techniques

Relationship Between Business Communication and Business Sustainability in Times of Uncertainty. A Case Study of Greece

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship that exists between business communication and business sustainability in uncertain times.   Theoretical framework: The study utilized the stakeholder theory which helps in explaining business sustainability in times of uncertainty and how it is influenced by different aspects such as communication.   Design/methodology/approach: The questionnaire was used to collect data was from a sample of 138 business owners or employees of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Kozani Greece.   Findings: The results of this study shows that internal business communication has a positive effect on sustainability of a business during uncertain times. The results also show a positive effect of horizontal and external business communication on business sustainability during times of uncertainty. Since human interaction is the cornerstone of service providers' operations, this transfer assumes a great impact in business, most especially in the service industry. A sustainable strategy or plan must incorporate excellent communication. In order to effectively plan and consequently construct sustainability as well as sustainable plans, people must communicate themselves both internally as well as externally using the appropriate form(s) of communication. Therefore, managers in reputable organization ought to communicate with the receiver in a clear, direct, and accurate manner whether utilizing oral communication to enhance business continuity during times of uncertainty.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The results are of great importance to the field of business management especially concerning the relevance of business communication in supporting sustainability of businesses during crises or times of uncertainty.   Originality/value: The study provides is original knowledge on business communication in supporting sustainability during the different uncertain times

Revamping Local and Regional Development through local regional management practices

through local regional management practices. Local and regional development is facilitated often upon the implementation of local and regional management practices by the government and civil authorities in a specific geographic area. Another unique and exciting way to reevaluate international development programs is via local and regional management techniques. They are inspiring locals to think strategically rather than waiting for solutions. Thus, they may have a big impact, but their effectiveness might be limited by local capacity issues, coordination issues, and a lack of robust local institutions. Capacity development programs must be suitably matched to local realities to promote beneficiary participation. Building capacity may be done on various scales, with various short- and long-term goals, and using various techniques. Beneficiaries need more intensive focused assistance, at least in the near future, to complete the particular research needed to put a request for review and funding into action. The proliferation of jobs, a rise in the standard of living, better income, and better opportunities are all important dimensions of regional and local development. Keywords: local development, region development, management practice

DEA-Based Malmquist Productivity Indexes for Assessing Greek Tourism Regions

For this research project, a DEA-based Malmquist index model was built to evaluate the effectiveness and productivity of Greece's thirteen distinct tourist zones. The purpose of this article is to present a statistical analysis comparing the economic performance of different tourist locations in Greece. It does this by using a technique known as data envelopment analysis (DEA), which measures the Malmquist efficiency of the tourist sector in each of Greece's thirteen regions for the years 2017-2021. According to the findings of our study, the level of competitiveness enjoyed by a number of Greece's areas has not increased throughout the period under review. Our study approach and results give a reference for places in Greece that urgently need quick tourist growth to affect economic recovery. This need arises against the background of global climate change, the energy crisis, and the age that follows COVID-19

Technical and Scale Efficiency of farms producing grapes for wine

climatechange and the subsequent requirements to comply with environmental standards, continuoustechnological change, and the need to adapt it, adjust, and remain competitive. The COVID-19 pandemic and the economic hardship it brought about, followed by the current energy crisis,make it imperative to address issues of competitiveness and efficiency of farm units. Theseunfavorable developments particularly affect mountainous and disadvantaged rural areassuch as the Region of Western Macedonia in Greece. Furthermore, the decarbonizationprocess that this region is undergoing, leads to a period of uncertainty, especially in relationto employment. The cultivation of vineyards and wine production are dominant economicactivities with Xinomavro being the main grape for wine variety. The efficiency of grape-producing farms are considered important for the whole wine supply chain. The objective of this paper is to estimate the technical and scale efficiency of wine-related agricultural firms in the region of Western Macedonia, by applying the DEA methodology. An output-oriented empirical model was applied for the estimation of technical and scale efficiency of farms producing grapes for wine. Keywords: technical efficiency, scale efficiency, wine grape cultivation, Western Macedonia, winerie

New entrants policy into agriculture: researching new farmers’ satisfaction

During the last three decades, the European Union has adopted a series of policies aiming to increase the new farmers entering the primary sector. This scheme, namely the “New Entrants Policy”, is reflected to the relevant regulations of the Common Agricultural Policy. After many years of implementation, there is still limited information regarding young farmers’ perceptions and participation to this scheme. Against this backdrop, a questionnaire was developed in order to assess the degree of new farmer’s satisfaction on their decision to enter the agricultural sector by participating in this scheme. Furthermore, we tried to evaluate the factors and motivations that determined their decision. The survey was carried out in Greece during an educational seminar specifically designed for new entrants in agriculture. In total, 254 new farmers answered questions concerning their experience from the implementation of the program. Additionally, executives of public services involved in the program implementation were interviewed in depth. Data analysis revealed that the majority of new entrants declare a high degree of satisfaction from their decision to enter agriculture. Specifically, those who display environmental consciousness related to field practices towards environment protection feel more satisfied with their decision