Patricia Márquez

Differences between tight and loose cultures: A 33-nation study

The differences across cultures in the enforcement of conformity may reflect their specific histories. With data from 33 nations, we illustrate the differences between cultures that are tight (have many strong norms and a low tolerance of deviant behavior) versus loose (have weak social norms and a high tolerance of deviant behavior). Tightness-looseness is part of a complex, loosely integrated multilevel system that comprises distal ecological and historical threats (e.g., high population density, resource scarcity, a history of territorial conflict, and disease and environmental threats), broad versus narrow socialization in societal institutions (e.g., autocracy, media regulations), the strength of everyday recurring situations, and micro-level psychological affordances (e.g., prevention self-guides, high regulatory strength, need for structure). This research advances knowledge that can foster cross-cultural understanding in a world of increasing global interdependence and has implications for modeling cultural change.

Inclusive Networks for Building BOP Markets

The idea that business can play a role in alleviating poverty has caught the imagination of academics and practitioners alike. An emerging consensus points to the critical importance of partnerships in market initiatives addressed to the base of the pyramid (BOP). But despite the calls for cross sector partnerships in BOP initiatives, our collective understanding of how these actually work has not advanced proportionally. This study attempts to address this issue by examining the dynamics at play in nine networks that integrated the BOP with mainstream markets in nine developing nations of North, Central, and South America. Our field-based analysis generated a number of tentative propositions structured around three broad issue-areas: alliance formation (drivers that compelled companies to engage in strategic partnerships), alliance implementation (choice of governance mechanisms, resources for enhancing trust and reciprocity between partners, and conflict-resolution mechanisms), and performance outcome (the extent to which an organization’s commitment to an alliance impacted its performance and its societal context).

Socially Inclusive Networks for Building BOP Markets

The idea that business can play a role in alleviating poverty has caught the imagination of academics and practitioners alike. An emerging consensus points to the critical importance of partnerships in market initiatives addressed to the base of the pyramid (BOP). But despite the calls for cross sector partnerships in BOP initiatives, our collective understanding of how these actually work has not advanced proportionally. This study attempts to address this issue by examining the dynamics at play in nine networks that integrated the BOP with mainstream markets in nine developing nations. The paper is structured in three broad issue-areas: alliance formation (drivers that compelled companies to engage in strategic partnerships); alliance implementation (choice of governance mechanisms, resources for enhancing trust and reciprocity between partners, and conflict-resolution mechanisms); and performance outcome (the extent to which an organizations commitment to an alliance impacted its performance and its societal context).

Private Utilities and Poverty Alleviation

Drawing on cases from electricity distribution and other infrastructure industries, and from experiences spanning Asia, Africa and Latin America, this book examines new business models to bring basic utility services to the four billion people comprising the base of the socio-economic pyramid.

Strategies and Best Practices in Social Innovation: An Overview

Within society, changes occur that correspond to incremental or radical innovations. These innovations are rooted in technology and the applications of this technology; in the way that organisations are managed; and in the beliefs and behaviour of citizens. These innovations accumulate and interact with one another to explain social innovation, which can be understood as a change in formal institutions (i.e. the political and legal framework) or informal institutions (i.e. beliefs and behaviour). The chapters in this book all present incremental innovations in one or more of these three fields. Many of these innovations have major implications for the sustainability of the natural environment and the well-being of citizens. Furthermore, an ethical commitment to people or the environment is explicitly or implicitly shown in all chapters. Finally, the compatibility or complementarity between profit-seeking and the well-being of citizens emerges in chapters that do not address public or non-profit activities.

Introduction: Utilities at the Base of the Pyramid

Drawing on cases from electricity distribution and other infrastructure industries, and from experiences spanning Asia, Africa and Latin America, this book examines new business models to bring basic utility services to the four billion people comprising the base of the socio-economic pyramid.

Conclusions: Providing Utilities to the Poor

Drawing on cases from electricity distribution and other infrastructure industries, and from experiences spanning Asia, Africa and Latin America, this book examines new business models to bring basic utility services to the four billion people comprising the base of the socio-economic pyramid.