Search

In structuration theory, Giddens emphasises the importance of social practices in shaping and reproducing social structures, believing that the constitution of agents and structures represents a duality and advocating that structure is both a medium and outcome of the reproduction of practices. The traditional culture and customs embodied in Macanese cuisine can be considered as a structured process. Macanese cuisine reflects the unique food culture and customs of Macao society, presenting an irreplaceable way of life and cultural value. Macanese cuisine has developed based on the traditional customs and practices of the Macanese. It is recognised as an important intangible cultural heritage, receiving protection and promotion from the government. However, high‐speed modernity challenges the guarantee for continuity of Macanese traditional customs. Debates continue regarding how to promote the sustainability of Macanese cuisine. This study adopts Giddens' structuration theory to understand the evolutionary process of Macanese cuisine. It reveals the significance of individual agents' initiatives in promoting the rebirth of Macanese cuisine, and preserving the distinctiveness and self‐assertion of the Macanese community. Furthermore, the fusion culture that underlies Macanese cuisine can moderate the high‐speed modernity of gastronomy tourism and promote this cuisine's sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates compassion among coworkers in healthcare organizations through a lens of structuration theory. The purpose of this study is to examine how healthcare workers exercise agency to (re)produce or transform structures related to the communication of compassion in the workplace, particularly in the context of COVID-19. This study utilizes a phronetic iterative approach and data collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with healthcare workers (N = 27). Qualitative data revealed how healthcare workers responded to structural constraints in managed care through agentic action such as earnest script-breaking, creating spiral time, and coordinating compassion as a collective. Extending compassion scholarship, this study highlights compassion as a communicative, collective, and co-constructed process. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, followed by directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AI Communication Technologies (AICTs) make decisions about users' communication on their behalf. Users' implementation of AICTs that autonomously act may enable and constrain how they accomplish their work and interact with others. Drawing on interviews with users of two AICTs with differing levels of autonomy designed for work-related scheduling, this study investigated how users enacted AICTs in practice. Users of both tools drew on AICTs' autonomous capabilities to enact machine agency, a structure that assigns AICTs the power to allocate resources, which helped them increase scheduling efficiency and guide how others interacted with them. Users of the tool that autonomously implemented decisions described a process of enactment in which they used the tool to control their work, perceived the tool was exhibiting too much control, and acted to regain control. I present implications for understanding how people enact machine agency with AICTs that make decisions about their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While sustainability as a practice has been implemented in education for a long time, the conceptualisation of an impactful sustainability actor has not been as thoroughly formulated. The theory of structuration is relevant as a lens for critical reflection on the transformative potential of individuals educated in sustainability as a practice, who are often described as change-makers and mandated to enact sustainability. This paper examines sustainability agency using materials produced for a set of online sustainability courses. This text corpus is utilised as a representation of climate and sustainability education. The materials repeat systemic framings present in sustainability rhetoric, such as the contexts and targets in which sustainability transformation occurs. Additionally, through a qualitative content analysis of the textual corpus descriptions emerged as attributes of the agents to enact sustainability. This uncovers the juxtaposition between the often-repeated perception that sustainability must be achieved by capable agents and the capacities they possess. Further, our content analysis suggests a rhetorical process of othering within sustainability, for example by positioning "people"—the general population—as the cause of the sustainability crisis, and "us"—the educated—as the solution. Through our findings, the article concludes that when utilising the concept of sustainability agency—be it in theoretical, educational, or practical work—one ought to pay significant attention to the structures wherein the activities take place. The full comprehension of the transformative potential of individual agents ought to include an acknowledgement of the difference between educated capability and capacity—the latter of which necessitates dominance over the structural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grafting selected elements into a primary theory from another theoretical approach can sometimes enhance the theoretical framework to facilitate more refined data analysis. Because of the possible risks of theoretical fragmentation that may result from incorporating elements of different theories into a single framework, we opted for grafting selected elements of one theory into our primary theory, to carefully retain the logical coherence of the main theory. In this paper, we draw on a study of isiXhosa-speaking women traders in Cape Town’s Langa Township (hereafter referred as Langa) to argue that grafting elements of Sen’s capability approach (CA) into Giddens’s structuration theory (ST) enhanced our theoretical framework. This improved the quality of our analysis and enabled us to generate more nuanced findings. Our qualitative study with 25 African women traders investigated how these women exercised agency in responding to structural constraints and opportunities that affected their trading businesses. We used participant observation and in-depth interviews to collect data. Sen’s CA (grounded in social justice) expanded on Giddens’s notion of structures as constraining and enabling. For this aspect of our theoretical framework, CA informed by Sen’s research on women’s empowerment projects amplified the intersection of gender, class and race constraints that affected the women traders. Furthermore, CA’s emphasis on quality of life and well-being outcomes was useful in helping us assess the transformative capacity of the women traders’ agency. This dimension complemented Giddens’s ST and therefore our theoretical framework was enhanced by grafting in these elements from Sen’s CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information technologies, social media and the Internet of Things are tools that may encourage civic participation for the co-creation of public value and can strengthen the role of citizens in urban governance. This work seeks to explore of how social media and IoT based participation enhances the interaction between government and citizen, and for government, what capabilities are required for continuous citizen participation. The paper examines the power dynamics between government and citizens employing Giddens's theory of structuration as an analytical framework. In addition, dynamic capability theory has been applied to determine the capabilities of government needed for continuous civic participation, while proposing a citizen participation model for public value co-creation. The proposed model can serve as a framework for recognizing the vital role of citizens in public policymaking and public service provision in the smart era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social isolation and loneliness are associated with living with a chronic condition particularly where stigma is a factor. Our study aimed to examine the lived experience of adolescents living with HIV in relation to isolation because of their diagnosis and consequences of disclosure. Giddens' structuration theory was used as an analytic framework to identify the potential mechanisms underlying adolescents living with HIV's experiences. Method: Longitudinal in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 adolescents living with HIV aged 15–24 years with each participant taking part in three interviews (total 60) between September 2020 and October 2021. Thematic analysis was performed using Braun and Clarke's steps for coding and analysing qualitative data and informed by the structuration theory framework. Results: The findings indicated that adolescents living with HIV have agency and make conscious choices about sharing their status. However, these choices are influenced by their experiences in their community. The discrimination and negative judgements they often experience prevent them from disclosing their status. Stigma, discrimination, and psychological distress contribute to the isolation that adolescents and young adults living with HIV experience. The limited disclosure itself can lead to them becoming isolated and lonely. Conclusion: The negative experiences which adolescents living with HIV face can have an impact not only on their psychological wellbeing but also on their decision to disclose and seek support. These experiences may lead to social isolation and loneliness, an unintended consequence of their action in protecting themselves from the conditions created by the structures/environment in which they live. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer programming, or what is commonly known as coding, is an emerging skill supporting the development of digital products in news media organizations. Through the application of practice theory—a hybrid approach that includes elements of field theory, actor–network theory and structuration theory—we examine the ways in which coding competencies are practiced within and across different roles, for different purposes. This exploratory study uses online interviews with 19 news product managers and leaders–or those who are tasked with the management, development, testing, and launching of digital news products–offering unique insight on coding practices across functions. Results highlight the usage, value and nuances of coding skills, providing insight into the activities, materiality, and reflexivity of computer programming as it emerges across roles in a news organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women of Color faculty continue to experience many challenges in their careers, especially in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. As such, more research is needed that considers structural issues inhibiting their success. Using structuration theory and critical race feminism as a conceptual framework, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 faculty and administrators in STEM departments at higher education institutions to investigate their perceptions of structural impediments impacting early-career Women of Color STEM faculty careers. Our findings revealed the need to establish policies that are clear, documented, and transparent. Additionally, incremental approaches to tenure and promotion evaluations should be reconsidered, especially when this approach may position Women of Color faculty to appear as if they are underperforming, when the opposite may be true. Furthermore, as higher education institutions endeavor to diversify the professoriate, this study is significant in enabling institutions and STEM departments to be aware of systemic issues confronting them to make significant inroads in retaining and advancing Women of Color faculty in these disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of palm oil cultivation has remarkably influenced the social structure in rural areas, particularly the socioeconomic and ecological aspects. Social interaction in the palm oil area has certain characteristics and patterns. The unresourceful pattern within the community around valuable natural resources often creates social conflict among stakeholders. This study describes the relationship pattern between the key stakeholders in Keban Agung, South Sumatera Province, Indonesia. It also explores how social structure and people within this area influence each other. We use a qualitative approach to collect a broad perspective, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Hence, this study is beneficial to investigate a suitable approach that can mitigate diverse interests, especially in economic, social, and environmental aspects. Our objective is to study the structuration and agency process throughout palm oil expansion. In addition, we examine the current collective process in mitigating social-environmental conflicts. We found that the social structure in our research site is strong, remarkably influencing the overall circumstances. However, it poses a challenge given the inflexibility of the current agency process, especially for locals, who seek to modify key aspects within the structure.

This article sheds light on two different perspectives on the boundaries of the cognitive system and the consequences of their adoption for Cognitive Translation and Interpreting Studies (CTIS). Both are represented by different approaches within the cognitive scientific cluster of approaches referred to as situated or 4EA (embodied, embedded, enactive, extended, and affective) cognition. The first, the person-centred perspective, takes individuals as a starting point and describes their interactions with their social and material surroundings. The second, the distributed, extended perspective, takes the joint activity of different situated actors and material artefacts as its starting point and depicts this socio-cognitive unit as the object of analysis. With this article, we do not seek to advocate the use of one over the other. Rather, we attempt to offer a coherent interpretation of how the cognitive process of translation can be studied and interpreted as a situated activity either from the perspective of individual actors or from a larger, distributed, and extended angle that considers people and the relevant social and material environment as a system. Specifically, we discuss what is to be gained if translation is studied from a distributed cognitive perspective. To this end, we illustrate key aspects of the discussion using empirical examples from current field research in which both an individual and a distributed perspective are applied to analyse interaction in a translation workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, thought leaders positioned Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a driver to change the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. However, instances of unexpected BIM use have surfaced, with projects often shifting from BIM to hybrid or even solely 2D practices midway. What technology use conditions cause these practice-based rejections of BIM use and how these happen have not been fully explored and make BIM cannot fully play its role in a project. To fill this gap, we use structuration theory as a theoretical lens to analyze the interactions between BIM and project teams and explore how three technology use conditions, (interpretive, technological, and institutional), impact the interactions, which finally shape technology use practices. Specifically, a case study method has been selected. The research team attended a project for two years, collected meeting observations, and conducted surveys and interviews to track the emergent and situated BIM use practice in an integrated project setting with technology use conditions that changed over the course of the project. We analyzed how the three technology use conditions impacted the interactions between BIM and project teams in different ways and how these impacted change in different project phases. We conclude that the sustained use of BIM requires the alignment of project organizations with BIM features and alignment with both top-down and bottom-up investment in practice change, which includes motivation for senior management investment in a sustained project team, in individual capability training, and in early planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Journal of Economics / Gospodarka Narodowa is the property of SGH Warsaw School of Economics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The global north is garnering multi‐stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) for circular textiles. Past MSIs however have yielded less‐than‐satisfactory social sustainability outcomes in Bangladesh. So this article asks, what impact has textiles MSIs have had on the sustainability transformation of the textiles chain in Bangladesh? And how can policymakers accelerate this transition to a circular economy? Fieldwork finds circularity issues are advancing at different rates because the industry transformation is suffering from lack of attention, motivation, knowledge, relationships, and resources at the micro‐level, and a lack of strategic alignment, structural flexibility, and routine rigidity, between MSI stakeholders, at the meso and macro levels. The article then discusses the role of MSIs in restructuring the global textiles industry and offers a five‐pronged approach to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article takes as a case study a set of disagreements in the early 2000s about randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence for a newly developed drug in the field of intensive care medicine. The interpretation of RCT findings – and in particular, the application of these findings to clinical practice – were contested among research-active intensive care doctors, despite their shared professional and epistemic values. I examine the arguments about scientific interpretation and application to clinical practice advanced by two readily identifiable groups. The analysis documents how four particular aspects of scientific knowledge were perceived and portrayed differently by the two groups, and notes how each group was associated with different kinds of routine work practices and external networks. My argument is that these differences give rise to distinctive hermeneutic frames and orientations towards the scientific results and disparities in their consequential judgements regarding the legitimate use of the newly developed drug, and I extend Stones and Turner's concept situationally specific habitus to make the link between context and hermeneutic frames and orientations. The analysis has implications for furthering our understanding of how the clinical meaning attributed to scientific evidence is affected by the context of reception of results, even where epistemic and professional values are shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kerinci Seblat National Park in Bengkulu, Indonesia, was gazetted by the Indonesian government, and its overlaps with forests occupied by most indigenous communities made their farming activities in the area illegal. People were prohibited from accessing and expanding their farming areas in the national park, threatening their livelihoods. The livelihood diversity index (LDI) and livelihood asset index (LAI) were used to explore the livelihood systems of these communities. This study also examines the effect of livelihood assets on livelihood diversity and analyzes livelihood strategy choices using Giddens’ structuration theory. A quantitative survey combined with in-depth interviews was conducted in two villages with different land types: wetlands (rice fields) and drylands (farmlands). This study found that the communities diversified their livelihoods into eight types of livelihood strategies. Almost all livelihood indicators were different, and the differences in livelihood asset indicators affected the LDI. As a process of structuration, communities have diversified their livelihoods into farm (e.g., annual and perennial crops), off-farm (e.g., farm wages), and non-farm (e.g., services and government transfer) activities. Rural households have modified their social and physical structures to secure their livelihoods by optimizing agricultural intensification technologies or by seeking non-agricultural income. Households decide whether to specialize or diversify their livelihoods based on factors such as the area of cultivated land, number of crops cultivated, distance of the farming location from the house, total household income, non-farm income, and reciprocal relationships.

Despite a recent narrowing of the digital divide, there remains a lag in adopting Precision Agriculture Technology (PAT). Based on structuration theory and diffusion of innovations theory, the present study uses semi-structured interviews with forty board members from two U.S. national agricultural boards to determine how internet access impacts farming leaders' knowledge and perceptions of farming PAT innovations. Farming leaders' responses suggest a lack of competition among internet service providers within areas, a reliance on cellular data to complete farming operations, limits to available internet infrastructure, and low perceived technology knowledge. Farming leaders, especially those with high perceived knowledge, noted using various farming technologies that assisted with business operations, entertainment, and social communications. Overall, many participants were willing to adopt more farming technology if they had better internet services and more technological knowledge. Farming PAT diffusion is limited by a lack of access to resources, such as knowledge, workforce, and infrastructure, even among those who tend to be more resource-rich, like farming leaders. These findings highlight how a lack of resources limits a farmer's ability to express agency over the technology they adopt and, by extension, their business operations. These findings have implications for policymakers and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been increased discussion of entrepreneurship and innovation as process-based phenomena. However, research on the essence of dynamic entrepreneurial and innovation processes and their simultaneous interactions needs to be more cohesive and well-covered. This article critically reviews prior publications and explores the process approach to entrepreneurial and innovation processes. Structuration and equivalence theory, systems and design thinking, and pattern matching theory were implemented to structure and synthesise a converged operationalised dynamic process model. Exploring different approaches to entrepreneurial and innovation processes by screening 468 publications on entrepreneurship and 527 on innovation and a critical review of prior findings, the article identified only 17 and 13 dynamic process models, respectively. Six structurally comparable models covering both disciplines were selected for further analysis. Both disciplines' dynamic process models can be structured into five harmonised stages, which can partly be divided into (sub)phases. The article's primary contribution to the theory is systematically integrating process-based and design approaches in entrepreneurship and innovation. As a result, a streamlined and converged dynamic process model is developed, and the role of the process venue and the entrepreneur or innovator is discussed. As a practical implication, future directions for entrepreneurship and innovation educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurial/innovation ecosystem stakeholders are presented at the end of the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing impact of algorithmically driven processes on human societies, which can exacerbate political, economic, and cultural asymmetries, raises questions about reducing human agency by constraining platform structures. We draw on the theoretical concept of algorithmic imaginary, which captures users' appropriations and ideas of these processes. In this paper, we focus on the dynamics between agency and structure in algorithmic imaginaries regarding the future of digital media platforms in Europe. The paper takes structuration theory as a theoretical starting point and employs methods of futures studies to analyze how the future is constructed in scenarios developed by a diversity of experts participating in a series of workshops. The future scenarios analysis is mapped around four actors, namely platform users, platform corporations, algorithms and institutions. By considering the role of various actors, particularly institutions, and their interdependencies this paper contributes to more balanced conceptualizations of algorithmic imaginaries, which tend to be centered around users' perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffusion of an innovation is often discussed as the outcome of social processes. An alternative IT viewpoint is Adaptive Structuration Theory where IT as "appropriated" by an organization as enabling and encoding the "spirit" of that organization – why and how and where it does what it does. Examining such a case with the diffusion of an existing Health Information Exchange (HIE) in a new set of hospitals, supports the inclusion of that AST aspect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ways of evaluatingthe societal impact of real-world labs as a transdisciplinary and transformative research format are under discussion. We present an evaluation approach rooted in structuration theory, with a focus on structure-agency dynamics at the science-society interface. We applied the theory with its four modalities interpretation schemes, norms, allocative and authoritative resources) to the case of the Mirke neighbourhood in Wuppertal, Germany. Six projects promoted the capacity for co-productive city-making. The effects of the projects were jointly analysed in a co-evaluation process. Previously proposed subcategories of the modalities as an empirical operationalisation were tested and confirmed as being applicable. Five new subcategories were generated. The use of the modalities seems appropriate for co-evaluation processes. The tool is practical, focused on real-world effects, and suitable for trans-disciplinary interpretation processes. We encourage further empirical testing of the tool, as well as development of the subcategories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: While artificial intelligence (AI) has shown its promise in assisting human decision, there exist barriers to adopting AI for decision-making. This study aims to identify barriers in the adoption of AI for automated organisational decision-making. AI plays a key role, not only by automating routine tasks but also by moving into the realm of automating decisions traditionally made by knowledge or skilled workers. The study, therefore, selected respondents who experienced the adoption of AI for decision-making. Design/methodology/approach: The study applied an interpretive paradigm and conducted exploratory research through qualitative interviews with 13 senior managers in South Africa from organisations involved in AI adoption to identify potential barriers to using AI in automated decision-making processes. A thematic analysis was conducted, and AI coding of transcripts was conducted and compared to the manual thematic coding of transcripts with insights into computer vs human-generated coding. A conceptual framework was created based on the findings. Findings: Barriers to AI adoption in decision-making include human social dynamics, restrictive regulations, creative work environments, lack of trust and transparency, dynamic business environments, loss of power and control, as well as ethical considerations. Originality/value: The study uniquely applied the adaptive structuration theory (AST) model to AI decision-making adoption, illustrated the dimensions relevant to AI implementations and made recommendations to overcome barriers to AI adoption. The AST offered a deeper understanding of the dynamic interaction between technological and social dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Big Data, sourced from various digital sources, offers valuable insights for better decision-making, and organisations are implementing Big Data technologies to improve their services. This article is about how the City of Tshwane (CoT), a South African metropolitan municipality is using data collected from its various information and communication technology (ICT) projects to improve decision-making. Objectives: The study aims to identify the type of Big Data generated by South African municipalities and to establish ways in which knowledge, expertise and suitable management techniques impact the efficient application of Big Data in these municipalities. Method: A qualitative approach, a case study method and Semi-structured interviews were deemed fit to collect data while thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and themes associated with participants’ experiences. Structuration Theory was used to analyse existing social structures that govern how Big Data is used in the CoT. Results: There is a lack of data integration and a Big Data management system in the CoT. However, the CoT is ready to embrace Big Data and it is currently establishing a unit to effectively analyse collected data. Conclusion: Big Data’s potential for developing effective data management systems has garnered significant attention in the public sector and the CoT is also ready to fully adopt and implement these technologies. Contribution: South African municipalities can effectively utilise Big data by establishing skilled staff, good infrastructure and suitable policies for efficient data generation and interpretation.

Facility operations and maintenance are defined as the functions, duties, and labor required daily to operate and preserve a facility asset to ensure its original function is available for its primary use and its functions are maintained throughout the facility's life. Organizations, facility management professionals, and their stakeholders expend billions of dollars annually to perform this function in the United States. Much of the cost is on inadequate facility operations that may be avoided. Utilizing the theoretical lens of the adaptive structuration theory, this rapid evidence assessment shall review the current body of scholarly literature to identify how artificial intelligence can be used with predictive maintenance to reduce a facility operations program's operations and maintenance costs. Through an organized systematic review process, this research shall utilize peer-reviewed scholarly articles published within the last 5 years to perform a rapid evidence assessment of predictive maintenance and artificial intelligence in facility operations. Through this rapid evidence assessment, the research finds three common themes that respond to the research question. The most significant theme is artificial intelligence, once implemented in the process, provides unbiased investment and repair recommendations from the analyzed data. An unanticipated discovery of interest is that the current body of literature identifies insufficient data as the number one barrier to the full implementation of artificial intelligence within a facility operations program.

The book "Collaboration and Public Policy: Agency in the Pursuit of Public Purpose" by Helen Sullivan explores the intersection of collaboration and public policy in contemporary governance. The author defines collaboration as a stable configuration of rules, resources, and relationships that enables actors to work together towards public purposes. The book presents an innovative analytical framework that incorporates collaboration domains and public policy elements, emphasizing the role of human agency. Each chapter focuses on a different element of public policy and provides theoretical explanations and real-world case studies. The book challenges the traditional institutional perspective and offers valuable insights for policymakers and scholars. However, it could benefit from further exploration of external factors that shape agency in different administrative settings. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive examination of collaboration in public policy and serves as a valuable resource for further discussions and future policies. [Extracted from the article]

Both state-led and market-led institutional arrangements have been experimented in China to form collaborative governance among diverse stakeholders in participatory urban regeneration. Relatively less is known about how institutional arrangements as structural constraints impact the formation of collaborative governance. Building upon Giddens' structuration theory and collaborative governance theory, this paper develops a novel framework that converges on the reciprocity between structural and agency elements and applies it to two residential regeneration cases in Shenzhen. The findings reveal that in residential regeneration, the state-led institutional structure has a greater capacity than the market-led structure to create relational links for community participation. Various factors, including variations in land property rights, path dependencies and institutional certainties, explain the findings. The formation of collaborative governance relies on the shaping effect of structural elements on agents' behaviors in institutional design, including well-designed rules to regulate sanctions, constitute common meaning and premium-allocated resources in accordance with stakeholders' responsibilities. These findings contribute to a better understanding of collaborative governance and help improve participatory urban regeneration policymaking in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although researchers and policymakers have proposed several ideas for improving the travel experiences of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), they still face several barriers, especially in developing countries. This calls for a new sociological perspective aimed at contextualizing local disability policies and theories to create a disability-friendly society. This paper contextualizes the Ghana disability law through the lenses of Giddens' theory of structuration for the first time to understand the lived transportation barriers for PWDs. Questionnaire surveys involving 664 PWDs with physical, visual, auditory, and speaking impairments, key informant interviews, and field observations were triangulated. Results showed that all agents and structures, namely discrimination/facility managers' attitude, driver attitude, pedestrian behavior, design of facilities, and accessibility, are creating transportation barriers for PWDs in Ghana. Participants voiced exclusion from the design and implementation of transport facilities. Notably, discriminatory attitudes from commuters, drivers, and facility managers make PWDs feel marginalized. The lack of disability-friendly public buses/paratransit services and assistive technologies impedes PWDs' mobility to work, school, and health facilities. These findings show that although the Ghana disability law makes provisions for PWDs' mobility needs, there is weak enforcement. Thus, beyond improving infrastructure and access for PWDs, societal reorientation and enhanced enforcement of the laws are needed to foster empathy towards PWDs. The reorientation-based approach requires enhanced public sensitization, law enforcement, and regular consultation of PWDs in transport planning to improve the social order. [Display omitted] • Investigated transportation barriers for persons with disabilities in Ghana. • Contextualized the Ghana disability law through the lenses of Structuration Theory. • Disabled persons are excluded from transportation infrastructure design. • Disability-friendly paratransit services and assistive technologies are lacking. • Non-disabled commuters and facility managers marginalize disabled persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dramatic increase in express delivery packaging poses severe environmental threats, making recycling a top priority. A comprehensive conceptual framework was developed for exploring citizens' recycling behavior by integrating structuration and social network theories, and the nonlinear effects of determinants were identified. Further, the 1538 micro-data obtained from five eastern Chinese cities are used for descriptive, correlation, and ordinary least squares regression analysis. It is clarified that there are three distinct recycling behavior patterns, the most prevalent of which is collection station recycling behavior (CSRB), followed by mart equipment recycling behavior (SERB), and door-to-door recycling behavior (DTDRB). The empirical results indicate that social sanctions, responsibility attribution, and centrality positively predict recycling behaviors. Place attachment strengthens SERB and DTDRB. Notably, the authority effect exerts inverted U-shaped effects on recycling behaviors, and trust has an inverted U-shaped effect on CSRB. This study reveals the nonlinear effects of variables, and the findings provide implications for recycling practice. • Construct an integrated model considering social structuration and network theories. • Empirical reveal the possible negative impacts of positive antecedent. • Three kinds of recycling behavior exist among Chinese citizens. • Authority effect exerts an inverted U-shaped effect on recycling behaviors. • Trust has an inverted U-shaped effect on collection station recycling behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]