Equitable Exchange: A Framework for Diversity and Inclusion in the Geosciences

Inclusion is a cornerstone of success for organizations and society, yet inclusion is not guaranteed. Building on inclusive leadership research and relational models theory, we argue that inclusion cannot manifest without systematic effort and planning by leaders. Unfortunately, few resources exist to help leaders plan and enact specific inclusion behaviors. To address this, we introduce the “Leader Success Bot,” an innovative conversational chatbot designed to help leaders develop daily inclusion action plans. Through our immersive longitudinal design and mixed methods data, we advance the taxonomy of inclusive leader behaviors and test the impact of inclusion planning on leaders and followers. We demonstrate how equality matching is an overlooked relational model that is a pivotal relational dynamic for inclusion. Across two studies, our quantitative and qualitative findings show that equitable exchanges by leaders can foster a deeper sense of belonging and community. As leaders interact with the chatbot, both leaders and followers are more likely to accomplish their goals. Additionally, followers' inclusion climate and psychological safety benefited, leading to a decrease in turnover intentions. Our findings underscore the potential of chatbots to support inclusive leadership training and development by providing leaders with a structured, scalable platform for continuous reflection and growth. This research advances theoretical understanding of relational inclusion dynamics and offers practical insights and a scalable tool for HR managers seeking to build more inclusive, psychologically safe cultures.

Ram is the center point of the value concept of Indian wisdom" (Ramchand 2024: 169). Ramlila is an integral part of Indian culture and traditions, through which the life and ideals of Ram are presented in a dramatic form. This performance is very important from religious, social and cultural point of view. The tradition of Ramlila holds a special place in Uttarakhand, where it is a symbol of cultural heritage and community participation. The traditional form of Ramlila in Uttarakhand is full of localness, which is celebrated as a cultural festival in open spaces of villages, towns and cities, government land or buildings and the land of the staging committee. About 44 male and 18 female characters play an important role in the staging of Ramlila. The characters for the performance are usually selected from the local community, who display the traditional art of performance. The roles of the characters, traditional costumes, and the use of local musical instruments make this event even more special and picturesque. These performances show the inclusion of religiosity and customs, which gives the audience a unique experience of spirituality and entertainment. Technology and modernity have also influenced the form of Ramlila performance, such as the inclusion of modern sound and light arrangements, digital technology, modern songs and music and contemporary contexts make Ramlila more attractive. These technological changes have played an important role in connecting the young audience. The dramatic inclusion of contemporary problems and issues also makes the performance relevant and entertaining. Ramlila organizing committees consider Ramlila not only a religious event, but also a means of promoting social unity and community spirit. Along with spreading moral and religious values, this event is also helpful in preserving regional traditions. In Uttarakhand, this event is working to keep people connected to their cultural roots from generation to generation. Uttarakhand's Ramlila is known for its historicity, staging style, cultural diversity, and community participation. It is a wonderful example of harmony between tradition and modernity, where a confluence of traditional culture and modern presentation is seen. The study of Uttarakhand's Ramlila provides an opportunity to understand its historicity, staging style, cultural neutrality, community participation (especially in the context of women's participation), and the balance between tradition and modernity. It is not only a religious and cultural heritage, but also a living tradition, which accepts the change of time and maintains its relevance and originality as well as carries out the process of change and continuity.This is a part of the research work done under the ICSSR funded program "Comparative study of the history of Ramlila staging and contemporary styles of presentation in Uttarakhand and social impact assessment of women's participation".

This paper examines inclusive tourism practices and challenges among stakeholders in the Thamel area of Kathmandu and Gatlang in Rasuwa. Featuring 21 participants, including hotel and trekking company owners, guides, tourists, and community members, the research highlighted issues of accessibility, workforce diversity, and community participation. Key findings revealed limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities due to high costs and poor transportation in remote areas. Although there is some diversity among tourism entrepreneurs, employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, especially the deaf, remain rare. Despite tourism generating income for local communities, external stakeholders often reap the benefits. Nepal has made progress with traveler-friendly policies, but challenges persist in infrastructure and awareness among operators, affecting services for travelers with special needs. Women and marginalized groups face participation barriers in the workforce, and local communities struggle to maintain cultural heritage amid modernization. Overall, the study concluded that inclusive tourism in Nepal is still developing, with significant improvements needed in policies, infrastructure, and stakeholder awareness to create a more inclusive environment.

In this article, I examine the social exclusion approach that has influenced social policy in Europe, and demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in explaining the emergence of new forms of inequality in modern society. First, I consider recent studies of social exclusion to show two important points: the paradigm shift from poverty to social exclusion and the introduction of a new policy framework of social inclusion. At the same time, I examine the inherent dilemma of social exclusion in response to radical critics of the social exclusion approach. Next, I point out an internal dilemma in the active labor market policies prioritized today by European Union member states. This dilemma is that these policies make the unemployed more vulnerable by forcing them into paid work. I then show how the enhancement of social networks in local communities and the provision of assistance to support cultural identity can serve as a buffer to compensate for the destructive influence of the economic dimension of social inclusion. In addition, I point out that citizenship as rights claiming is indispensable to social inclusion for all. Finally, drawing on the analysis outlined above, I conclude that a multi‐tiered mechanism of social inclusion can reasonably be considered the most effective framework in a precarious society where people bear various risks in the era of globalization.

This paper discusses the public perceptions of archaeology and the information that archaeologists produce in Zimbabwe. There have been accusations that archaeologists in various parts of the world research for themselves. The products of archaeological research are often presented in academic jargon only accessible to those in the profession. Archaeological research in developing countries has been criticized for having limited involvement, if any, with the local communities in which it is conducted, and fails to address development issues that are important and much more relevant to the concerned societies. The paper discusses the extent to which these accusations are justified in Zimbabwe, focusing on the perceptions that local communities have on archaeology, archaeologists, archaeological remains, archaeological research, and institutions dealing with archaeological cultural heritage in that country. It also discusses why it seems difficult to put into practice some of the suggestions that have been made in the past on how to engage with the public. The paper argues that, although there have been efforts to change the situation, southern African archaeology in general and specifically its practice in Zimbabwe remains largely a preserve of the initiated. It concludes by recommending that writing on archaeological issues be accessible and that research issues should have social relevance. Awareness of local communities in research, outreach activities to schools, and the benefits of archaeological resources for local communities, are crucial means by which the value of the discipline can be appreciated by the public.

International immersion experiences do not, in themselves, provide students with the opportunity to develop cultural competence. However, using an anthropological lens to educate students allows them to learn how to negotiate cultural differences by removing their own cultural filters and seeing events through the eyes of those who are culturally different. Faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Global Health Institute believed that an embedded experience, in which students engaged with local communities, would encourage them to adopt this Cultural Competency 2.0 position. With this goal in mind, they started the Field School for the Study of Language, Culture, and Community Health in Ecuador in 2003 to teach cultural competency to medical, veterinary, pharmacy, and nursing students. The program was rooted in medical anthropology and embraced the One Health initiative, which is a collaborative effort of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally to obtain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment. In this article, the authors identify effective practices and challenges for using a biocultural approach to educating students. In a semester-long preparatory class, students study the Spanish language, region-specific topics, and community engagement principles. While in Ecuador for five weeks, students apply their knowledge during community visits that involve homestays and service learning projects, for which they partner with local communities to meet their health needs. This combination of language and anthropological course work and community-based service learning has led to positive outcomes for the local communities as well as professional development for students and faculty.

The oil and gas industry operates in a complex and highly regulated environment where ethical considerations and legal compliance are paramount. This paper proposes an Ethical and Legal Project Management Framework specifically designed for the oil and gas sector, aiming to enhance project execution while ensuring adherence to ethical standards and legal requirements. The framework integrates ethical principles with legal obligations, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability within organizations. At its core, the framework emphasizes the identification and assessment of ethical risks throughout the project lifecycle. By incorporating ethical risk management into project planning and execution, organizations can proactively address potential ethical dilemmas, thus minimizing the risk of legal issues and reputational damage. Key components include stakeholder analysis, transparency in decision-making, and mechanisms for reporting unethical behavior. Legal compliance is another critical element of the framework. The oil and gas industry is subject to a myriad of local, national, and international regulations. The framework outlines best practices for ensuring compliance with environmental laws, labor regulations, and health and safety standards. This involves regular legal audits, staff training, and the establishment of compliance protocols to keep pace with evolving legal requirements. Furthermore, the framework highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement in promoting ethical and legal practices. Engaging with local communities, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, enhancing decision-making processes and fostering trust. In addition, the integration of technology and data analytics plays a crucial role in supporting ethical and legal project management. By utilizing advanced tools for monitoring compliance and ethical conduct, organizations can enhance transparency and accountability. In conclusion, the Ethical and Legal Project Management Framework serves as a comprehensive guide for oil and gas companies striving to balance project efficiency with ethical integrity and legal compliance. By embedding these principles into their project management practices, organizations can achieve sustainable success in a challenging industry landscape. Keywords: Ethical Framework, Legal Compliance, Project Management, Oil and Gas Industry, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk Management.

Ethnobotanical knowledge shared widely among Tsimane' Amerindians, Bolivia.

This systematic literature review examines the ethical frameworks surrounding the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the professional practices of higher education lecturers. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in academia, it presents ethical challenges, including concerns about academic integrity, data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and its responsible implementation in teaching and research. These issues underscore the need for robust ethical guidelines to support educators in navigating the complexities of AI integration. The study aims to analyze existing ethical frameworks for AI adoption in higher education, identify key challenges and opportunities in AI integration, and develop comprehensive guidelines for responsible AI implementation. The methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines, employing qualitative systematic review through content analysis and thematic synthesis. Advanced searches in Scopus and Web of Science databases identified 34 primary studies that met the inclusion criteria, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published in 2024 about AI ethics in higher education. The findings were divided into three themes: (1) Ethical Concerns and Academic Integrity, (2) Pedagogical Strategies and Educational Impact and (3) Policies and Frameworks for AI Integration. Results indicate a growing need for standardized ethical frameworks, with 85% of studies emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with ethical considerations. Conclusions highlight the necessity for adaptable and inclusive frameworks that prioritize accountability, transparency, and equity in AI use within higher education.

This study explores the strategies and approaches used to promote multicultural awareness in Social Studies at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah and examines their effectiveness in fostering intercultural understanding among students. It also addresses the key challenges and barriers faced by teachers in integrating multicultural perspectives into the curriculum and suggests strategies to overcome these obstacles. Furthermore, the research investigates the extent to which the inclusion of multicultural content in social studies contributes to students' cultural competence and empathy towards diverse cultures and religions. The research methodology employed is library research, utilizing a descriptive analytic approach. The findings of the research indicate that various strategies, such as incorporating diverse literature, utilizing inclusive teaching methods, engaging in intercultural dialogue, and involving the local community, effectively promote multicultural awareness in Social Studies at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. These recommendations encompass establishing a supportive school culture, integrating multicultural perspectives across the curriculum, engaging with local communities, and implementing ongoing evaluation and assessment. This research emphasizes the significance of promoting multicultural awareness in Social Studies at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah.

Africa is facing a severe energy crisis, with over 660 million people lacking access to electricity. Renewable energy (RE), including the decentralized ones, offers a promising solution to achieve universal energy access and promote sustainable development. However, the success of this energy transition depends also on the social acceptance of RE projects by local communities. This research study focuses on analysing the social acceptance of geothermal off-grid power plants in four East African regions: Homa Bay County (Kenya), Era Boru (Ethiopia), Lac Abbè (Djibouti), and Bugarama Valley (Rwanda). The communities involved in this study exhibit diverse livelihood conditions and primary economic activities. The study employs a multiple case study approach, combining the Social Representation Theory with a qualitative analysis of data collected through focus group discussions and interviews with community members and key stakeholders. Preliminary findings show that communities display varying degrees of openness and participation towards the geothermal project, and concerns include potential changes in the use of existing geothermal resources and understanding of the new technology. Community ownership, benefit sharing, and understanding of the technology emerge as key factors for social acceptance. Repeated interaction with researchers and understanding of the communities' precarious living conditions appear to influence their level of acceptance towards RE. Encouragingly, knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer communication within similar communities seem to improve acceptance. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Social Representation Theory and the dynamics influencing the social acceptance of RE projects in Africa, providing valuable insights for the design and implementation of future initiatives. Managerially, underestimating social acceptance and its cultural underpinnings, especially in culturally distinct regions, can be critical. Further managerial implications will arise from ongoing data analysis. Our analysis faced limitations. Inviting diverse participants to focus groups proved challenging due to cultural factors, like gender roles in some communities. Additionally, historical political dynamics may influence RE acceptance. Time constraints prevented revisiting all sites. We recommend future longitudinal studies on social acceptance and communication's impact on socio-cultural factors

Sustainability science at ATREE: exhilaration, bumps, and speed-breakers when rubber meets the road

This study assesses the self-reported outcomes of engagement in a three-week-long, international humanitarian engineering fieldwork course for undergraduate and graduate students. As part of the fieldwork, multi-disciplinary teams of students designed technology-based ventures in low-resource countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, India or Nicaragua. The venture development required students to engage business partners, work closely with the local communities, and conduct formal and informal presentations. Ventures included development of a solar-powered food dryer, biogas digester, affordable greenhouses, inexpensive biomedical devices, knowledge sharing platform for self-employed women, and a networked telemedicine system. Students reflected on their experiences at the conclusion of the fieldwork course. The researchers analyzed 106 students' self-reported outcomes using a mixed-methods approach. Broad categories of outcomes identified by students included teamwork, intercultural competency, professional and personal development. In this paper, we examine the themes emerging from the self-reported outcomes with the goal of better understanding how students process their experiences and the value of such experiences to students from the course and similar community-engaged scholarship experiences. The results presented in the paper can be leveraged to strengthen fieldwork experiences and develop effective strategies for branding the value of entrepreneurship education.

This paper accounts for the MELLIE Project (Migrant English Language, Literacy and Intercultural Education), a collaborative storytelling project involving asylum seekers and refugees living in Direct Provision (DP) and volunteer students and staff from Dublin City University. The project was designed to enhance the DP residents' English language as well as to overcome their social isolation and lack of contact with the local community, and to also develop greater intercultural awareness and understanding on both sides. This paper explores the rationale and objectives of the project.

This study conducted a theoretical review of tourism satisfaction for DMZ tourism development and an empirical study targeting tourists. Through the study, we will analyze variables related to DMZ tourism to identify factors that can improve tourism satisfaction and suggest ways to preserve the natural ecosystem and use it as a global peace tourism and ecotourism destination that improves the status of the DMZ as an international and peaceful tourist destination. In order to conduct empirical research, based on previous studies, emotions felt through tourism, tourism service quality, and tourism field experience were composed of independent variables, and tourism motivation and tourism value were composed of parameters. A hypothesis was derived to understand the relationship between tourism emotion and tourism service quality on tourism motivation and tourism value, and the relationship between tourism motivation and tourism value on tourism satisfaction, and a research model was established based on this. It is necessary to promote DMZ peace zone, preserve the ecosystem, register as a World Heritage Site, develop various tourism contents in the DMZ region, develop service quality as a world tourist destination, discover and promote attractive values, and provide attention and institutional support from the government and local communities. In addition, active efforts will be needed to increase tourism satisfaction of domestic and foreign tourists by establishing a DMZ tourism brand development strategy.